Ford Everest vs Isuzu MU-X

The MU-X LS-U 3.0 4x4 is $64,900 against the Everest Sport's $68,990, a $4,090 saving for the Isuzu, both well-equipped, seven-seat, 4WD wagons that tow 3.5 tonnes.

Running costs lean clearly to the MU-X: its frugal 3.0-litre uses 7.6L/100km versus the Everest V6's 8.5, worth roughly $255 a year over 15,000km. The MU-X also carries a 6-year warranty against Ford's 5. The Everest answers with strong resale of its own and Ford's broad accessory ecosystem, so total cost of ownership is closer than the sticker suggests, with the MU-X holding a modest edge on pure value.

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 value workhorse: a tough, sensible cabin, proven Isuzu switchgear, and the deep dealer and aftermarket support that comes from the D-Max-derived platform. It's a genuine seven-seater with 235mm of clearance, slightly more than the Everest, and a reputation for going the distance. Both have proper low-range 4WD and serious off-road ability.

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 competent and, crucially, more efficient, the frugal Isuzu diesel is famously economical for the size. Both tow the full 3,500kg and both have proven 4WD systems. So the Everest wins on outright muscle and refinement; the MU-X wins on running costs and value while doing everything a seven-seat 4WD needs to do.