Ford Everest 2019 Review

Is it right for me?

As a former overall Drive Car of the Year champion, we've praised the Everest ever since it was launched three years ago for its wide set of skills that means it will appeal to a broad range of customers.

It arrived among a new breed of ute-based seven-seat SUVs that offer genuine off-road abilities and heavy-duty towing capacity with more conventional car-like driving dynamics and a spacious, well-equipped interior.

The updated Everest builds on all of those attributes while offering a wider choice in variants.

Can I afford it ?

The Everest was never the most affordable in its class, and remains more expensive than conventional car-based SUVs of similar size.

With the update, most variants have increased in price compared to their predecessors, owing to the fact they offer more standard equipment.

Available in three model grades - base-level Ambiente, mid-spec Trend and flagship Titanium - prices now start at $49,190 (plus on-road costs) in rear-drive form with four-wheel drive models costing from $54,190 (plus on-roads).

The Ambiente is exclusively offered with the carry-over 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Stepping up to the Trend costs from $56,190 (plus on-roads) in rear-drive configuration with the 2.0-litre while the four-wheel drive with the five-pot costs from $59,990 (plus on-roads) and the four-cylinder can be had for another $1200.

The latter engine is the only one available in the range-topping Titanium that commands a signficant premium at $73,990 (plus on-roads).

What do you get for your money?

Even in base-level trim, the five-seat-only Ambiente has a generous amount of kit with new features including keyless entry and push button start, power folding mirrors and digital radio, sat nav and a 10-speaker audio system added to the standard list of equipment.

That builds on existing features such as 17-inch alloy wheels (with a full-size spare), cloth interior trim, rear parking sensors, a part-digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch colour touch screen with Ford's Sync infotainment system.

Standard safety features include seven airbags (with coverage to third row occupants), a rear view camera and basic electronic driver aids like anti-skid brakes and stability control.

Ford says automated emergency braking will be available on Ambiente models as a running change in 2019.

Until then, it is only available on the mid-spec Trend and top-line Titanium versions on top of driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition.

New for 2019, seven-seat Trend models now include high-intesity headlights, LED running lamps, a hands-free powered liftgate and leather-accented interior trim with powered front seats.

That all comes on top of features above the Ambiente such as larger 18-inch alloys, chrome exterior highlights, privacy glass and automatic headlights and wipers.

For those that want it all, the Titanium has new-look 20-inch alloy wheels, a tow bar, additional chrome exterior highlights, semi-automated parking, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting and power folding third-row seats.

It also brings extra safety features in blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as well as tyre pressure monitors.

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How much does it cost to maintain?

All Fords, including the updated Everest, are now covered by a five-year warranty with unlimited kilometre coverage.

Beyond that, it includes the first year membership to a state-based auto club, roadside assistance, free loan cars when servicing and lifetime capped price maintanence.

Service intervals are set every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) and visits cost between $400 and $570.

Is it well built?

Being built on the Ranger ute, the Everest is a rugged, conventional four-wheel drive with a separate body-on-frame construction rather than having a car-like monocoque like most soft roaders.

That means it offers genuine go-anywhere abilities, and is built to handle the toughest and roughest conditions.

Uniquely though, the Everest has a more sophisticated rear suspension set-up than the Ranger for more comfortable and stable on-road dynamics.

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What are the Standout features?

The 2019 update can be identified by new front and rear bumpers on all models and a revised front grille that give it a tougher, wider stance on the road.

What does it have that others don't?

While most car-like SUVs have up-to-date safety systems like automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and the like, they are still rare features on this new breed of ute-based wagons.

That the new Everest has these is commendable, plus the fact it can be had with a choice of engines - at least in the mid-spec Trend - and drivetrain configurations is also unique among its rivals.

How practical is it?

The Everest is a big car made for big families in a big country, and, as such, is hugely flexible in the roles it can perform.

As a suburban family wagon, it is spacious. As a four-wheel drive, it can go anywhere. And, for when hard work is called for, it can tow up to 3100kg.

It is a great all-rounder that will appeal a broad church of owners.

Is it comfortable?

In any case, occupants are treated to a cabin that has plenty of thoughtful touches.

The front seats are soft and comfortable for long hauls and provide a commanding view of the road ahead, but the driving position is limited by the fact the steering wheel can still only be adjusted for height - and not reach.

Still, everything else is logically laid out with easy access to the touch screen mounted at the top of the dash, simple controls for the ventilation and a binnacle at the base of the centre console that is large enough to keep small items secure and has a 12V power outlet as well as two USB outlets.

There's also a deep console between the seats and a decent-sized glovebox.

Easy in, easy out?

Due to its four-wheel drive underpinnings, the Everest sits high off the ground and requires a decent leap to get into the cabin.

Thankfully though there are grab handles on the A-pillars and wide running boards that run the length of the car that make it easier to climb up.

Front or back, the doors are also big but those clambering into the third row need to be a little more flexible to step through the aperture, even though the middle seats fold and can slide forward.

Space and versatility?

There is a decent amount of room in there, big enough for a couple of adults to travel short distances without too much discomfort.

Those in the middle row are treated to a generous amount of space, with excellent leg room, and all three rows have plenty of head room, even in the Titanium with its full length glass sunroof.

In five-seat configuration, the capacious boot measures 1050L - big enough for a full family getaway - but luggage capacity is restricted to carry a couple of carry-on bags as a seven seater.

What's the engine like?

The most significant element of the 2019 Everest is the introduction of a new-generation 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel, lifted straight from the high-performance Ranger Raptor ute.

It is exclusively hooked-up to a modern 10-speed automatic that ensures it provides better performance - in terms of towing capacity, fuel consumption and acceleration - than the 3.2-litre five-cylinder that remains available in base-level Ambiente and Trend variants.

Using a sequential turbo set-up that has a smaller compressor at low engine speeds and a larger unit at higher revs, the 2.0-litre generates outputs of 157kW and 500Nm - up from 143kW and 470Nm in the 3.2-litre.

How much fuel does it consume?

Despite the added performance, the smaller engine (and broader spread of ratios in the gearbox) produces lower fuel consumption figures, with a claimed average of 6.9L/100km in rear-drive form and 7.1L/100km as a four-wheel drive.

Is it enjoyable to drive?

There's a lot to like about the way the Everest drives, no matter the environment.

The new engine revs smoothly with a much more linear power delivery than the five-cylinder motor, which significantly reduces the kind of turbo lag that afflicts single turbo engines that build up boost in a flurry.

In some ways, that decreases the feeling it is actually more powerful than the larger capacity engine as it doesn't have the same degree of mid-range punch.

The 10-speed automatic does, however, ensure it remains in its sweet spot most of the time for effortless cruising or quick overtakes, although it has to hunt through the ratios constantly to do so.

Thankfully, it does it with smooth and mostly unobtrusive gear changes that add to its overall improvement in refinement.

But, despite Ford claiming the Everest is four decibels quieter than before (thanks in part to a laminated windscreen being fitted as standard on all models), the smaller engine sounds just as noisy on the road, especially under load and heavy acceleration.

In-line with the powertrain changes, the blue oval has modifed the front suspension on the Everest - attaching the front anti-roll bar behind the axle rather than ahead of it - and softened the spring rates for a more comfortable ride.

Those revisions bring marginal improvements in the way the Everest handles, which continues to be a comfortable wagon around town and a competent four-wheel drive when off the beaten track.

While it is hardly a sports car, or even as dynamic as a soft roader, the steering is well weighted and fluid across the ratio, the suspension is compliant over bumps and it generally feels secure through the bends, even if it can't hide its inherent tendency to lean when cornering.

We also had the chance to test out its four-wheel drive abilities on some rugged trails in the Blue Mountains during its local launch program, where it performed admirably over a variety of challenging situations - proving it will go further into the scrub than most owners will ever take it.

Does it perform as you expect?

That knowledge the Everest can do what it says on the tin is probably all the validation some will ever need, as it remains a hugely flexible family wagon across a myriad of environments.

That Ford has improved its safety credentials, reduced its fuel consumption, added more features and now offers a wider choice of models builds on its status as a great all rounder.

2018 Ford Everest Price and Specifications

Price: From $49,190 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel / 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel

Power: 143kW / 157kW

Torque: 470Nm / 500Nm

Transmission: six-speed automatic / 10-speed automatic / RWD or AWD

Fuel use: from 6.9L/100km