EVEREST IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR OUTDOOR FAMILIES

As well as being able to tackle off-road trails, this five-door wagon can fulfil more mundane tasks such as school and supermarket runs. The Everest is somewhat of a jack of all trades and is regarded as the true replacement for the Territory, which was more of an SUV.

Underneath it is all Ranger ute with a ladder frame chassis for toughness.

It’s not as composed as the Territory in suburbia but makes up for it on the open road and off-road too.

The Everest is a big wagon, so a little bit of extra care is required when manoeuvring around supermarket car parks, but it also has that ‘get-out-of-my-way’ appearance, which helps in the battle at the shopping centre.

It has light steering with big 20in tyres that have a relatively low profile and provide good grip and I was quite surprised how adept it was up the Kuranda Range and down the Rex

Range between Julatten and Mossman.

It’s a bit gruff around town but settles into cruise mode well on the open road.

On gravel tracks, it is controlled and settles well after bumps.

Driving all four wheels constantly means no worrying about traction levels. There are lowrange gears for rock crawling and hills, part of a comprehensive off-road package that incorporates a locking rear differential.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder may be compact, but two turbos muscle things to 157kW and a class-leading 500Nm of torque. Matched to a 10-speed auto that shifts regularly but cleanly it makes for good progress.

The $67,032 Everest Trend 2.0-litre BiTurbo 4WD is well equipped with an 8in central touchscreen for controlling multimedia and cabin functions, including satellite navigation, a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM and digital (DAB+) radio, CD, AUX, iPod, and USB inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control via Ford’s SYNC3 multimedia system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.

The interior is functional but a bit bland. The third row of seats can fit two adults.

Trinity Ford also has some limited-edition sport models with black exterior highlights.

The Everest can shut its engine down in traffic to help with an impressive 7.0 litres per 100km fuel use claim. I used 9.4 over 280km, which is pretty good for a big 4WD.

Ford’s Everest 4WD is perfect for the adventurous family of the Far North NICK DALTON