When you’re shopping for a family SUV that can handle both school runs and weekend camping trips, the Ford Everest Sport V6 keeps popping up in conversations. But with a price tag of $75,540, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the investment. After spending time with this rugged seven-seater, here’s what you need to know before making your decision.
What You’re Getting for Your Money
Price and Position in the Range
The Sport V6 sits comfortably in the middle of Ford’s Everest lineup, offering that sweet spot between features and value. You’re paying a premium over the base models, but you’re getting the powerful V6 engine and four-wheel drive that makes this SUV truly capable.
When you compare it to competitors like the Toyota Prado or Isuzu MU-X, the Everest often comes out ahead on value. The new Prado costs more and delivers less power, while the MU-X struggles with outdated technology and a less refined engine.
What Makes the Sport V6 Special
This isn’t just about having a bigger engine. The V6 turbo-diesel produces 184kW of power and a substantial 600Nm of torque, which translates to real-world confidence whether you’re merging onto highways or climbing steep mountain roads with a loaded family and gear.
Living with the Everest Day-to-Day
The Interior Reality Check
Step inside, and you’ll find an interior that’s more workmanlike than luxurious. Ford hasn’t tried to pretend this is a premium SUV, and honestly, that’s probably the right approach. The hard plastics and utilitarian design mean you won’t stress about muddy boots or sandy beach gear.
The front seats are where Ford really shines. They’re supremely comfortable with heating and ventilation, and there’s excellent adjustability for drivers of all sizes. The driving position feels commanding without being intimidating, and visibility is excellent for such a large vehicle.
Family Space: The Good and Not-So-Good
Here’s where things get interesting. The second row is decent but not outstanding. Even with the sliding bench moved back, taller passengers might find their knees pressed against the front seats. However, the reclining mechanism helps, and there’s plenty of headroom.
The third row is where reality hits. It’s genuinely only suitable for children or very short adults. Think of it as emergency seating rather than a comfortable place for regular passengers. This isn’t unique to the Everest – most seven-seaters in this class struggle with usable third-row space.
Storage and Practicality
With all seats up, you get 259 litres of cargo space, which expands to 898 litres with the third row folded. That’s enough for a serious Bunnings run or extended camping trip. The powered tailgate makes loading easy, and the full-size spare wheel underneath gives peace of mind for remote adventures.
How It Drives in Real Life
Around Town Performance
Despite weighing 2.5 tonnes, the Everest doesn’t feel cumbersome around town. The steering is light, throttle response is immediate, and that V6 torque makes city driving effortless. The 10-speed automatic transmission keeps things smooth, rarely hunting for gears.
The auto start-stop system works well, though some might find the brake pedal a bit grabby initially. Parking does require attention due to the size, but the excellent visibility helps.
Highway Comfort
This is where the Everest truly excels. Highway cruising is comfortable and refined, with minimal road noise despite the all-terrain tyres. The adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance makes long journeys less tiring, though the system can be slow to react to traffic changes.
The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, which means you get a smooth ride over most road surfaces. However, this does result in noticeable body roll if you try to drive enthusiastically through corners.
Towing and Heavy Duty Work
With a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, the Everest is serious about work. The V6 engine provides ample torque for hauling boats, caravans, or trailers without strain. Optional features like the virtual towing assistant and integrated brake controller make the job easier.
Off-Road Capability That Actually Matters
Real-World Adventure Performance
The Everest Sport V6 comes with genuine four-wheel drive, not just all-wheel drive. The 4A mode automatically manages traction, while various terrain modes help optimize performance for different conditions. Ground clearance of 229mm and 800mm wading depth mean you can tackle most Australian adventure destinations.
Tech That Helps
Ford’s hill descent control is particularly impressive, allowing speed adjustment through the cruise control buttons. The system works smoothly without the harsh brake noise that plagues some competitors. Combined with approach and departure angles that handle most obstacles, the Everest earns its reputation as a genuine off-roader.
Technology and Features That Matter
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 12-inch SYNC4 touchscreen is the standout feature. It’s intuitive, responsive, and includes wireless smartphone mirroring. The split-screen layout keeps commonly used functions easily accessible, reducing driver distraction.
Wireless charging, multiple USB outlets, and 12V power sources ensure devices stay charged during long journeys. The system includes built-in navigation, though most users will likely default to their smartphone apps through CarPlay or Android Auto.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The five-star ANCAP rating provides confidence, and the driver assistance features are helpful without being intrusive. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance work smoothly without constant beeping or false alarms.
The Ownership Experience
Running Costs and Maintenance
Ford’s five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty provides peace of mind, while service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres are reasonable for this class. Capped-price servicing for four years averages $379 annually, which is competitive.
Fuel economy of 8.5L/100km is realistic for mixed driving, though expect higher consumption when towing or tackling challenging terrain.
Who Should Buy the Everest Sport V6?
This SUV is perfect for families who genuinely use their vehicle’s capability. If you regularly tow, venture off sealed roads, or need genuine seven-seat capacity (even if the third row is for kids), the Everest makes sense.
However, if your driving is primarily urban with occasional highway trips, you might be happier with a car-based SUV like the Hyundai Palisade or Mazda CX-80. These offer better ride quality, interior refinement, and fuel economy for predominantly on-road use.
The Bottom Line
The Ford Everest Sport V6 delivers exactly what it promises: genuine capability in a practical package. It’s not trying to be a luxury SUV, and that honesty is refreshing. For Australian families who want one vehicle that can handle everything from daily commutes to serious adventures, few alternatives match its combination of capability, comfort, and value.
The $75,540 price tag places it in serious consideration territory, and for most buyers looking at this segment, the Sport V6 represents the sweet spot in the Everest range. You get the full capability without paying for premium features you might not need.