2017 Ford Everest Trend 2WD new car review

What is it?

The new rear-wheel drive variant of Ford's award-winning Everest range. It may have had its full off-road capabilities removed but the Everest Trend 2WD still has all the room a family could need, with seven seats and plenty of features.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

The Trend model we're testing costs $55,990 plus on roads, which is a $5k saving over the four-wheel variant.

Apart from losing the front diff (and associated hardware), it doesn't miss out on any other equipment as it comes with Fords latest SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system featuring a new 8.0-inch touchscreen with capacitive touch technology that allows 'pinch and swipe' capability on select features (similar to a smartphone or tablet), conversational voice recognition with Australian accent-specific calibration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Seven seats are standard, as is dual-zone climate control with vents for all seating rows, rain sensing wipers, auto high-beam control, front and rear parking sensors and a powered tailgate. A leather wrapped steering wheel and 18-inch alloys along with a full size spare wheel are also part of the package.

What's under the bonnet?

It's powered by the same 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel as the four-wheel drive models. It produces identical power outputs of 143kW and 470Nm, which remains among the best in its class and is certainly enough grunt to ensure the Everest doesn't struggle in any situation, even when towing.

The rear-drive Everest has shed 98kg without the necessary four-wheel drive gear, which to be honest isn't noticeable when it comes to how it performs or drives. In fact, it is only marginally more fuel efficient (0.1L/100km better) than its all-wheel drive equivalent.

What's it like to drive?

Pretty much like any other Everest, which is a good thing. Unless you drove a 4WD and this 2WD variant back-to-back - and either took them off the beaten track or around a race track - you wouldn't pick the difference between them.

In everyday circumstances, the Everest is comfortable and handles well for this type of vehicle although its commercial vehicle underpinnings (it is based on the popular Ranger ute) does become obvious on bumpy roads, as it moves around a bit and jiggles over rough patches. But its suspension is more compliant and its handling is more predictable than others in this class, such as the Toyota Fortuner, Holden Trailblazer and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The steering does feel a little lighter on this rear-drive model after having the front diff and drive shafts removed, but it is still a little elastic when it comes to road feel and feedback.

What's it like inside?

The cabin is very roomy and even a couple of adults can sit in the third row if needed.

The second seat row has a 60/40 split with slide adjustment (to suit long or short legs) while the third row has a 50/50 split. When not in use, both these rows of seats can be folded down flat to creating a large load carry area. With the third row in use there isn't a great deal of room for luggage but when folded down in five seat mode the luggage space is generous.

The front seats are comfortable with decent support, as is the second row bench while the third row is fairly flat and firmer.

The instruments and Ford's SYNC system are a little fiddly to get used to but once you are familiar with everything they aren't difficult to manage.

The cabin is also surprisingly refined and quiet for a car with commercial vehicle DNA.

Is it safe?

Yes, it has a five-star ANCAP crash rating and is well equipped with dynamic stability control and roll stability control as well as having class-leading active features such as lane keep assist, lane departure warning and forward collision alert.

It also has a reverse camera and a trailer sway control function for when towing and Ford's SYNC 3 now has Emergency Assistance that will automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident even if you cannot.

The vehicle also has seven airbags that cover all occupants including curtain bags protecting those in the third row, which also also has child seat anchor points which is a win for large young families.

Would I buy it?

Yes, if I was more urban orientated and didn't have the use for a 'real' four-wheel drive but still wanted a large SUV for space and ride height with the ability to tow up to 3000kg. If you're not planning on crawling through the bush, then the rear drive Everest makes sense - and saves you dollars.

What else should I consider?

There aren't many two-wheel drive rivals in this class. Isuzu's MU-X is the closest, and there's an updated model being released later this month.

However, the Everest has always been the most expensive in this class, and while this entry-level model brings it closer to the competition you can still get a range-topping Pajero Sport or Trailblazer for less

2017 Ford Everest Price and Specifications

On-sale: Now

Price: $55,990 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 143kW at 3000rpm

Torque: 470Nm at 1750-2500rpm

Transmission: 6-spd automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 8.4L/100km 

• For more information visit our Ford showroom