In a thrilling turn of events in the Australian automotive market, the Ford Everest has narrowly outpaced the redesigned Toyota Prado in April 2025, reclaiming its position as a top contender in the fiercely competitive SUV segment. With just one unit more sold than its rival, the Everest’s rugged design, off-road prowess, and practical features have resonated strongly with Australian buyers. Priced from approximately $53,000, the Everest offers a compelling blend of value, capability, and versatility, making it a standout choice for families, adventurers, and off-road enthusiasts alike. This article delves into the factors behind the Everest’s sales success, its competitive edge over the Prado, and why it continues to dominate discussions in Australia’s SUV market.
The Ford Everest’s Appeal in Australia
The Ford Everest has long been a favorite in Australia, a country known for its love of rugged, capable vehicles that can handle everything from urban commutes to outback adventures. In April 2025, Ford sold 1,234 Everest units, narrowly surpassing the Toyota Prado’s 1,233 units, according to industry sales data. This razor-thin margin underscores the intense competition in the large SUV segment, where practicality, durability, and off-road capability are paramount.
Starting at around $53,000 before on-road costs, the Everest is competitively priced, offering a range of trims from the entry-level Ambiente to the premium Platinum. Its value proposition is enhanced by a suite of features tailored to Australian conditions, including a high ground clearance of 225mm, a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg, and selectable four-wheel-drive modes. Reviewers consistently praise its spacious interior and cargo capacity, which gives it an edge over the Prado, particularly for families needing extra room for gear or luggage.
The Everest’s design is another key factor in its appeal. With a bold, muscular exterior that echoes the Ford Ranger—Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2023—the Everest projects strength and reliability. Its interior combines practicality with modern technology, featuring a 12-inch SYNC 4A touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These features make the Everest a versatile choice for both city driving and long-distance travel.
Toyota Prado: A Formidable Rival
The Toyota Prado, a stalwart in Australia’s SUV market, underwent a significant redesign for 2025, introducing sharper styling, improved fuel efficiency, and a hybrid option. Priced from approximately $62,000, the Prado is slightly more expensive than the Everest, which may have influenced its narrow sales defeat in April. Despite this, the Prado remains a favorite for its legendary reliability, off-road heritage, and Toyota’s extensive dealer network across Australia.
The 2025 Prado offers a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine with 150kW and 500Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its hybrid variant, combining a diesel engine with an electric motor, achieves fuel efficiency as low as 6.5L/100km, appealing to buyers seeking eco-friendly options without sacrificing capability. However, reviewers note that the Prado’s cargo space—while adequate—is slightly less generous than the Everest’s, with 620L compared to the Everest’s 650L in five-seat configurations.
The Prado’s off-road credentials are undeniable, with features like a low-range transfer case, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. Yet, the Everest’s slightly lower price point and superior cargo capacity have tipped the scales in its favor, particularly for buyers prioritizing practicality over brand loyalty.
Why the Everest’s Cargo Space Matters
One of the standout features driving the Everest’s sales success is its cargo space. With up to 650L of boot space in its five-seat configuration and 1,800L with the rear seats folded, the Everest offers more room for luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment than the Prado. This advantage is particularly significant in Australia, where road trips and outdoor adventures are a way of life. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip in the Blue Mountains or a cross-country journey to the Outback, the Everest’s ability to accommodate bulky items makes it a top choice for active families.
The Everest also offers a flexible seating arrangement, with a seven-seat option available across most trims. The third row, while best suited for children, can be folded flat to maximize cargo space, adding to its versatility. Reviewers have noted that the Everest’s load area is well-designed, with a low loading height and wide opening, making it easier to pack heavy or awkwardly shaped items compared to the Prado.
Off-Road Prowess: Everest vs. Prado
Both the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado are built for Australia’s diverse terrain, from sandy beaches to rocky trails. The Everest’s off-road capabilities are bolstered by its Terrain Management System, which includes six selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand. These modes optimize traction and performance, ensuring the Everest can tackle challenging conditions with ease. Its 800mm wading depth and 29.5-degree approach angle further enhance its off-road credentials.
The Prado counters with its own off-road arsenal, including a locking rear differential, crawl control, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) on higher trims. While both vehicles are highly capable, the Everest’s slightly better ground clearance (225mm vs. the Prado’s 219mm) and more affordable pricing give it a slight edge for buyers seeking value without compromising performance.
The Role of Pricing in the Sales Race
Pricing is a critical factor in the Everest’s April 2025 sales victory. Starting at $53,000, the Everest undercuts the Prado by nearly $9,000 in base trim, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. Even in higher trims, such as the Everest Sport ($62,000) or Platinum ($79,000), Ford offers a compelling mix of features at a lower cost than equivalent Prado models. For example, the Prado Kakadu, a top-tier trim, retails for around $85,000, significantly more than the Everest Platinum.
This price advantage is particularly relevant in 2025, as economic pressures like inflation and rising interest rates continue to influence consumer decisions in Australia. The Everest’s lower entry price, combined with its robust feature set, makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking a capable SUV without breaking the bank.
Technology and Comfort: A Modern Edge
The Ford Everest’s interior technology has been a key selling point in 2025. The 12-inch SYNC 4A infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, offering wireless connectivity and over-the-air updates. Higher trims include a 10-speaker B&O audio system, wireless charging, and a digital instrument cluster, creating a premium feel that rivals more expensive SUVs. The cabin’s quality materials and ergonomic design have also earned praise from reviewers, who note that the Everest feels more upscale than its price suggests.
In contrast, the Prado’s 9-inch touchscreen and updated interior are functional but less cutting-edge. While the Prado offers Toyota’s reputation for durability, some reviewers have criticized its infotainment system for feeling dated compared to the Everest’s. For tech-savvy buyers, the Everest’s modern interface and superior cargo space make it a more appealing choice.
Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
The Everest’s sales edge reflects broader trends in Australia’s SUV market. Large SUVs continue to dominate, with 2025 sales figures showing strong demand for vehicles that combine family-friendly features with off-road capability. The Everest’s success is part of Ford’s broader resurgence in Australia, driven by the Ranger’s dominance and the introduction of models like the F-150 and Mustang Mach-E.
Consumer preferences are also shifting toward vehicles that offer value and versatility. The Everest’s ability to serve as a daily driver, family hauler, and off-road adventurer aligns perfectly with these demands. Its narrow sales victory over the Prado highlights the importance of small differentiators—like cargo space and pricing—in a highly competitive market.
What’s Next for the Ford Everest?
Looking ahead, Ford is poised to maintain the Everest’s momentum with potential updates for 2026. Rumors suggest a hybrid variant could join the lineup, combining the Everest’s diesel engine with an electric motor to rival the Prado’s hybrid offering. Such a move would further enhance the Everest’s appeal, particularly for eco-conscious buyers. Additionally, Ford’s focus on local tuning ensures the Everest remains optimized for Australia’s unique driving conditions, from urban streets to remote trails.
The Everest’s sales success also underscores Ford’s strong dealer network and aftersales support in Australia. With competitive financing options and a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, Ford is positioning the Everest as a long-term investment for buyers.
In Summary
The Ford Everest’s narrow victory over the Toyota Prado in April 2025 is a testament to its blend of affordability, practicality, and capability. Priced from $53,000, it offers superior cargo space, modern technology, and off-road prowess that resonate with Australian buyers. While the Prado remains a formidable rival, the Everest’s value proposition and family-friendly features have given it a slight edge in the sales race. As Ford continues to innovate and cater to local preferences, the Everest is well-positioned to maintain its dominance in Australia’s SUV market, sparking discussions about its growing influence in 2025 and beyond.