The Everest Wildtrak becomes the highest variant of the Everest range in ASEAN (the Everest Platinum isn’t offered here), and comes with either the 2.0-liter bi-turbo or, for the first time ever, the 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel.

The 2.0-liter bi-turbo 4-cylinder is shared a variety of Ranger and Everest models, so it’s not worth talking about that. Instead, let’s focus on that 3.0-liter V6. Marking the first time the engine’s being made available in the Everest/Ranger line in ASEAN, it pumps the outputs to 250 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque making it the most powerful 7-seater PPV. Power is routed through a 10-speed automatic driving a full-time four-wheel drive system.

Similar to the New Zealand market Everest Wildtrak, the Thai market Everest Wildtrak gets a unique grille, 20-inch alloy wheels, and model specific badging. It also gains the option of Luxe Yellow—a color that was once specific to the Ranger Wildtrak. Inside, the Everest Wildtrak gets Cyber Orange stitching on its seats, a soft-wrapped dashboard with an 8-inch digital cluster, a portrait-style 12-inch LED touchscreen with SYNC 4, and a panoramic sunroof.

If Ford Philippines does launch the Everest Wildtrak locally, don’t expect it to be cheap. Currently, the range-topping Everest Titanium 4WD+ is already priced at P 2.525 million. Expect the Everest Wildtrak to creep up closer to P 2.8-million. With the Explorer just getting a hefty (P 300,000) price increase to P 3.398 million, the carmaker could theoretically close the P 870,000 gap between the two 7-seater SUVs with the Everest Wildtrak.

Should we be excited for the Manila International Auto Show?