Ford Everest vs Competitors: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado feels like splitting hairs. Both are 4x4s built to tow your caravan, seat seven in comfort and tackle the beaten track without breaking a sweat. Throw the Isuzu MU-X into the mix and you've got three of Australia's most popular large SUVs battling for your driveway.

But which one will suit you best? Our team has broken down the specs, tech, towing ability and more so you can make an informed call. And if you're thinking about a novated lease, we'll show you how salary packaging can make any of these SUVs more affordable.

Ford Everest: Tech-Packed Towing Powerhouse

The Ford Everest has become Australia's go-to family 4x4. It combines sharp styling, a spacious interior and a tech suite that puts some luxury cars to shame.

Under the hood, most buyers opt for the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel producing 154 kW and 500 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive. If you want more punch, the Everest Sport and Everest Platinum variants pack a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel churning out 184 kW and 600 Nm.

Inside, the cabin feels modern and well thought out. A 12-inch portrait touchscreen at the centre console offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Only the Everest gives you wireless phone charging as standard across the range.

The driver's seat is supportive, the steering wheel adjusts for reach and rake, and there's plenty of headroom even with the huge sunroof fitted to Platinum models.

Safety gear is comprehensive. Nine airbags protect all three rows, including a centre airbag between the front seats. Autonomous emergency braking covers pedestrians and cyclists, adaptive cruise control works smoothly in traffic, and blind-spot monitoring extends to cover your trailer.

Everest Sport and Everest Platinum

If you're chasing the flagship experience, the Everest Sport adds 21-inch alloys, a rear differential lock and that muscular V6 diesel.

The Everest Platinum goes further with Nappa leather accented seat trim, cooled seats up front, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. On-road costs for the Platinum sit around $88,000, but the extra kit justifies the spend if you want the full package.

Ground clearance measures 226 mm, and Everest's approach, departure and breakover angles are competitive. The 10-speed gearbox is a highlight, shuffling ratios seamlessly whether you're overtaking on the highway or crawling over rocks.

Toyota Prado: The New-Gen Contender and Long-Time Resale King

The Toyota LandCruiser Prado has been the benchmark for resale value and reliability for decades. Prado owners swear by them, and it's easy to see why.

The current 150-series Prado uses a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel producing 150 kW and 500 Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic. It's smooth and capable, though the transmission can feel sluggish compared to the Everest's 10-speed.

Where the Prado pulls ahead is its full-time four-wheel drive system with a centre differential lock, giving you confidence in slippery conditions without needing to engage a separate 4×4 mode.

Higher-spec variants like the Prado Altitude and Prado Kakadu add features such as leather trim, a rear differential lock, hill descent control and Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that reduces body roll off-road.

Inside, the Prado's cabin feels solid if slightly dated. The infotainment system offers wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on current models, though the new Toyota Prado arriving in 2026 will bring wireless connectivity. Boot space is generous, and the second-row seats slide and recline for passenger comfort.

Isuzu MU-X: Value, Simplicity and Proven Durability

The Isuzu MU-X is all about getting the job done with a proven track record.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder making 140 kW and 450 Nm. It's not the quickest off the line, but the MU-X delivers smooth, predictable performance. The six-speed automatic transmission feels a generation behind the Everest's 10-speed, yet it's reliable and well-matched to the engine's torque curve.

Where the MU-X shines is practicality. The third-row seats fold flat to create a genuinely flat floor, perfect for camping gear, school bags or a weekend's worth of shopping. Coil springs at the rear deliver a more compliant ride than ute-based rivals still running leaf springs. You'll notice the difference on long highway stretches and corrugated dirt roads.

The standard MU-X includes a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and a locking rear differential.

Ground clearance is 230 mm, slightly better than both the Everest and Prado. Fuel economy is impressive at 8.3 litres per 100 km combined, making the MU-X the most efficient of the trio.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Off-Road and Towing: Getting Off the Beaten Track

All three SUVs handle off-road duties with confidence. The Everest's terrain management system offers selectable modes for sand, mud and rock, while the MU-X keeps things simple with a rear diff lock as standard. The Prado's full-time four-wheel drive and optional KDSS give it an edge in technical terrain, reducing body roll and keeping all four wheels planted.

For towing, the Everest and MU-X both rate at 3500 kg braked, perfect for most Australian caravans. The Everest adds trailer sway control for extra peace of mind. The Prado's towing capacity varies by model, but the new-generation Prado will restore the full 3500 kg rating.

Ownership Costs and Novated Lease Considerations

Running costs matter, especially when you're financing a $70,000-plus SUV. Service intervals sit at 15,000 km for the Everest and MU-X, while the Prado requires attention every 10,000 km. That means fewer trips to the workshop for the Ford and Isuzu, which can add up over a five-year ownership period.

Resale value is where the Prado wins. Toyota's reputation for reliability keeps used Prados in high demand, which lowers your lease residual if you're salary packaging. The Everest's sharper purchase price, though, can make monthly novated lease payments more manageable.

All three of these SUVs make excellent candidates for novated leasing. You pay for the vehicle, insurance, rego and running costs from your pre-tax salary, lowering your taxable income and saving you money. The higher the purchase price, the more you can potentially save on tax. Find out if novated leasing is worth it for your situation.

Easi’s Analysis of Toyota Prado vs Isuzu MU-X

As industry experts in cars and novated leasing for decades, the team at Easi has seen the trends amongst which cars are most popular.

In our experience talking to various customers and their choices, we find ourselves selling more leases of the Toyota Prado compared to the Isuzu MU-X. 

However, there is a shift happening recently, with more MU-X’s getting sold - especially since stock of the Toyota Prado is always quite limited. If you don’t want to wait around for a Prado, the MU-X is still a solid option for a 4x4.

Ready to Choose Your Next Family 4x4?

The Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X debate comes down to priorities. Want the latest tech, a slick 10-speed gearbox and a powerful V6 option? The Everest is your pick. Prefer simplicity, a flat load floor and the longest warranty? The MU-X delivers. And if resale value and proven reliability top your list, the Toyota Prado (or the incoming new Prado) won't disappoint.

Whichever you choose, Easi can help you get behind the wheel for less through novated leasing. We've been helping Australians save on vehicle costs for over 30 years, and we'll crunch the numbers to show you exactly how much you can save on your chosen SUV.

Use our novated lease calculator to see the difference, or contact us to chat through your options.