Ford Everest to start from under $55k

Ford Australia has released pricing and specifications for its new Everest seven-seat SUV, which the company claims whips the Toyota Prado that will be its principal competitor – until the Toyota Fortuner arrives, at least.

Priced from $54,990 for the entry-level Everest, the new SUV can tow 3000kg, and comes with Emergency Assistance, Active Noise Cancellation, SYNC infotainment with voice control, WiFi hotspot functionality and auto high-beam. Additionally, the mid-level Everest Trend – priced at $60,990 – is equipped with Lane Keeping System and a powered tailgate, and the flagship Everest Titanium ($76,990) adds Active Park Assist and tyre pressure monitoring. Ford claims that none of these features are available in the Toyota Prado, the top-selling model in the VFACTS large SUV segment – and the vehicle that Ford is aiming to knock off that perch with the Everest.

Other points in the Everest's favour include the 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which develops 143kW and 470Nm, outscoring the Prado diesel for output on both counts. The engine drives through a six-speed automatic transmission as standard to a full-time four-wheel drive system. Fuel consumption, in combined-cycle testing, is 8.5L/100km. Everest's Terrain Management System is switchable through four modes (Normal; Snow/Mud/Grass; Sand; and Rock) to bolster the SUV's off-road ability, which is also enhanced by the wading depth (800mm) – another win for the Everest over the Prado, Ford says.

"The Everest SUV represents the very best of Ford's Australian design and engineering capabilities," says Ford Australia President Graeme Whickman.

"Our customers have been waiting for this smart and highly capable SUV but what they didn't expect was the level of technology, standard features and contemporary design. It is a high-tech SUV built for adventure, with a perfect blend of strength and style."

"Many of these customers are looking for the ultimate SUV that is tough off-road vehicle without compromising on refinement, comfort, packaging, features, performance and fuel efficiency. The arrival of the Everest range will be a great addition to our Ford SUV portfolio."

Standard across the Everest range are: electronic locking rear diff, coil-sprung live rear axle with transverse Watts link, electrically-assisted steering, active transfer case, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, 50:50 split-fold third-row seating, seven airbags (including driver's knee airbag), reversing camera, parking sensors (rear), roll stability control, trailer sway control, traction control and Emergency Brake Assist.

The base-grade Everest comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, matching full-size spare, manual tailgate, auto-on/off headlights, follow-me home lighting, front fog lights, fabric seat upholstery, air conditioning, map lights, sunglass holder, cruise control, electric windows, eight-speaker CD audio, Bluetooth, multi-function steering wheel and keyless entry.

Moving up to the mid-range Everest Trend, additional standard features comprise 18-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, running boards, projector-beam headlights, heated folding mirrors, puddle lights, dual-zone climate control, upgraded instrumentation, leather-bound steering wheel, electrochromatic mirror, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker DAB+ audio, eight-inch colour touch screen, two USB ports, SD card slot, MyKey programmable driving modes, adaptive cruise control, forward alert collision mitigation, head-up display, Lane Keeping System/lane departure warning, front parking sensors and driver alert system.

Capping the range, the Everest Titanium rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and features the following additional items: HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, Active Park Assist, panoramic electric sunroof, heated eight-way power adjustable front seats/manual lumbar adjust, leather seat upholstery, power-folding third-row seat, leather-bound gear knob, ambient lighting, illuminated front scuff plates, satellite navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring System/cross-traffic alert and tyre pressure monitoring.

Ford will offer the Everest in these colours when it goes on sale in October: Sunset, Black Mica, Metropolitan Grey, Blue Reflect, Sparkling Gold, Aluminium, True Red and Cool White.