Ford Everest Ambiente 2017 Review

Tell him he’s dreamin’
The Ford Everest is no stranger to comparison testing at motoring.com.au; and for the most part the Ranger-based SUV has performed exceptionally well. The one sticking point, however, has been that of price – a point echoed again this time around, in spite of a recent price cut.

Compared to the rivals assembled here the Everest may seem competitive. Look deeper and you’ll note the Ambiente grade tested – selected to keep the price point as comparable as possible – is only the starting point of Ford’s Everest 4WD range. Two-wheel drive variants begin at $47,990.

Beginning at $54,990, the seven-seat Everest Ambiente plays in the same space as high-grade variants of all here bar Toyota’s Fortuner (the mid-grade GXL); Ford asks a staggering $76,705 for its range-topping Everest Titanium.

Granted the Everest Ambiente wants for little where equipment levels are concerned, and packs robust underpinnings and a gutsy engine into the deal. But as this comparison determined, it’s a vehicle that takes a different tack to its main competitors, and as such will likely appeal to a much narrower, off-road focussed audience.

It’s the vibe…
The sheer volume of videography, safety and recovery equipment required for a multi-vehicle comparison such as this meant the Everest was used as our pack mule for the leg from Melbourne to Adelaide and back. Fortunately, the Everest’s best-on-test 450-2010 litres of cargo space swallowed everything we had with ease.

The long highway stretch allowed plenty of time to enjoy Ford’s 10-speaker, 8.0-inch SYNC3 infotainment array and dual-zone climate-control; and to wonder why electronic driver aids including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Information with Cross-Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Keeping System are missing at this price... especially when they’re offered in the Everest Ambiente’s rivals.

The most impressive element of the Australian-developed, Thai-built Everest continues to be Ford’s 143kW/470Nm Duratorq turbo-diesel and six-speed automatic transmission combo.

Loaded with gear the Everest cruised quietly and comfortably at highway speeds with plenty in reserve for overtaking. The 3.2-litre five-cylinder engine feels less stressed than smaller-capacity units like the Pajero Sport’s, the surfeit of torque allowing lower engine speeds when cruising, in turn improving fuel economy, which at 12.5L/100km was on par with the Fortuner in the middle of this pack.

The ‘less stress’ mantra also applies to Ford’s after-sales support. In spite of only a three-year/100,000km of warranty and 12 months’ roadside assistance, Ford’s lifetime capped-price servicing and long 12-month/15,000km service intervals provide hip-pocket peace of mind down the track.

How’s the serenity?
Arriving in South Australia’s picturesque Flinders Ranges – and redistributing the Everest’s payload amongst the rest of the field – meant it was time to sample the big Ford’s off-road prowess.

Riding on a double wishbone front/Watts link rear suspension arrangement, the Everest rode confidently over heavily corrugated unsealed roads. Ford’s Terrain Management System, low-range four-wheel drive and rear differential lock proved indispensable when the going got tough, combining with 225mm ground clearance to comfortable straddle all but the gnarliest of obstacles.

Although the Everest’s ground clearance isn’t the best on test, we seldom experienced any ride height issues. Articulation and geometry (29.5 degrees approach, 21.5 break-over, 25.0 departure) is up there with the best on test; and though we didn’t have cause to sample any challenging water-crossings, Ford’s 800mm wading ability is class-leading.

On steep hills – like those found at the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Range’s northern end – the Everest’s Launch Assist (brake-hold) and Hill Descent Control are almost requisite items. Even experience off-roaders will find the technology more help than hindrance, assisting the 2370kg (kerb) Everest in scaling some pretty challenging terrain.

We also admired the ease of manoeuvring the electrically-assisted steering offered, even if the turning circle (11.7m) isn’t the sharpest of the five SUVs on test.

The Ford’s 3000kg braked towing ability is bettered only by the Pajero Sport in this company, while the smaller 17-inch alloys (Pajero Sport and Trailblazer run 18-inch wheels) and 265/65 tyre combo is not only more cost effective come replacement time, but more compliant over rugged roads and Outback trails.

Straight to the pool room?
The Everest has again shown why it’s one of the best ute-based 4WD SUVs on the market. It mightn’t offer the value of the Pajero Sport or the outright grunt of the Trailblazer, but its breadth of ability – especially away from the black-top – are a huge plus for buyers intent on adventure travel.

For that reason the Everest is arguably better suited to shoppers with more than a passing interest in treks like the one undertaken here. The Ford managed this exercise without so much as breaking a sweat, and showed a level of confidence that encouraged its driver to explore areas usually met with trepidation.

On balance, however, there is more at play here. Owners keen to squeeze every ounce of value from their spend will be disappointed by the Everest Ambiente’s value proposition in this company. When more glitz and gizmos are available in same-price rivals the argument is a tough one – especially when reaching for a high-grade Everest amounts to nearly $80K on the road.

2017 Ford Everest Ambiente TDCi 4WD pricing and specifications:
Price: $54,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 143kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 224g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP