Ford Everest Trend RWD 2017 Review

Ford Everest Trend RWD
Quick Spin

What’s it all about?
Ford says its first rear-wheel drive Everest will “widen the lens” of its full-size SUV model range by appealing to metropolitan buyers chasing the look and flexibility of a large, seven-seat SUV but without the need for four-wheel drive capability.

However, because it's based on the mid-range Trend variant, it doesn't lower the entry price of Ford's big Everest, which continues to start at $54,990 for the Ambient 4WD auto.

That said, the seven-seat Everest range will be joined by a range of five-seat variants next year, potentially including a base Ambient 2WD auto model priced from under $50,000, which will help close the gap between the newly-launched Escape medium SUV, and dearer Everest 4WD large SUV range.

In this way, both the newly-launched Everest Trend RWD and next year's Everest five-seat models can be thought of as stop-gap solutions for the departure of Ford's homegrown Territory, which isn't due to be replaced by the Edge in 2018.

Starting at $5000 less than the Trend 4WD on which it is based – but $1000 more than the entry-spec Ambiente 4WD – the single-spec Everest Trend RWD is priced from $55,990 (plus on-road costs).

Excluding the drivetrain it is otherwise identical is specification to its 4WD sibling, and like that model is powered by Ford’s 143kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like the four-wheel drive line-up, the rear-wheel drive Everest is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and roadside assistance program, as well as lifetime capped-price servicing.

If you’re in need of a big, rugged SUV with seven seats, they don’t come much better. But note the words ‘big’ and ‘rugged’. Riding on a ladder frame chassis means the Everest can feel more like you’re driving a utility than a car, with small ripples in the road exaggerated through the cabin.

Of course the trade-off is that this is a supremely comfortable and confident vehicle on unsealed roads, and one that offers the ground clearance and towing capacity to match. If you’re looking to tow, or spend a lot of time off the black-top, you can do far worse.

We found the steering to be a little over-assisted given the Everest’s bulk, and although it is easy enough to place on the road, its dimensions are telling when squeezing down narrow lanes or trying to park.

Its engine is also one designed for lugging heavy loads and not for brisk acceleration. Yes, it’s a smooth and strong unit, but you won’t be the first from the traffic lights. Overtaking, too, is less than energetic.

That said, the Everest Trend manages decent fuel economy for its size (we managed 9.9L/100km against a claim of 8.4), and with less running gear underneath, is bound to be cheaper to maintain (ie: there are fewer moving parts to service).

The Everest Trend RWD joins the range this month (December 2016) and is available through Ford dealerships nationally.

Like the model it is based upon, the Trend-grade Everest includes 18-inch alloy wheels (with matching spare), auto projector beam headlights, front foglights, adaptive cruise control, 10-speaker Bluetooth enabled audio with digital radio reception, 8.0-inch SYNC 3 infortainment array with sat-nav, keyless entry, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate-control, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, MyKey programmable driving modes, rain-sensing wipers, reversing camera, and front/rear parking sensors.

On the safety front, and in addition to the usual electronic chassis controls and full-house of airbags, the Trend gains forward alert collision mitigation technology and lane-keeping assist.

Ford says the Everest Trend RWD will appeal to buyers chasing the flexibility and space offered from its flagship SUV range, adding that the model range loses none of the towing capacity (3000kg braked) or ground clearance (225mm) of the 4WD model.

In that way it aims to attract ‘grey nomad’ types who require the amenity and ability of a large SUV, without the off-road capability of a Prado, but we also reckon family buyers wanting a spacious seven-seat SUV might also be interested.

Where does it fit?
The Everest sells in the large SUV segment alongside rivals that include monocoque-bodied rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger and body-on-frame (ute-based) competitors like the Holden Trailblazer or Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

However, given its ladder frame construction and SUV ideals, we reckon it’s a more even match for the rear-wheel drive Jeep Grand Cherokee or Isuzu MU-X 4X2.

So, what do we think?
If you’ve read the words rear-wheel drive and Everest, then that’s probably all you really need to know – that’s exactly what it is! If you’re not in need of go-anywhere ability but require the space and pulling power Everest offers then it’s a car that makes a lot of sense.

If not, well you’re probably best sticking to a lighter, monocqoue-bodied, seven-seater like the Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-9 or Toyota Kluger – all of which are smaller and easier to manage around town.

Either way, the Everest Trend RWD is a vehicle that delivers on its claims, and one we think offers broader appeal for those chasing adventurous weekends. The only issue Ford has is that rivals including the MU-X (from $40,500) and Grand Cherokee (from $47,000) offer similar two-wheel drive alternatives at a much cheaper price, so it pays to do your homework.

Price: $55,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 143kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 221g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Isuzu MU-X LS-M 4X2 (from $40,500 plus ORCs)
>> Jeep Grand Cherokee RWD (from $47,000 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Kluger 2WD (from $42,190 plus ORCs)