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Ford’s Everest family wagon does a good job of disguising its humble ute origins

VALUE

The new Ford Everest is hard to miss – it’s big, bold and butch.

Prices start at about $58,000 drive-away for the base Ambiente, which is only available in rear-wheel drive with five seats.

All other variants, including our Trend test vehicle, have seven seats as standard.

Our car also had four-wheel-drive, which added roughly $5300 to the price, bringing the final total to about $71,000 drive-away.

Ambiente and Trend versions have a carryover 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine making 154kw and 500Nm, matched to a 10-speed auto. More expensive Sport ($75,000) and Platinum ($84,000) versions come with a grunty new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel making 184kw and 600Nm, matched to permanent four-wheel drive.

The Everest looks and feels like an all-new vehicle. Our test car’s rugged good looks were complemented by flashy 18-inch alloy wheels, prominent LED head and tail-lights and bulky Everest badging on the rear.

Inside, a giant 12-inch tablet-shaped central touchscreen is compatible with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Bluetooth, digital radio and satnav add to the appeal.

Ford covers its vehicles with a five year/ unlimited km warranty and a capped price servicing program costing owners a reasonable $1316 over four years, or $329 a pop.

COMFORT

The Everest feels premium. There are leatheraccented seats, a faux leather-wrapped steering wheel and high-quality materials throughout.

If you want luxury mainstays such as heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof you’ll need to pony up for the top-shelf Platinum grade.

The Everest’s hulking exterior translates to a cavernous cabin, with oodles of head, shoulder and leg room in the first two rows. The third row is best kept for short trips or for ferrying the kids’ friends around town. All rows are serviced by aircon vents and there are five USB charging ports across the first two rows as well as a wireless device charging pad up front. Thirdrow passengers only have access to a 12-volt outlet.

The Everest has well sorted suspension which, coupled with its weight, helps iron out road bumps and imperfections of all sizes.

The cabin ambience is top notch, with minimal road and engine noise puncturing the quiet.

SAFETY

The Everest comes with all the safety bells and whistles. It’ll automatically brake if it detects a potential collision and it’ll warn you if a car is in your blind spot or if one is approaching from the side as you reverse.

A range of sensors will keep you centred in your lane and front and rear parking sensors help minimise the risk of carpark dents and scratches.

Nine airbags trump the competition, too.

DRIVING

The Trend’s carry-over bi-turbo diesel engine is a known quantity that performs well with a full complement of passengers on board and on the open road.

The 10-speed auto is a winner, always finding the right ratio so the engine never feels under stress.

The car is heavy and does lean through corners but ample grip provides confidence in all conditions. It’s as adept at hauling the family around during the week as it is going off-road on the weekend.

Designated off-road modes, full time fourwheel drive and a 3500kg braked towing capacity means it’s ready for adventure.

You feel the Everest’s bulk around town, where tight inner city streets and carparks could cause anxiety for those not familiar with its dimensions.

Fuel use is respectable at 7.2L/100km.

ALTERNATIVES ISUZU MU-X LS-U, FROM ABOUT $65,900

Well equipped and a competent performer offroad. Sharp special drive-away deals are enticing.

MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT GSR, FROM $64,490 DRIVE-AWAY

Cheap and cheerful but feels old and tired against newer rivals.

TOYOTA PRADO GXL, FROM ABOUT $73,000

Big and beefy off-roader that comes with Toyota’s reputation for bulletproof reliability. Not as premium feeling as the Ford.