The Ford Everest is bracing for a shakeup in 2026! Buckle up, because Ford is streamlining the lineup, axing certain models and powertrains. Expect a steeper climb to Everest ownership as prices see a noticeable bump across the entire rugged SUV family.
The Everest bids farewell to its rear-wheel-drive roots, embracing a solely four-wheel-drive future, primed for adventure. But that’s not all: prepare for an engine shakeup. Ford is phasing out the current four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel from both the Everest and its Ranger sibling. An enhanced single-turbo diesel four is poised to take its place, promising a new era of power and efficiency. The clock is ticking on the bi-turbo; catch it while you can.
Tightening emissions regulations are driving change for Australian-developed models. The Everest Sport now boasts a standard V6 turbo-diesel engine, offering enhanced performance. Act fast if you prefer the thrill of the twin-turbo Sport; only 700 remain available at dealerships before this engine sunsets in 2026.
Currently, the thrilling bi-turbo engine remains exclusive to the most accessible Everest models. Take, for example, the 2026 Ford Everest Ambiente 4×4 we wrestled with – a budget-friendly beast packing a serious punch.
Additionally, the limited-edition Everest Wildtrak and Black Edition models introduced earlier this year have almost entirely sold out.
Ford’s Everest range just got a whole lot simpler, easier to swallow than the Ranger’s. But this streamlining comes at a cost: fewer choices. Will this trade-off jeopardize the Everest’s reign as Australia’s best-selling large SUV, a crown it snatched for the first time in 2024? The answer remains to be seen.
Even though the Everest offers a treasure trove of official Ford accessories and aftermarket tweaks, the appeal of its 4×2 models, especially for anyone outside the business world, always felt somewhat muted. Now, with prices climbing, the real question is: does the entry-level 4×4 Everest still pack the same punch?
How much does the Ford Everest cost?
The Everest just got a little more exclusive (and slightly pricier). Say goodbye to the 4×2 models, because the Ambiente 4×4 now wears the crown as Australia’s entry-level Everest, clocking in at $59,490 before on-roads. That’s a bump of $250 since January 1st, 2025, but still the most accessible path to Everest ownership.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | |2026 Ford Everest Ambiente 4×4 bi-turbo|$59,490| | 2026 Ford Everest Trend 4×4 bi-turbo | $67,290 | | 2026 Ford Everest Sport 4×4 V6 | $75,540 | | 2026 Ford Everest Tremor 4×4 V6 | $77,490 | | 2026 Ford Everest Platinum 4×4 V6 | $82,390 |
Ford Everest’s price tag just climbed Mount Everest! While the entire lineup saw increases, the top-tier Platinum V6 suffered the biggest blow, surging a whopping $1190. But brace yourselves: the exit of the 4×2 models means entry into the Everest club now demands a hefty $5250 premium.
The playground for the new contender is already crowded. Heavy hitters like the Isuzu MU-X and the legendary Toyota LandCruiser Prado stand their ground. But watch out, because the GWM Tank 500 is muscling its way into the fray. Entry into the MU-X arena starts at a tempting $49,900 (plus on-road costs) for the 4×2 LS-M. However, if you’re looking for a true off-road sparring partner, the 4×4 version demands a heftier $55,900 (plus on-road costs).
However, the Prado has ascended to a new pricing echelon, eclipsing the Everest’s territory. The latest generation, unleashed late last year, commands a starting price of $72,500 for the GX trim and that’s before you even hit the asphalt. Remember, every Prado is a gateway to off-road adventures, boasting standard four-wheel drive.
Forget Everest’s peaceful summit. A Chinese challenger has arrived: the Tank 500. This imposing four-wheel drive Lux Hybrid throws down the gauntlet at a drive-away price of $64,490. While the 4×4 capability does nudge the price upwards, it remains a competitive contender nipping at the heels of the base Everest.
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
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What is the Ford Everest like on the inside?
Ford’s no-frills interior, all sharp lines and basic forms, feels surprisingly at home in this bare-bones Ambiente trim. Forget the frills, it’s a space that justworks, a far cry from the spartan discomfort often found in its ladder-frame, off-road SUV rivals.
Forget the spec sheet snobbery. Sure, it’s the "base model," but those "budget" choices? They’ve got a secret. That plastic steering wheel? Surprisingly grippy, almost… tactile. The smaller screen? Perfectly functional, no distracting bells and whistles. And the cloth seats? A welcome hug on a long drive. On paper, it’s a compromise. Behind the wheel, it’s a masterclass in understated quality. It defies its price tag.
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"Forget flashy aesthetics for a moment; surprisingly, your hands will appreciate the steering wheel’s feel. Sure, it might not win any beauty contests, but its unexpected softness provides a welcome tactile experience."
Forget fumbling through menus! This interior offers a breath of fresh air with its generously sized, intuitive buttons. Even if you’re new to the Ford family, mastering these controls will be a snap. In a world of touchscreens, this tactile approach is a welcome and refreshing change.
The armrests prioritize function over luxury, offering firm support without sacrificing comfort. The gear selector, seemingly swathed in leather, and the uniquely Ford-designed interior accents provide welcome visual relief from the expanse of textured black plastic.
Beyond the plush leather and panoramic sunroof, the Everest whispers of its price tag through sophisticated engineering and cutting-edge tech. A centerpiece? The commanding 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen, your portal to a world of information and entertainment. We’ll dissect the mechanical heart beating beneath its stylish exterior later, but for now, bask in the glow of technological prowess.
Even in photos, the display commands attention with its sheer size. And don’t let the Everest’s upscale sibling, boasting a 12-inch screen, incite jealousy. Functionally and visually, they’re twins separated only by the thinnest of bezels.
The command center. That’s what it felt like piloting this car, thanks to the crisp, responsive display that governs nearly every vehicle function. Forget squinting at pixelated icons or wrestling with sluggish menus. This screen is a joy to use. Dive in to adjust climate, access a suite of in-car apps, fine-tune settings, or view camera feeds – all rendered with satisfying sharpness and speed. Even better? A week of rigorous testing, including heavy reliance on wireless Apple CarPlay, yielded zero glitches or lag. This is seamless integration done right.
The minimalist digital climate display finds a welcome counterpoint in the tactile simplicity of the physical controls beneath. No more fumbling with on-screen menus while driving – once you realize the power is at your fingertips, adjustments become second nature.
Beyond the sleek exterior lies a realm of personalized comfort. Tailor the ambiance to your mood with a simple switch between light and dark themes. While the 8.0-inch digital instrument display offers some adjustment, personalization, though present, isn’t the system’s defining strength.
Behind this seemingly simple screen lies a labyrinth of menus brimming with data. Navigating this digital maze, armed only with steering wheel buttons, can feel less like driving and more like piloting a spaceship. The sheer volume of information threatens to overwhelm, transforming what should be a helpful display into a cluttered cockpit.
The cabin prioritizes practical comfort. While the manual seat adjustments feel a touch anachronistic considering the cost, the front seats offer welcome bolstering. More importantly, the trim finish proves a blessing on frosty mornings, a far cry from the icy shock of leather – a detail you’ll appreciate in the absence of heated seats.
Storage solutions abound! Quench your thirst with four cupholders, two cleverly concealed within the dashboard. A central cubby, complete with wireless charging and twin USB ports, keeps your devices juiced up. Discover a double-decker glovebox for stashing essentials and a generously sized center console, powered by a 12V outlet, ready for any adventure.
The second row whispers of practical luxury, where durable materials meet thoughtful amenities. However, that inviting cloth, while undeniably cozy, is a battlefield waiting to happen. Unless you’re prepared to wage a daily war against kid-inflicted chaos, those inevitable spills might just declare permanent victory.
Beyond the front seats, prepare for a journey back in time. Creature comforts are scarce, limited to rear-facing air vents and a lone 12V outlet clinging to the center console’s rear. The real kicker? This Everest inexplicably ditches the USB ports found in every other model, leaving tech-dependent families scrambling for power like it’s the Stone Age.
Sink into comfort with a plush, fold-down armrest featuring convenient cupholders. Cleverly placed map pockets on the front seatbacks and other thoughtful storage nooks keep your essentials organized and within easy reach.
The rear seats offer limousine-like legroom, but the budget-friendly price tag peeks through in the details. While spacious, certain elements remind you where compromises were made. Paying over $60,000 stings a bit when you’re back here, but thankfully, as the driver, you’ll rarely have to experience it.
The Everest Ambiente offers a budget-friendly five-seat configuration, but for just $1350, you can unlock a third row, transforming it into a family-hauling machine. Think of it: extra seats for spontaneous adventures or carpooling chaos! This clever upgrade keeps your wallet happy compared to jumping to the Trend model. While the Trend boasts a standard seven seats, prepare for sticker shock – it catapults into the mid-$70,000s once you factor in on-road costs. The Ambiente’s optional third row is the savvy choice for maximizing space without breaking the bank.
While our tester maxes out at five seats, it compensates with a cavernous boot. Think 898 litres of space, measured to the roofline in five-seat mode. But even with that impressive figure, Isuzu’s MU-X still eclipses it, boasting a staggering 1119L in the same configuration.
The Everest’s cargo hold isn’t just spacious; it’s a cavern. With the rear seats down, it’s practically a gear-swallowing abyss. We pushed its limits, hauling an entire engine crane its bulk only constrained by the grunts and groans of the one poor soul tasked with wrestling it in and out.
Forget losing your keys! The Ford boasts clever under-floor cubbies, secret stash spots the competition’s minivan can only dream of. Consider it bonus cargo space, an unexpected perk that seven-seaters simply can’t match.
| Dimensions | Ford Everest Ambiente | | — | — | |Length| 4940mm | |Width| 1923mm | |Height| 1841mm | |Wheelbase| 2900mm | |Cargo capacity (VDA, 7-seat models)| 259L (all seats up) 898L (3rd row folded) 1823L (3rd and 2nd rows folded) |
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Beneath the Trend’s hood lurks Ford’s spirited 2.0-liter four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel, a compelling, if less potent, heart of the Everest’s diesel options. A sophisticated 10-speed automatic transmission then expertly orchestrates the distribution of power to all four wheels, ensuring confident grip and control across diverse terrains.
| Specifications | Ford Everest Ambiente | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl bi-turbo diesel | |Power| 154kW @ 3750rpm | |Torque| 500Nm @ 1750rpm | |Transmission| 10-speed automatic | |Drive type| Full-time 4WD with low-range | |Kerb weight| 2369kg | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 7.2L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 7.4L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 80L | |Fuel requirement| Diesel | |CO2 emissions| 190g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Payload| 731kg | |Braked tow capacity| 3500kg | |Gross vehicle mass (GVM)| 3100kg | |Gross combination mass (GCM)| 6250kg |
Our week behind the wheel was a symphony of stop-and-go freeway crawls and a relentless barrage of in-town errands. The open road beckoned, but traffic snarled. Sadly, we couldn’t hitch up a trailer and truly put this beast to the test a test that likely would have blown Ford’s fuel economy boasts right out of the water.
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
How does the Ford Everest drive?
Despite its stripped-back presentation, the Ambiente is surprisingly well-mannered on the move.
Everest Trend pictured
That initial rumble of the bi-turbo diesel after a frosty start? It’s a primal roar, hinting at the Everest’s rugged heart. Let’s just say "refined" isn’t the first word that springs to mind.
Once warmed up and cruising, the Everest’s engine note settles into a surprisingly refined murmur, almost whispering like a well-mannered family SUV, a stark contrast to its rugged, commercial vehicle roots. It’s not silent, but the rumble is more reassuring than intrusive.
Beyond the Everest’s cabin lies a driving experience that confidently outpaces its ladder-frame competitors. While it lacks adaptive suspension, making a direct comparison to high-end Prados an apples-to-oranges affair, the base models of the Prado and MU-X simply can’t match the Everest’s superior handling and refined feel.
The Ambiente glides over speed bumps like a hovercraft, yet still manages to smooth out the smallest road wrinkles. Chalk it up to the clever combo of smaller rims and tires with substantial sidewalls – a pairing that not only cushions the ride but also keeps road noise nicely muted, creating a serene driving experience.
The Everest’s transmission, however, is a familiar Ford frustration. It’s a gear-glutted affair. While the multitude of cogs theoretically optimizes fuel economy and keeps the engine humming in its power band, you can’t help but wonder if they’re truly necessary. After all, the bi-turbo’s hefty 500Nm of torque hardly leaves you wanting for grunt.
The Ranger and Mustang suffer a similar fate. The relentless gear changes during acceleration, even with a steady foot, chip away at the bi-turbo’s otherwise impressive performance, a powerplant that’s remarkably smooth and predictable.
While generally polished, the transmission occasionally stumbles, caught out by over-eager inputs, resulting in a momentary, unwelcome pause. It’s a smooth operator for the most part, but the sheer number of gears feels excessive. Knocking it down to a more manageable eight – mirroring the MU-X – would be a sweet spot.
Forget rugged pretense – the Everest drives with surprising finesse. Think sedan comfort cleverly disguised as a go-anywhere SUV. Climbing behind the wheel, you’ll quickly forget its tough 4×4 underpinnings, a stark contrast to the utilitarian feel of, say, a base-model Prado. For those who crave adventure without sacrificing civilized driving, the Everest might just be king of the hill.
While the pricier models boast a Swiss Army knife of drive modes, this trim keeps things focused. You might miss the granular off-road settings, but don’t worry, the essentials fuel-sipping economy and robust towing are still at your command.
Forget sports car fantasies. The Everest isn’t about carving corners, but Ford’s behemoth SUV defies expectations. It boasts a surprising agility, leading the pack in ride comfort, tenacious grip, and rock-solid stability – whether you’re blasting down the highway or tackling sweeping curves at speed.
Forget white-knuckle grip; all-season tires are about versatility. They’re the reliable multi-tool in your tire arsenal, delivering predictable performance across ever-changing conditions. Think dependable mechanical traction that inspires confidence, not heart-stopping cornering. These tires will capably guide you to your secluded campsite, but they are more suited to a weekend gateway than an extreme off-road expedition. On the asphalt, they’ll confidently outperform aggressive all-terrains, ensuring a safer, more planted feel for everyday driving.
The Everest’s steering strikes a sweet spot: communicative and reassuringly firm, offering surprising feedback for its size. It’s responsive without feeling twitchy, translating your intentions into action with ease. While its considerable dimensions are undeniable, the Everest remains remarkably agile and approachable behind the wheel. It shrinks around you, making even tight maneuvers feel less daunting.
Glass walls offer an unparalleled view of the world outside, complemented by Ford’s unwavering commitment to safety – a standard feature, not a luxury, even in the entry-level Ambiente.
The Ambiente trim level sacrifices one key convenience feature: a surround-view camera. Unlike higher trims where it’s either optional (Trend and up) or standard (Platinum), the Ambiente leaves drivers relying solely on mirrors and conventional cameras. This omission is a noticeable absence, especially when navigating tight spots.
Even the Ambiente trim boasts Ford’s impressively comprehensive adaptive cruise control. Piloting the Everest’s considerable bulk on the freeway felt surprisingly effortless, the system holding its lane with unwavering accuracy. More than just a lane keeper, it anticipates and reacts to the ebb and flow of traffic with reassuring precision, smoothly adjusting speed when the road ahead slows.
Forget ‘base model.’ This Everest is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It delivers a surprisingly refined and unfussy driving experience that belies its entry-level status, offering a package that feels anything but basic.
For a more detailed look at the Everest’s off-road performance, check out our video review below:
| Off-road dimensions | Ford Everest Ambiente | | — | — | |Track front and rear| 1620mm | |Ground clearance| 229mm | |Approach angle| 30.4º | |Departure angle| 25.3º | |Ramp breakover angle| 22.2º | |Wading depth| 800mm |
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
There are five permanent variants in the Everest lineup.
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2026 Ford Everest Ambiente equipment highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- All-season tyres
- 17-inch steel spare wheel
- LED reflector headlights
- C-shaped LED daytime running lights
- Front fog lights
- LED tail-lights
- Black side steps
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Two front tow hooks
- Acoustic windscreen
- Steel underbody protection (4×4 model only)
- 10.1-inch Sync4 touchscreen infotainment system
- 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Embedded modem
- Wireless phone charger
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Embedded voice assistant
- FordPass with remote start
- Dual-zone climate control
- Five seats (seven seats optional)
- Fabric upholstery
- Eight-way manual driver seat adjustment
- Four-way manual front passenger seat adjustment
- Driver floor mat
- Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
- Dash-mounted pull-out cupholders
- Open storage shelf
- Tilt and reach steering wheel adjustment
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Vinyl console lid
- Electronic parking brake
- Conventional mechanical gear shifter (4×2 only)
- e-Shifter gear shifter (4×4 only)
- Locking rear differential (4×4 only)
- Push-button selectable drive modes
Everest Trend adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with matching spare
- 400-watt power inverter
- Privacy glass
- Power tailgate
- Heated, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps
- 12-inch Sync4 touchscreen infotainment screen
- Seven seats
- Leather-accented upholstery
- Eight-way power driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Driver and passenger floor mats
- Upper glove box
- Off-road screen (4×4 models only), which shows:
- Driveline and electronic diff lock indication
- Steering angle
- Vehicle pitch and roll angles
- Off-road features button
- Rotary drive mode selector (4×4 models only)
- Sand, Mud/Ruts drive modes
- Black stand-off roof rails
- Zone lighting
Everest Sport adds:
- 20-inch black alloy wheels with matching spare
- Black exterior accents
- Unique leather-accented upholstery with ‘SPORT’ embossing
- Unique interior colour accents
- 10-way power driver’s seat with memory
- Eight-way power passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
Everest Tremor
Everest Tremor adds:
- General Grabber AT3 all-terrain tyres
- Unique honeycomb grille with auxiliary LED lamps
- Steel bash plate
- Heavy-duty side steps
- Orange Tremor badging
- Bolder Grey wheel arch mouldings
- Bilstein position-sensitive dampers
- ‘Rock crawl’ drive mode
- Tremor-embossed seats
- Ebony-coloured accents
- All-weather floor mats
Everest Platinum adds (over Sport):
- 21-inch alloy wheels with matching spare
- Black-painted roof
- Satin chrome exterior accents
- Matrix LED headlights with auto-levelling
- 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-speaker B&O premium sound system
- Surround-view camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Satin chrome interior accents
- Quilted leather-accented upholstery
- Heated second row seats
- Power-folding third row seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Premium front and rear floor mats
- Interior ambient lighting
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
Is the Ford Everest safe?
The Ford Everest boasts a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted on the Ford Ranger in 2022.
| Category | Ford Everest | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 86 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 93 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 74 per cent | |Safety assist| 86 per cent |
Standard safety equipment highlights:
- 9 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver attention alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Hill descent control
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Lane centring
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Post-impact braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Reverse AEB
- Reversing camera
The Everest Tremor now keeps a digital eye on your tire pressure. Craving a bird’s-eye view? Only the Platinum comes standard with a surround-view camera, transforming tricky parking into a breeze. But don’t despair, adventurers! From the Trend trim upwards, you can unlock this feature with the $2900 Touring Pack, adding an extra layer of confidence to every journey.
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
How much does the Ford Everest cost to run?
Ford stands behind the Everest with a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, offering you peace of mind on every adventure. To keep your Everest performing at its peak, servicing is recommended annually or every 15,000km – whichever milestone you reach first.
| Servicing and Warranty | Ford Everest | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| 12 months, then service-activated up to 7 years | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5-year pre-paid plan | |Total capped-price service cost| $1596 |
That $1596 price covers MY26 Everests. MY25.50 vehicles, meanwhile, can be covered by the same pre-paid plan for $1516.
Isuzu sweetens the MU-X deal with a five-year capped-price servicing plan, mirroring its service intervals. Budget-conscious adventurers, rejoice! Each visit to the service bay rings in at a predictable $469. That’s just $2345 for five years of worry-free motoring.
Keep your Prado purring like a kitten (or roaring like a lion!) with Toyota’s service schedule. Unlike some thirsty beasts, your Prado only needs attention every six months or 10,000 kilometers. The best part? Toyota caps the price of the first 10 services (covering a full five years) at a wallet-friendly $390 each. That’s peace of mind for $3900, knowing your adventures won’t break the bank.
To see how the Ford Everest stacks up against the competition, use ourcomparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Ford Everest Ambiente
Our week with the Everest Ambiente began with modest expectations, a mere foothill. We quickly discovered, however, that we’d drastically underestimated its comprehensive and compelling package.
Forget the glitter of a Platinum. Initial impressions favor the flashy, but Ford’s Everest Ambiente quietly wins you over. It’s the un-showy charm that blossoms the longer you drive.
The Ambiente cabin cossets you. Details like plastic trim and smaller screens fade into the background when the whole experience clicks. Solid construction and dependable software blend seamlessly, creating a surprisingly inviting space. Even the plastic steering wheel avoids feeling cheap, a testament to the overall quality.
The bi-turbo engine, though a tad rough around the edges compared to the silken V6, punches well above its weight. Its impending demise is a genuine loss, especially since the V6 is unlikely to grace anything below the premium Trend trim. A gritty gem, soon to be gone.
The 10-speed transmission, while technically proficient, is the drivetrain’s persistent whisper in an otherwise quiet cabin. Its relentless gear changes, though smooth, become an inescapable awareness, a subtle hum that never quite fades into the background.
Despite its size and go-anywhere ambitions, the Everest shrinks around you on the road. Its plush ride and assured steering transform a potentially daunting experience into one of surprising comfort and control. Think of it as a continent-crushing SUV that drives like a dream.
While the MU-X’s new price tag certainly sweetens the deal, the Everest delivers a level of everyday practicality and user-friendliness that’s tough to beat. Even in its most basic form, the Everest is an adventure-ready companion worth serious consideration.
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