The redesigned Ford Everest launched in a number of global markets a few years ago – including Australia – and immediately became a smash hit, to the point where the SUV was in short supply and high demand for some time. Ford even axed the Everest Wildtrak from the Australian lineup for the 2024 model year as it worked to ramp up production of that model in general, but is bringing it back for 2025. However, two-wheel drive Ford Everest models are now being removed from the Australian lineup due to emissions rules, it seems.
According to Carsales, the rear-wheel-drive Ford Everest Ambiente and Sport trims will be axed in Australia – which also happen to be the most affordable of that group. This move is being made as a direct result of the country’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which is aiming to cut CO2 emissions in Australia. That might sound a bit strange, but there’s a good reason why this is the case – NVES classifies RWD models as “Type 1” (MA) passenger vehicles, which have lower CO2 targets than Type 2 (MC) 4WD models.
“Being classified as a Type 1 vehicle means that 4×2 variants of Everest will be subject to more stringent restrictions, and therefore higher penalties, from July 1st,” said Ford Australia spokesperson Ben Nightingale. “There are a number of factors that go into making these decisions. One of those are penalties. Based on all of these considerations, 4×2 variants will be phased out of the lineup. It’s unfortunate for our customers that we’ve made the call to remove 4×2 variants from the Everest lineup, but we’re a business and we have to make commercial decisions. What it will do is allow us to focus on our four-wheel-drive line-up, which has been extremely popular with customers, demonstrated by Everest being number one in its segment in 2024.”
Indeed, the Ford Everest was the second best-selling Blue Oval model in Australia in 2024, behind only the Ford Ranger, with those two vehicles accounting for nearly 90 percent of the automaker’s overall sales in that country last year. The 2025 Ford Everest is getting a few updates aside from losing its 2WD variants as well, including the addition of a 400W power inverter, the arrival of the new Tremor trim level, and a few other minor tweaks.
Comments
I would love it dearly if Ford would bring the EVEREST to the good ole USA. The Expedition is very boxy and not pleasing to the eye. I would buy the Everest gladly. Ford seems to make their fair share of bad decisions anymore.
I would buy the EVEREST if they bring it to the USA.
I have never understood why the Everest is not sold in America. It is essentially what the original Ford Explorer was… before the Explorer got emasculated into a unibody glorified station wagon.
Ah those regulations….got to love them 🙄
The people of Western democracies are drowning in a sea of stupid regulations. Australia’s government needs a broom stick swept through it.