Game-changing tow tug coming

Ford's Australian-developed Everest will be able to accelerate, brake, steer and even park itself without any input from the driver when it goes on sale here in the third quarter of next year.

Loaded to the hilt with advanced safety features, the all-new model changes the technology game for large SUVs, yet was designed from the outset to tackle serious off-road trails too, says Ford.

Boasting a Prado-beating three tonne towing capacity, the Everest seven-seater will be produced in Thailand with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and two upgraded Duratorq turbo-diesels from the Ranger ute on which it's based – a 2.2-litre four-cylinder and a 3.2-litre five-cylinder – all matched as standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

However in Australia, the Everest will be a diesel-only proposition. The petrol model has been ruled out due to low expected demand. Both two- and four-wheel drive models are available ex-factory but, while the latter is guaranteed, Ford Australia is not saying whether it will offer the rear-drive version.

Some of the Everest's key features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and active lane keeping assistance, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, front and rear cameras, tyre pressure monitoring, LED driving lights, radar cruise control and a powered tailgate.

There's also clever interior packaging with power-folding third-row seats and a schmick new cabin design with more doodads than the lovechild of an iPhone 6 and a Nintendo Powerglove, including all the smartphone connectivity, app-compatibility and infotainment advances of Ford's SYNC 2 voice-controlled multimedia system, centred around a classy 8.0-inch touch-screen with user-friendly interface and USB/SD card ports.

With an advanced quad-mode four-wheel drive system, low-range transfer case and 225mm of ground clearance, the new SUV is being pitched as a jack-of-all-trades, donning its akubra to cross rivers and descend treacherous slopes on the weekend, then shifting to smart casual for the weekday work commute or to ferry friends and family around in comfort.

Five years in the making, the Everest is based on a stretched version of the T6 Ranger's body-on-frame (ladder) platform — a design that traditionally combines rugged durability with off-road capability at the expense of on-road ride/handling performance.

With a "class-leading" 225mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 29 degrees, departure angle of 25 degrees and ramp-over of 21 degrees, plus a dial-operated multi-mode four-wheel drive Terrain Management System to adjust settings on the fly, Ford says the Everest can go anywhere.

Lump in a sizeable 800mm wading depth and it's clear the Everest is no pretender. Hill ascent and descent control are there if you want to bush-bash pedal-free and an electronic locking rear differential is designed to deliver extra traction in tricky situations.

On paper, it sounds like the Everest will give the Toyota Prado — which was only recently eclipsed by the Jeep Grand Cherokee as Australia's most popular large SUV — a run for its muddy.

Ford is yet to reveal statistics like performance or vehicle weights, but one of the benefits of offering the same 3.2-litre five-pot turbo-diesel as the Ranger is that the Everest will also come with impressive towing capabilities, with a 3000kg braked-trailer limit. It has a cargo payload of 750kg and can carry up to 100kg on the roof, adding more versatility.

Perhaps most impressive is the array of automated systems packaged into the Everest, led by a new electric power steering system with a semi-automatic parking function.

Also making living with the big SUV simpler is voice-controlled in-car functionality with improved recognition software. For example, you can say "I'm hungry" and the satellite-navigation will search for nearby restaurants.

It's not yet clear how many features will be standard or optional, but apart from the automated tailgate and push-button rear seat operation, there's a 10-speaker sound system and MyKey smart key that can be programmed to limit functions of the car, such as its top speed and audio volume.

Beyond the advanced driver aids, the Everest offers seven airbags, traction and stability control, a rollover mitigation system and curve control help -- the latter a segment first, according to Ford. The new curve control system works when it senses the Everest attempting to navigate a corner with too much speed, and activates the brakes to maintain control.

As well, Ford promises that when customers step inside the car, they will be taken aback by the attention to detail and quality, thanks in part to a combination of "premium materials and advanced fabrics". A large moon roof will be optional.

All three rows will offer heating and cooling vents and Ford claims its Active Noise Cancellation technology will create a super-quiet cabin. Similar to noise-cancelling headphones, the system 'listens' to noises via three microphones and generates a frequency that masks ambient sounds, such as tyre, engine and wind noise.

There's a single 240-volt outlet to charge larger devices (laptops, etc) in the second row and another three 12-volt outlets in each row, catering to the modern preoccupation with mobile devices.

The Everest equipment list extends to heated and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and the three-position reclining second-row seat is split 60/40. The twin-seat third row is split 50/50 and power-folding. Leather upholstery will be available and there are plenty of satin chrome accents in the cabin.

Ford says a total of 48 litres of storage space is liberated via more than 30 storage cubbies, and there's a substantial total of 2010 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded "completely flat".

Given its position as Ford's most advanced SUV, and that Ford Australia is expected to release a direct replacement for its homegrown Territory in the form of the five-seat Edge and/or seven-seat Explorer, the Everest won't be cheap.

Indeed, Ford Australia executives say the Everest is "very much in the Prado space" and they expect little cross-shopping with seven-seat soft-roaders and off-roaders in the $40-$60K bracket, like Ford's own Territory, the Holden Captiva 7 and Colorado 7, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu MU-X, Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Challenger, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Kluger.

So it's almost certain the Everest will be priced from under $60,000 to compete directly with Australia's top-selling large 4x4 wagons like the Prado, Grand Cherokee and Mitsubishi Pajero in the $55-75K region.