Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X
$68,990 vs $64,900. Two seven-seat 4WD wagons built off best-selling utes, and only $4,090 between them at this trim.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford Everest Sport
From $68,990
7-Seat 4WD
3.0L V6 Turbo-Diesel
184kW
8.5L/100km
5★ ANCAP (2022)
259L (7 seats up)
Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0L 4x4
From $64,900
7-Seat 4WD
3.0L Turbo-Diesel
140kW
7.6L/100km
5★ ANCAP (2022)
311L (7 seats up)
Price Breakdown
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.
| Variant | Drive | RRP |
|---|---|---|
| Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L | 4x2 | $43,900 |
| Isuzu MU-X LS-M 2.2L | 4x4 | $55,900 |
| Isuzu MU-X LS-M 3.0L | 4x4 | $57,900 |
| Isuzu MU-X LS-U 2.2L | 4x4 | $61,900 |
| Isuzu MU-X LS-U 3.0L | 4x4 | $64,900 |
| Ford Everest Sport | 4WD | $68,990 |
| Isuzu MU-X LS-T 3.0L | 4x4 | $73,400 |
| Isuzu MU-X X-TERRAIN 3.0L | 4x4 | $77,100 |
| Ford Everest Tremor | 4WD | $79,990 |
| Ford Everest Platinum | 4WD | $83,490 |
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.
Safety Rundown
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.
Feature Showdown
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.
Drivetrain
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.
CarSorted Data Insight
In our database, the Ford Everest V6 has one of the highest torque outputs of any seven-seat 4WD wagon at 600Nm, while the Isuzu MU-X's sub-8L/100km diesel economy is among the best in the ute-based 4WD class. Both deliver the full 3,500kg tow rating that defines serious touring wagons.
The Verdict
Buy the Ford Everest Sport if: you want the most power and torque, the easiest towing at the 3,500kg limit and the more tech-rich cabin. At $4,090 over the LS-U it is the better buy of these two.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X LS-U if: you want the lower fuel bill, the six-year warranty, 235mm of ground clearance and 311 litres behind the third row.
Buy the MU-X LS-M 3.0 4x4 if: value is the whole point. At $57,900 it keeps the 3.0-litre and the 4x4 hardware and saves $11,090 against the Everest.
Compare both on CarSorted. See also: Prado vs Everest | D-Max vs HiLux.
The Verdict
This used to be a value blowout. On current pricing it is not. The MU-X LS-U 3.0 4x4 lists at $64,900 against $68,990 for the Everest Sport, a gap of just $4,090, and for that $4,090 the Ford gives you 44kW and 150Nm more, a 10-speed auto against a six-speed, and a second on the 0-100 claim. The MU-X answers with 0.9L/100km better economy, worth roughly $255 a year over 15,000km, an extra year of warranty, 9mm more ground clearance and 52 litres more boot with all seven seats up. Both tow the full 3,500kg and both hold 5-star ANCAP from 2022. At this trim pairing the Everest is the better buy. The MU-X's value case is still very much alive, but it lives lower down the range, where the LS-M 3.0 4x4 at $57,900 undercuts the Ford by $11,090.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (21 June 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 21 June 2026
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