Get up and go:
Off-Roading

These days SUVs are awesome. Built to be as capable and comfortable on the school run as they are in the back of beyond. But what is the point of owning an SUV if you are not going to get a little dirt on its tires, at least every now and then?

Driving off-road is not as simple as just pointing your rig down the nearest trail. It can be challenging and a little intimidating even when you are behind the wheel of a capable 4x4 like the Everest.

Here we have listed out our top tips for tackling challenging terrains and how Everest can help keep you safe and comfortable when driving off-road.

Know your vehicle inside and out

Start on the outside of your vehicle and take a good look both around and underneath your 4x4 - you want to get familiar with the approach and departure angles and to see if there is anything hanging down under your vehicle that could get caught up on rocks or tree roots. Fortunately, Everest has robust underbody protection¹ to keep vulnerable components safe. Two recovery points integrated into the front bumper of Everest, allow balancing of the load for off-road recovery and provide more flexible recovery options.
Everest boasts front and rear departure angles of 30.4-degrees and up to 25.3-degrees, respectively.

Be prepared

Any off-road driving presents a range of challenges. However, you can help to reduce the risks by thoroughly planning your journey and bringing a few essentials. At the very least, you will want a full fuel tank (and jerry cans full of fuel if travelling a long way), a suitable recovery kit, a spare tyre that’s inflated and in good condition, tyre-changing kit, tyre deflator, a portable air compressor, and travel with friends in other capable off-road vehicles.

Tyre pressures matter

Airing down your vehicle’s tyres is one of the simplest tricks to improve its off-road performance and your comfort in the cabin. Reducing the air in your tyres means that more of the tyre is touching the ground (creating a longer footprint) allowing for the weight of the vehicle to be more evenly distributed. This improves traction (more of the tyre touching the ground) and helps you to stay on top of softer surfaces like sand or mud, but remember you need to keep your speed down when driving with reduced tyre pressures.

Remember to check your tyres and tyre pressures before you get back on the road. Everest also comes with a tyre pressure monitoring system accessed via the Vehicle Maintenance screen in the digital instrument cluster. Using under-inflated tyres for regular road driving will reduce vehicle safety, the lifespan of your tyres and fuel efficiency.

4x4 systems explained

Everest is ready to go with an advanced 4WD system utilising a part time 4x4 system with a two-speed electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case. This system monitors various vehicle sensory inputs to provide an increased level of performance and offers the driver 2H, 4H, and 4L as available modes of operation.

2H is intended for general driving on-road and sees only rear wheels receive drive. Then, when you leave the bitumen behind, 4H sees all four wheels receive drive improving grip and control. For steep or rocky tracks and deep sand 4L provides increased torque multiplication for enhanced low-speed control. The default setting in Normal drive mode is 2H.

Rear Locking Differential for difficult terrain

Everest is available with a rear electronic Rear Locking Differential² which can be activated at speeds up to 32 km/h by a button on the dedicated Off-Road Screen³ on the SYNC^®4⁴ infotainment touch screen - it remains engaged until 41 km/h. A differential lock works by locking both wheels on the same axle so that they turn at the same speed. And this is helpful when you are navigating difficult terrain where all wheels do not have the same traction.

Drive as slowly as possible,
but as fast as necessary

Driving quickly means you will have less time to react if something goes wrong, and it will take longer to stop too. Fortunately, Everest features an enhanced ABS system to improve off-road stopping performance. Some obstacles might require more speed to tackle, such as steep ascents, but most obstacles require little more than a walking pace. Try to remember to drive as slowly as possible, but as fast as necessary.

Choose the best line

Look at the terrain ahead of you and try to ascertain the safest route. There are often multiple ways to overcome an obstacle, and it is important to choose the route that poses the least risk. To avoid potentially damaging the underneath of your vehicle, choose a line that ensures all four wheels maintain contact with the ground.

If the path ahead is particularly narrow, steep, or has large objects that you cannot see around, then the Forward-Facing Camera⁶ view available with the 360-Degree Camera on Everest Limited can be activated via the Off-Road Screen³ on the SYNC^®4⁴ touch screen. This camera view boasts predictive steering overlays which allow drivers to pick a path forward when off-road - it is basically a built-in spotter.

Up and Over the Hill

Unless you have driven up the hill before it can be a good idea to get out and walk the trail to spot any obstacles or holes you might miss from behind the wheel. Or you can select the dedicated off-road page on the SYNC^®4⁴ screen to activate the Forward-Facing Camera⁶ with predictive steering overlays if available. Using the camera will make it much easier to inch your way up and over or around obstacles.

Pick the right gear in which to climb the hill as comfortably as possible, you do not want to be bouncing around, and always back off the accelerator as you reach the top of the hill. Generally speaking, you will be able to leave the vehicle in D for Drive and let it sort things out and if the hill is particularly lumpy then activate the rear differential lock. Engage Everest’s Hill Descent Control⁵ for a smooth controlled descent.

Water crossings

Water crossings often transform an average day out in the countryside into an epic adventure, but they can also be dangerous and result in potential vehicle damage. So, before you attempt a water crossing you should be aware of your vehicle’s water wading ability and the depth of the crossing itself. The Everest can wade through water up to 800mm deep but only when driving at 7km/h. Measure the depth of the water by walking it first (if safe to do so) or using a stick. Never drive through flood waters, and when walking through the water look out for submerged obstacles that your vehicle could become stuck on.

Make sure you have any recovery gear you might need either on the seat beside you, or already attached to one of the recovery hooks at the front of the vehicle. If you choose the latter option, then bring the recovery strap across the bonnet and inside the vehicle. Lower your window before entering the water in case you need to climb out halfway across.

Only enter the water if you know where the entry and exit point is and have determined that the water is safe to cross, enter slowly (walking pace) to prevent an excessive bow wave over the hood of your vehicle. Once moving it is important to maintain your speed and do not stop. Once you have crossed through the water, pause at the exit for a moment or two to let water drain out of your vehicle. This will prevent the track from becoming soaked and damaged.

Remember that it is okay to turn around

Even when using a capable 4x4 like the Everest with its clever Selectable Drive Modes and low-range gearing, the driver remains responsible for assessing suitability of off-road terrain. If you are not confident in your ability to navigate the terrain ahead of you, either find another way around or go back the way you came. Safety is always the most important factor when driving off-road. If you ever feel unsafe or uncertain, there is no shame in turning your vehicle around.

Returning to the tarmac

When off-roading, you will likely get to places you have never been before, and it can get a bit tricky finding your way back through so many different off-road tracks.

To help you out, your Everest has a built-in trip log. At the start of your 4x4 journey, make sure to enable this tool and SYNC^®4⁴ will create breadcrumbs for you to find your way back.

Here is how to access the trip log:

• Press the Home button.
• Then Navigation.
• Press the Settings icon (a crossed spanner and screwdriver).
• Navigation settings.
• Map and Vehicle.
• Map layers.
• Enable Trip Log.

And remember, before you leave the wilderness behind, be sure to re-inflate tires if you have dropped the pressures and do a quick check of your vehicle to make sure there is no damage you might have missed. Remember to double check your number plates are not covered in mud.