On the pricing front, the Everest now lands smack in the middle of the mid-sized SUV pack—somewhere in the middle of the Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu Alterra.  And although this means that it still can’t beat the Toyota in terms of value for money, the Ford isn’t a push over when compared to the Isuzu.  It must be remembered that although the Alterra has more than 14 variants spanning different audio set-ups and colors, the base model still comes up more expensive than the top of the line Everest.  Some may contest that the inclusion of the common rail diesel engine and more modern underpinnings justify the higher price tag, but certainly not enough.

The Isuzu Alterra may have a better mold to start with (the D-Max), but the final product isn’t that convincing, given the ridiculous price tag.  The Ford Everest’s mold may be older, but the rest certainly deserves attention.  At the end of the day, a fine automobile isn’t just judged by the engine and drive train.  It’s the entire package, and that’s where the Ford Everest would stand a chance.  Overall, it feels better thought of and built.  It may not end up as the segment winner, but it’s time is certainly not yet up.  Not by a long shot.

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