Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X

The MU-X LS-U 3.0 4x4 is $64,900 against the Everest Sport's $68,990, both recommended retail before on-road costs. That is a gap of $4,090 between two well-equipped seven-seat 4WD wagons that both tow 3.5 tonnes.

The $43,900 figure people still quote for the MU-X is the LS-M 2.2 in rear-drive, which is a different car to the one lined up here. Once you specify a 3.0-litre 4x4 with LS-U equipment you are at $64,900 and within touching distance of the Ford.

Running costs still lean to the MU-X: 7.6L/100km against the Everest V6's 8.5, worth roughly $255 a year over 15,000km, plus a six-year warranty against Ford's five. But $255 a year does not move a $4,090 gap far in five years, and the Everest brings 44kW and 150Nm more engine for the money. On value the two are now close enough that the choice comes down to what you want the car to do rather than what it costs.

Both are 5-star ANCAP (2022) with the full active-safety suite, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise, standard. The MU-X in particular has been praised for the breadth of its standard safety tech. Both are large, sturdy ladder-frame wagons with ISOFIX points and a mass advantage in a crash.

The Everest is the more refined and tech-rich inside, with Ford's big portrait touchscreen, slick SYNC software, and a more car-like cabin feel that makes it pleasant for daily family duty as well as touring. At 4,978mm it's the larger car, with a roomy third row and big boot.

The MU-X is the workhorse of the pair: a tough, sensible cabin, proven Isuzu switchgear, and the deep dealer and aftermarket support that comes from the D-Max-derived platform. It is a genuine seven-seater with 235mm of clearance to the Everest's 226, and it holds 311 litres behind the third row against the Ford's 259. Both have proper low-range 4WD and serious off-road hardware.

The Everest's 3.0-litre V6 makes 184kW and 600Nm against the MU-X's 3.0-litre four with 140kW and 450Nm. The Ford's extra power and torque make it the stronger, more relaxed tow vehicle and the quicker of the two (10.1s to 100km/h versus 11.0). For heavy towing and effortless overtaking, the V6 is the pick.

The MU-X's four-cylinder is more efficient, and the Isuzu diesel has a long reputation for economy at this size. Both tow the full 3,500kg and both have proven 4WD systems. The difference is that the Everest's extra muscle used to cost $25,090; now it costs $4,090. That reframes the whole engine argument. If you tow anything near the limit, the V6 is a lot of capability for a small premium.