In a market crowded with SUVs pretending to be 4WDs, the Ford Everest stands tall… literally and figuratively. Whether you’re hauling a camper into Cape York or doing the Macca’s run with five screaming kids, these things don’t flinch. In this Ford Everest review, we’re cutting through the marketing fluff to tell you what it’s really like to live with one of the most talked-about 4WD wagons in Australia.
It’s got size, torque, comfort, and proven off-road cred, But is it just a dressed-up Ranger in SUV clothes? Or, does it truly deliver for the adventurers, families, and 4X4 diehards among us?
As always, Club 4X4 is here to give you the no-nonsense lowdown, by 4WDers, for 4WDers. Let’s get stuck in.
Overview of the Ford Everest
The Ford Everest first landed on Aussie soil in 2015, designed to blend real off-road capability with family-friendly daily driver practicality. Think of it as the Ranger’s slightly more refined, slightly smaller sibling, but not one that backs down from a challenge, and with the Next-Gen Everest, Ford’s clearly doubled down on making it more than just a school-run warrior.
For this Ford Everest Review,we’re taking a look at these five trim levels:
- Ford Everest Ambiente – The no-nonsense, entry-level option, there to get the job done without the frills
- Ford Everest Trend – The practical mid-range option
- Ford Everest Tremor – Ford’s factory-tweaked off-road variant
- Ford Everest Sport – For the adventurer who likes their rig with a bit of attitude, perfect for those who want some form and a lot of function
- Ford Everest Platinum – The top-tier beast with all the bells, whistles, and heated seats your backside could want
Under the bonnet, most models give you the choice between the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel and the 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel, both with 10-speed autos and selectable 4WD systems. If you’re wondering, the Ford Everest has seven seats across most variants, making it an easy pick for families who camp more than they Netflix.
Club 4X4 branded for everest driving through forest at night
Detailed Ford Everest Review by Trim Level
Ford Everest Ambiente Review
The Ford Everest Ambiente may well be the base model, but it’s far from basic. It comes in either rear-wheel drive or 4WD, which makes it a bit of a unicorn: a 7-seat SUV that can handle the school run and a Simmo crossing with the right mods (as long as you tick the 4WD box).
It’s powered by the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel that punches out 154kW and 500Nm, mated to a 10-speed auto. You also get a locking rear diff (in the 4WD), low-range gearing, and hill descent control. Not bad for a so-called base model.
Sure, the 17" alloys aren’t going to turn heads, and the cabin is more “Fleet Friday” than “glamping getaway,” but that’s not the point. This is the rig for those who want to build it up themselves, whether that’s a touring beast or a weekend weapon.
Ford Everest Ambiente at a glance:
Pros:
- No-frills functionality
- Full 4WD capability available
- Great platform for mods and accessories
Cons:
- Only available in the 2.0L Bi-Turbo
- Misses out on some off-road tech
Ford Everest Trend Review
The Trend is where the Everest starts to feel like a proper family tourer. Still running the proven 2.0L Bi-Turbo, but with 4WD as standard, it brings more comfort and tech while keeping the Everest's off-road DNA intact. We have a real soft spot for the Everest Trend here at Club 4X4 after hundreds of adventure’s in ours.
You’ll find 18" alloys, a larger 12-inch centre screen, smart keyless entry, and 7 seats as standard, making it ideal for families who bounce between bitumen and bush.
In our Ford Everest Trend review, we found this model to be the value sweet spot. It doesn’t have the power of the V6, but it’s got enough grunt to tow, tour, and handle moderate off-road tracks, especially if you throw on a set of A/Ts and beefier suspension.
Ford Everest Trend at a glance:
Pros:
- Solid mix of comfort and capability
- Big touch screen and digital dash upgrades
- 4WD and 7 seats standard
Cons:
- Not available in the V6 variant
- Needs suspension upgrades before heavy-duty work
Club 4X4 branded ford everest posing in front of a shipwreck on a beach
Ford Everest Sport Review
The Ford Everest Sport is the pick of the bunch for drivers who want the V6 without the other extras. The 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel comes standard, giving you 184kW and 600Nm of torque, which makes towing feel effortless and overtaking a breeze.
We also reckon it’s a bit of a looker: blacked-out trim, unique 20" alloys, and body-coloured everything. Inside, you get a sportier interior, leather-accented seats, and a 12" digital display that gives the driver a solid amount of info for a factory offering.
The Sport is perfect for the driver who wants their 4WD to work hard and look good doing it. It’s great on long-haul road trips, and with a few off-road minded tweaks: think tyres, suspension and bash plates, so it’ll go wherever the family wants to pitch the swags.
Ford Everest Sport at a glance:
Pros:
- Standard V6 power
- Bold styling and high-tech cabin
- Strong towing and touring rig
Cons:
- 20" wheels not ideal for hardcore off-roaders
- Price bump for the V6 and styling perks
Ford Everest Tremor Review
The Ford Everest Tremor is where we here at Club 4X4 start to get really excited. The Tremor is Ford’s answer to everyone who looked at the Sport and said, “Ehhh, it’s cool, but make it more bush-ready.” The Tremor is exclusively powered by the 3.0L V6, comes with Bilstein position-sensitive dampers, General Grabber AT3 tyres, and a rear locking diff.
Ford obviously heard drivers everywhere complaining about having to remove sand and crushed up muesli bars after every trip, because the Tremor also features water-resistant vinyl seats and weather-proof interior upgrades. It’s made for the driver who’s done the Googling, knows what a CV is (and how to snap one), and wants a rig that’s track-ready straight out of the box.
Ford Everest Tremor at a glance:
Pros:
- Factory off-road upgrades including Bilstein suspension
- V6 diesel as standard
- Tough, easy to clean interior
Cons:
- Not as plush as Sport or Platinum
- No luxury trim (on purpose)
Ford Everest Platinum Review
The Platinum is the luxury liner of the range, but don’t mistake its chrome for weakness. It still reps the 3.0L V6 diesel, full-time 4WD, rear diff lock, and maintains a tow rating of 3,500kg.
Once inside, you'll forget you’re in a 4WD. There’s a 12.4" digital cluster, matrix LED headlights, heated and ventilated seats, a B&O sound system, and 21" alloys. Let’s be honest, this is all fine on the road but, like other Everest models, it will need swapping out for a decent set of rubber and a smaller wheel size if you’re headed on to the rough stuff.
The Ford Everest Platinum review? It’s built for 4X4’ers who want Ranger-grade muscle wrapped in Range Rover-like refinement. It’s for the driver who tows a 19-foot van one day, then rolls into a winery the next, with cooled seats, a panoramic sunroof, and 600Nm at their disposal.
Ford Everest Platinum at a glance:
Pros:
- Fully loaded with tech and comfort features
- Standard V6 diesel power
- Strong towing and touring platform
Cons:
- 21" wheels are a liability off-road
- Not as off-road ready as other models in the line-up
Club 4X4 branded ford everest in the outback in red dirt
Performance and Towing Capabilities
Okay, so what is the towing capacity of the Ford Everest? Across the range, you’re looking at a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, which puts it right up there with the big boys.
As for the The Ford Everest Bi-Turbo towing review, it holds up well under load, but the bi-turbo is somewhat of a highly-strung motor. This means it can require a tad more encouragement at times with only minor gains to be made with a re-tune. The 600Nm V6 is where things really shine, as the motor feels relaxed even while towing. Overtaking is effortless. So is crawling up the tracks with a camper trailer in tow (ask us how we know!).
- Bi-Turbo (2.0L): 154kW / 500Nm
- V6 (3.0L): 184kW / 600Nm
Whether touring or towing to the Top End or dragging jet skis to the coast, the Everest is more than capable, especially if you’re using a quality brake controller and upgraded suspension.
Practical Features and FAQs
How much is a Ford Everest?
You’re looking at around $55K–$85K drive-away, depending on the trim.
Is a Ford Everest reliable?
So far, yes. The drivetrain is well-proven (especially the Bi-Turbo), and most issues we’ve seen have been tech glitches. That said, the 3.0L V6 has had intermittent reports of oil leaks and minor mechanical issues, all of which seem to have been taken care of by warranty.
How long is a Ford Everest?
It’s 4,914mm long, which is shorter than a 200 Series but longer than a Prado, right in the sweet spot. With a wheelbase of 2,900mm you’ll do find that you don’t fall in the holes left by other, longer wheelbase vehicles on the tracks, which is a win.
How much AdBlue does a Ford Everest take?
Around 18.5L, and you’ll usually get 10,000km+ between top-ups, depending on driving style and load. We did notice that when towing, the Everest used considerably more AdBlue, so make sure you factor that in.
Where is the Ford Everest made?
The Next-Gen Everest is built in Thailand, like the Ranger. We have no major complaints about quality, fit or finish with all vehicles tested meeting or exceeding expectations.
Ford Everest, how many seats?
The Everest offers five to seven across most trims.
Club 4X4 branded Ford Everest covered in mud in outback red dirt
We Summitted Everest, Will You?
The Ford Everest isn’t a Ranger in a button up shirt, it’s a genuinely capable, well-rounded 4WD wagon that can handle school runs, the Canning, and everything in between. It’s also got a fair whack of personality, especially for a new vehicle. Whether you’re eyeing off the Ford Everest Sport, the off-road ready Tremor, or the luxury-liner Platinum, there’s a trim to suit every type of 4WD’er. They’re a truly determined and fun 4X4 to drive.
If your Everest's ready for the rough stuff, your insurance should be too
Explore how Club 4X4 can protect your Ford Everest and all your gear today
