Ford Everest 2023 review: Platinum long-term | Part 3

So, after three months with the 'much-loved' Ford Everest, are we in love?

Sadly, the answer is no.

But let’s rewind because there is a lot to like about Ford’s Ranger-based family SUV.

For starters, the big dimensions afford a level of practicality that's hard to match, even by vehicles in the same class.

Seriously, there’s more space here than needed for my young family of four, even though we cart around a full-size pram, nappy bag, snacks and all the paraphernalia needed for two kids under three.

The space has also come in very handy with our current house build, which means I’ve been able to dump the kids’ stuff on occasion and load up the Everest with things like buckets of paint, tiles, floorboards and more.

It very handy to have this much practicality on offer.

Another big plus with the car is that grunty V6 engine.

In fact, it is the only diesel V6 you can get in the mainstream large SUV class and even amongst the more rugged, ladder-frame chassis-based options, it stands head and shoulders above the competition.

With a 3.0 litre displacement, the Everest Platinum’s engine produces a sizeable 184kW/600Nm.

With a 3.0 litre displacement, the Everest Platinum’s engine produces a sizeable 184kW/600Nm.

That’s more than diesel rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe (148kW/440Nm), Isuzu MU-X (140kW/450Nm), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (133kW/430Nm) and Toyota Prado (150kW/500Nm) – and makes this particular Everest even more potent than the previous-generation Ford Ranger Raptor (157kW/500Nm from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel).

The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the engine is also a great one, rowing through the gears smoothly and without any fuss.

Torque is available early on from 1750rpm, making take off brisk enough for this 2.5-tonne large SUV, and honestly, who doesn’t love a bit more grunt?

This engine also affords the Everest a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity.

This engine also affords the Everest a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, handy for those with boats, caravans or dirt bikes, but in my time with the car, I never needed this feature.

Also crucial for any family car is strong safety credentials, and the Everest has it in spades.

There’s a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, with equipment highlights including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control, while this top-spec Everest also scores a surround-view monitor and tyre pressure monitoring.

While I never found the need to use the third row in my time with the car, large families should also take note that the nine airbags found throughout the cabin includes a full-length curtain airbag that covers seats six and seven.

And finally, another big boon for the Everest is its relatively affordable maintenance costs.

With Ford’s capped-price servicing plan, the first four scheduled services are only $329 each, while the fifth year comes in at $360.

Scheduled servicing intervals are also every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first, while Ford’s warranty covers five years/unlimited kilometres.

And while all of this seems pretty standard for a big brand these days, it’s the fact that Ford offers a free loan car when you get a service that seals the deal.

Matrix LED headlights.

How many times have you dreaded dropping your car off for a service because you have to reorganise the next day or two to accommodate not having a car?

This is especially troublesome for families who have to juggle the school drop-off and pick-up, so Ford’s free loan car can come in handy in a clutch situation.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses, because the Everest gets pricey in this top-spec Platinum grade.

With a sticker price of $77,530, before on-road costs, when we picked it up months ago, recently rising $1000 to $78,530, it’s a big ask.

Ford has at least tried to justify that cost with a long laundry list of features, highlighted by heated and cooled front seats, matrix LED headlights, quilted leather interior and 21-inch wheels, but most of the equipment that's essential for a family can be found in lower (and cheaper) grades.

Features 21-inch wheels.

For example, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control and rear privacy windows can be had on the Trend, which starts at $60,990.

There are other large SUVs out there that cost less and offer comparable equipment, is what I’m trying to say, but they won’t offer the same level of off-road ability as the Everest.

With features in tow like a dual-range 4x4 system (with an automatic four-high setting), and driving modes that include 'Tow', 'Mud/Ruts' and 'Sand' – it’s no wonder the Everest is the default choice for adventurous types.

Keep in mind, though, that ruggedness comes at a cost, specifically on-road driving dynamics that can feel a little average.

Ford has at least tried to justify that cost with a long laundry list of features, highlighted by heated and cooled front seats and quilted leather interior.

Don’t get me wrong, the Everest is class-leading in terms of driving feel, but that class happens to be ladder-frame chassis seven-seat SUVs that don’t come close to the refinement and comfort offered by monocoque models.

So, if you are considering an Everest, make sure you will be using its entire range of abilities.

All in all, the Ford Everest Platinum is a fantastic family car – just not for my family and my needs.

The Platinum grade does get up there a bit in price, though, and Ford’s intention of offering premium features on a ute-based SUV is a bit like ordering an Angus burger at McDonald’s – it never overcomes its humble origins despite offering a fancier experience.

Of course, if you and your family are more adventurous than mine, you’ll find the Everest comes into its own when charting a course not found on Google maps.

But if you just want an easy-to-live with, dependable family hauler, there are better options available.

Acquired: June 2023

Distance travelled this month: 427km

Odometer: 13,883km

Average energy consumption this month: 11.9L/100km