The Large SUV class has a lot to offer, with both five-, six- and seven-seat SUVs in the mix, along with the segment crossing over into the Luxury sector. Budgets still exist though, so in this class we look for size, practicality, fit-for-purpose, its ability to tow and even go off-road, and how it stacks up against rivals: it’s about being the ultimate all-rounder, even more than the other SUV classes.
As the defending 2023 Large SUV class champion, Everest was back in the mix for 2024 and while others have challenged, the Everest is unique in reclaiming its back-to-back class win, with a range of skills and abilities that’s too hard to ignore.
A true 4WD SUV with 3.5 tonne towing, Everest seats seven, and offers looks, comfort, technology and active safety technology that rides the fence between doing its duty and being overly zealous.
And then there’s the choices Everest offers: from its four main models, - from the $75k Trend, to the Sport, Wildtrak and $90k range-topping Platinum – there’s the choice of either the 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder diesel in the two lower models, that service 154kW and 500Nm and, frankly, even a lot of equipment in the base model Trend, such as 8-way power driver’s seat and 18-inch wheels.
The top two in the range use the even better 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with 184kW and a hearty 600Nm, 20- and 21-inch alloys and heated/cooled front and heated second-row seats. Even economy is still reasonable, given its size and strength.
More than just a Ford Ranger with an enclosed SUV body, the suspension’s mechanical differences favour its family/passenger use, making Everest a joy around town. Four challengers have come over the past two years, but even against newer models, Ford Everest remains our favourite and a deserving repeat class champion.
Runners up: Hyundai Santa Fe, Volkswagen Touareg.
AA DRIVEN CAR OF THE YEAR CLASS WINNERS FOR 2024
City SUV
Family SUV
Passenger
Hybrid/EV
Luxury
Sports/Performance
Lifestyle/Adventure
Safest
People's Choice
And the overall winner is...!