SOLID CITIZEN

VALUE

Price is a key part of the sales pitch for the Everest RWD. The nameplate has off-road pedigree but this rear-drive version is far less adventurous. Priced from $49,490 plus on-roads (about $54,000 drive-away), the Ambiente is $5000 less than the four-wheel drive and is otherwise mechanically identical. Since it arrived in 2015, the Everest has had regular updates and the Ambiente has benefited most. The eight-inch touchscreen gets satnav, digital radio and smartphone mirroring.

There are dual-zone aircon, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, smart key entry and mirrors that fold when parked. It’s well set up for camping, with a 230V powerpoint in the rear and three 12V outlets. The Ambiente is the sole fiveseater Everest. The two-seat third row adds $1000.

SAFETY

Gaining a five-star safety rating at launch in 2015, the Everest was rated good for occupant protection. Since then ANCAP’s five-star requirements have changed markedly and the Everest would trip over some of the tougher modern stipulations, including evaluation of seat belt reminders for all occupants (the Everest’s reminders are for the front and second rows). Its solid suite of active safety kit includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition up to 80km/h. There are also good airbag protection, head-protecting curtains covering each row and a driver’s knee airbag. Omissions include blind spot monitoring (it’s only on the circa-$75K Everest Titanium) and drowsiness detection (fitted to

COMFORT

all but the base Everest). Those wanting to explore will appreciate the full-size spare. Best splash out on some aftermarket lights — the standard high-beams are underdone.

There’s a lot of grey inside, with splashes of chrome around the gear selector and dash adding a hint of pizazz. The basics are also done well, including logically presented controls and seats that provide good support for long drives. There’s no reach adjustment for the steering wheel, a rare oversight. For second-row occupants, leg and headroom are generous and roof-mounted vents feed fresh air amidships (and aft).

The 3.2-litre engine is gruff and gurgly but is more subdued in this application than in the Ranger ute, thanks to noise cancelling tech that uses three microphones in the roof to detect unwanted noises and trigger opposing frequencies through the speakers. It’s far from serene but it’s hushed enough for big journeys.

DRIVING

The stalwart 3.2-litre has covered plenty of kilometres in Ranger utes and Everests. What it lacks in refinement it makes up for in honest grunt, the 470Nm of torque kicking in shortly after you step on the throttle. That stout response makes for relaxed around-town running or highway cruising. Modern SUVs come in all shapes and sizes, some based on the underpinnings of a passenger car and others relying on the truck-like architecture of a ute. In the latter category, as it shares basic mechanicals with the Ranger, the Everest isn’t as sharp or composed through corners as carbased examples, including the Edge stablemate. Steering is overly light, the 17-inch rubber is also prone to a yelp if you get enthusiastic but the Everest capably handles speed humps, potholes and other rough surfaces. Ultimately, the appeal of the Ambiente RWD is the mix of tough truck DNA and large SUV practicality. It’s also great for towing — most large softroaders top out at 2000kg capacity but the Everest can pull 3000kg (the dearer 2.0-litre version is rated to 3100kg).

ALTERNATIVES TOYOTA PRADO GX AUTO, FROM $61,502 D/A

It’s basic motoring done well but you’ll fork out more for the third row of seats. Its larger body and huge 150L fuel tank make it a winner for adventurers and those wanting to tow.

HOLDEN TRAILBLAZER LTZ, FROM $52,990 D/A

Gutsy engine and rugged suspension combine in a capable 4WD adventure machine. Showing its age are the flat front seats and lack of steering wheel reach adjustment.

MAZDA CX-8 AWD, FROM $51,490 DRIVE-AWAY

Towing is limited to 2000kg but the CX-8 compensates with a classy interior, refined engine (diesel-only) and city-friendly manners.

VERDICT

What the Everest lacks in city smarts it makes up for with towing muscle. Just don’t go venturing off-road with the rear-driver.