2026 Ford Everest PHEV Review – Ford’s Rugged Hybrid SUV Hits the U.S. Market

2026 Ford Everest Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) - now officially arriving in the United States! Long admired overseas, the Everest is Ford’s rugged, three-row SUV built for adventure, and the PHEV version brings electric efficiency to the equation. But how does it stack up for American buyers? Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Exterior Design

The 2026 Everest PHEV takes design cues from the Ford Ranger and Bronco, featuring a boxy, muscular stance, C-clamp LED headlights, and a wide, commanding grille.

It rides on a fully boxed ladder frame, giving it serious off-road chops — a rarity in the hybrid SUV segment.

Standard 18-inch alloy wheels are paired with optional 20-inch blacked-out rims on the Platinum trim, while roof rails, LED fog lamps, and a power tailgate come standard.

New U.S.-specific colors include Alpine Grey, Velocity Blue, and Shadow Copper.

Interior & Tech

Inside, the Everest PHEV feels like a premium off-roader. The cabin features a 12.4-inch vertical touchscreen, Ford’s SYNC 5 infotainment system, and a digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA software updates, and Ford’s new Intelligent Voice Assistant make the Everest feel future-ready.

You’ll find soft-touch materials, optional leather-trimmed seats, and three-row seating for up to seven passengers. The second row slides and reclines, while the third row folds flat, offering over 80 cubic feet of total cargo space.

Extras like a panoramic moonroof, 10-speaker B&O sound system, and multi-zone climate control help this SUV go toe-to-toe with luxury rivals.

Performance & Powertrain

Under the hood, the Everest PHEV combines a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder with a high-output electric motor, delivering a combined 370 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard intelligent 4WD, the Everest can tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it one of the most capable plug-in SUVs on the market.

All-electric range is estimated at 38 miles, with a combined fuel economy of 78 MPGe and over 500 miles of total range with a full tank and charge.

Terrain Management System offers selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, giving drivers true versatility on and off the road.

Safety & Driver Assistance

The Everest PHEV comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0, including:

Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Coverage
360-Degree Camera with Off-Road View
Active Park Assist 2.0
Rear Cross-Traffic Braking

Optional Level 2+ hands-free driving is available via Ford BlueCruise, working on over 100,000 miles of mapped highways across the U.S.

Trims, Pricing & Value

In the U.S., the 2026 Everest PHEV launches in three trims:

Everest XLT 4WD PHEV – from $52,995
Everest Limited 4WD PHEV – from $58,995
Everest Platinum 4WD PHEV – from $64,995

Each model includes Ford’s 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and qualifies for potential federal and state EV incentives.

With a rugged platform, serious towing power, and plug-in efficiency, the Everest offers a rare blend of capability and eco-conscious driving in a segment dominated by car-based crossovers.