In Australia’s competitive SUV market, few names carry as much weight as the Toyota Prado. But with the 2025 Ford Everest Platinum, the Blue Oval brand is firing a serious shot across the bow. Loaded with luxury, packed with diesel grunt, and engineered for rugged outback terrain, this flagship Everest aims to outdo the Prado on every front.
We got behind the wheel of the top-spec 2025 Ford Everest Platinum for its first local drive to see whether it’s a true Prado-beater — or just another attempt that falls short.
Design & Road Presence: Muscular, Bold, and Premium
Exterior Impressions
The 2025 Everest Platinum has presence — big time. Up front, the C-clamp LED daytime running lights wrap around a bold grille that proudly wears the Ford badge. Chrome detailing and 21-inch alloy wheels give it the visual clout of a luxury SUV, while its square-jawed profile echoes Ford’s American SUV heritage.
Key Design Highlights:
- Full LED Matrix headlights with adaptive tech
- Chrome-accented grille and Platinum badging
- Power-deployable side steps
- Integrated roof rails
- Hands-free tailgate
In contrast to the Prado’s more conservative and functional look, the Everest screams modern premium appeal.
Interior Comfort & Tech: Luxury with a Digital Edge
The Everest Platinum isn’t just rugged — it’s refined. Step inside and you’re greeted by a digital landscape that feels more Mercedes-Benz than Toyota.
Cabin Features & Finish
- 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12-inch vertical touchscreen with SYNC 4A
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Heated and ventilated leather-trimmed seats (front and second row)
- Panoramic sunroof
- B&O premium 10-speaker sound system
Ford has nailed the premium interior brief, outclassing even the latest Prado in tech integration and ambience. The ambient lighting, padded surfaces, and quilted leather bring a true flagship feel.
Third-Row Space & Boot Practicality
Unlike many seven-seaters that treat the third row as an afterthought, the Everest Platinum offers usable space for adults in the rear-most seats. With sliding second-row functionality and a wide-opening tailgate, practicality is a strong suit.
Cargo & Seating:
- Seats up: ~259L
- Third row down: ~898L
- All rear rows folded: 1823L
It’s still slightly tighter than the Prado in overall cargo with all seats folded, but the Everest’s clever packaging and electronic folding make loading and configuring easier.
Performance & Powertrain: Bi-Turbo Brilliance
Engine Specs
- 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine
- 184kW of power
- 600Nm of torque
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Full-time 4WD system
The new 3.0L V6 diesel is a highlight. It's smooth, gutsy, and surprisingly quiet for such a big unit. Compared to the Prado’s aging 2.8L four-cylinder diesel, the Everest offers more refinement, stronger acceleration, and quieter cruising.
On the highway, overtaking is effortless. In the city, it’s composed and easy to maneuver thanks to electric steering assistance.
Off-Road Capabilities: Built for the Bush
Off-Road Tech & Hardware
- 4A full-time 4WD system
- Locking rear differential
- Terrain Management System (Sand, Snow, Mud, Rock modes)
- Hill Descent Control
- 800mm water wading depth
- 250mm ground clearance
We tested the Everest across gravel, sand, and shallow creek crossings — and it never broke a sweat. The full-time 4WD system engages seamlessly, and the suspension soaks up punishing terrain with grace.
The Prado has legendary off-road credentials, but the Everest is now genuinely neck-and-neck. For many, the Everest’s modern electronics and superior grunt will tip the scales.
On-Road Ride & Handling: A Softer Side
Unlike many ladder-frame 4WDs, the Everest rides with composure on tarmac. The suspension setup leans more towards comfort than sharp handling, but for a vehicle of this size, it’s impressively smooth.
Driving Dynamics:
- Less body roll than Prado
- Quieter cabin under acceleration
- More agile in urban driving
- Tighter turning circle (11.8m vs Prado’s 11.6m)
Ford’s focus on NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) has paid off — the Everest feels more like a unibody SUV in city driving, without sacrificing its rugged character.
Safety & Driver Assistance: Packed with Tech
The Everest Platinum is brimming with advanced driver aids and has achieved a full 5-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest 2023 protocols.
Key Safety Features:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop & go
- Blind-spot monitoring (with trailer coverage)
- Lane-keep assist & lane centering
- Reverse AEB
- 360-degree camera with split views
- Traffic sign recognition
This suite is significantly more advanced than the Prado’s current offering, especially in active safety. If you’re tech-savvy or safety-conscious, Everest leads the segment.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
With its 3.0L turbo-diesel and 10-speed auto, the Everest delivers strong efficiency for a large SUV.
Fuel Economy (Claimed & Tested):
- Official: 8.5L/100km
- Real-world average: 9.2L/100km
It’s marginally thirstier than the Prado on paper, but real-world differences are minimal — especially considering the extra power and torque on offer.
Servicing is capped for the first five years, and Ford offers roadside assistance for the same period.
Pricing & Value for Money in 2025
2025 Everest Platinum Pricing:
- Drive-away from ~$85,000 (depending on state & options)
That positions it slightly above the Prado Kakadu, but you get more tech, better performance, and arguably better luxury. Value-wise, it's a compelling proposition.
Inclusions like the panoramic sunroof, digital dash, B&O audio, and electric third-row folding are not standard on Prado at this price point.
Ford Everest vs Toyota Prado – Key Comparison Table
| Feature | Ford Everest Platinum (2025) | Toyota Prado Kakadu (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel | 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 184kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 600Nm | 500Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| Fuel Economy (Claimed) | 8.5L/100km | 7.9L/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500kg | 3,000kg |
| Off-Road Drive Modes | Yes (6 modes) | Basic |
| Digital Driver Display | 12.4-inch | 4.2-inch |
| Infotainment Screen | 12-inch SYNC 4A | 9-inch touchscreen |
| Sound System | 10-speaker B&O | 14-speaker JBL |
| Price (Approx) | $85,000 | $83,000 |
Final Verdict: Has the Everest Finally Outshone the Prado?
The answer is: yes, for many Aussie buyers.
The 2025 Ford Everest Platinum has matured into a genuine luxury off-roader with class-leading tech, refinement, and capability. While the Toyota Prado continues to offer rock-solid reliability and resale, it’s starting to feel dated compared to Ford’s new flagship.
For those who crave modern luxury, smoother diesel performance, advanced safety, and superior infotainment — the Everest is the new benchmark.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
✔ Punchy V6 diesel engine
✔ Luxurious and high-tech interior
✔ Genuine off-road capability
✔ Excellent safety and driver aids
✔ Strong towing and cargo versatility
Cons:
✘ Slightly more expensive than Prado
✘ Fuel economy not best-in-class
✘ Large size can be tricky in tight city spaces
Who Should Buy the 2025 Ford Everest Platinum?
- Large families needing serious towing and space
- Caravaners and off-road adventurers
- Tech-savvy drivers wanting the latest gadgets
- Buyers cross-shopping Prado, MU-X, or Pajero Sport
- Those stepping up from mid-size SUVs like the RAV4 or CX-90
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