In the realm of both off-road adventures and urban commuting, the Next-Gen Ford Everest comes equipped with an array of driver assist technologies and safety systems that aim to instill confidence in owners and their families during their explorations.
From its exceptionally robust safety framework to an assortment of driver assist technologies and intelligent sensing systems, the Next-Gen Ford Everest introduces a host of innovative features that complement existing enhancements, collectively raising the bar for safety.
According to Stefan Seemann, a driver assistance technology engineer at Ford International Markets Group, addressing driver safety was of paramount importance. He emphasized, "Next-Gen Ford Everest gave us the opportunity to really look at ways we could help keep drivers and their passengers safer than ever before."
Expanding Driver Assist Technologies
The suite of driver assist technologies integrated into the Next-Gen Ford Everest aims to alleviate driver stress and promote enhanced road focus. Among the notable features are:
1. BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert and Trailer Coverage: This blind spot information system (BLIS) now extends its coverage not only to the Everest but also to the trailer it's towing. Sensors in the taillights detect vehicles in adjacent lanes' blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes, especially when towing a trailer. The system can be configured to match the trailer's dimensions, accommodating trailers up to 2.4 meters wide and 10 meters long. Moreover, it streamlines the setup process, ensuring earlier detection of vehicles in the driver's blind spot.
2. Integrated Electric Trailer Brake Controller: This system seamlessly integrates into the instrument panel and the vehicle's onboard computer, eliminating the need for bulky, aftermarket units. It delivers precise trailer braking based on the towing vehicle's brake pressure, enhancing the efficiency and control of trailer braking while allowing manual override by the driver.
3. Reverse Brake Assist: Detects stationary objects, vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists behind the vehicle, providing Cross-Traffic Alert warnings indicating the direction of oncoming vehicles. If the driver doesn't respond in time, Reverse Brake Assist can bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
4. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Lane Centering: Depending on the model, the Everest offers Ford's adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane centering. This feature allows drivers to maintain a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, and it can bring the vehicle to a full stop when necessary. Lane centering identifies lane markings to help keep the vehicle centered within the lane.
5. Lane-Keeping System with Road Edge Detection: Designed for rural roads with speeds starting at 65 km/h, this system employs the Everest's wide-view camera, located beneath the rearview mirror, to monitor road edges up to 50 meters ahead. It offers gentle steering support when needed to prevent the vehicle from drifting off the road, particularly when transitioning from a paved road to a soft verge, gravel hard shoulder, or grass.
6. Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection: Using camera technology, this system detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists in the vehicle's path. It alerts the driver and, if necessary, pre-charges the brakes to increase response sensitivity when braking. In the event of imminent collision and no driver response, the system can autonomously apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact. It also offers emergency braking support at intersections.
7. Evasive Steer Assist (ESA): ESA utilizes the same wide-view camera and radar sensor technology found in the pre-collision assist and AEB systems to help steer the vehicle to avoid collisions. If there's sufficient distance between the Everest and the vehicle ahead, and braking alone won't prevent a collision, ESA provides additional steering support.
8. Reverse Brake Assist: This feature aids in reverse parking by offering audible and visual warnings. If the driver doesn't respond in time, it can bring the Everest to a complete stop if necessary.
9. Active Park Assist: Simplifying parking, this system can guide the Everest into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces with the press of a button. Ultrasonic sensors identify suitable parking spaces, autonomously managing steering, acceleration, gear shifting, and braking. The driver can assume control at any point by applying the brakes or disengaging the Active Park Assist button. The system also facilitates exiting from parallel parking spaces.
10. Post-Collision Braking: This system activates the brakes following a collision to reduce the risk of secondary collisions. It intervenes with moderate brake pressure when detecting an initial collision, helping lower the likelihood of subsequent collisions, injury to occupants, or vehicle damage.
In terms of occupant protection systems, load-limiting pretensioning is applied to the driver, front passenger, and outboard second-row seatbelts, complemented by six airbags. These include dual front airbags, a driver knee airbag, side curtain airbags covering all three rows, and a new front far-side airbag positioned between the front seats. This extra airbag provides added protection in the event of a side impact.
Stefan Seemann reiterated, "Our team was focused on one goal – to make this Everest the safest we’ve ever created." With a robust structure, chassis improvements, and innovative safety technologies, the Next-Gen Ford Everest is poised to minimize driving stress while enhancing road safety.
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