Ford Everest to start from $55k

The upcoming Ford Everest will reside at the pinnacle of its segment on price, with the new model coming in dearer than Toyota's Prado, Holden's Colorado 7 and Isuzu's MU-X.

The car maker's Australian division has confirmed the Ranger-based SUV will start at $54,990 (plus on-road costs) when it goes on sale in October, with the three-model line-up moving as high as $76,990 (plus on-road costs).

The base model price is higher than each of its competitors, though Ford counters its price strategy with the fact the Everest scores more standard equipment.

The base model Everest gets as standard: 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, cloth trim, air-conditioning, 4.2-inch colour screen, Bluetooth, reversing camera, rear parking sensors and keyless entry.

The middle-tier Everest Trend starts at $60,990 and adds: 18-inch wheels, power tailgate, automatic highbeam, daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, leather steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, 10-speaker stereo with digital radio and subwoofer, 8.0-inch colour screen, front parking sensors, lane keeping system, blind spot monitoring and parallel park assist.

Sitting atop the range is the $76,990 Everest Titanium, which brings 20-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof, eight-way adjustable power front seats, leather trim, sat-nav and tyre pressure monitoring system.

By way of comparison, the diesel-powered Toyota Prado starts at $51,990 (plus on-road costs), the Colorado 7 at $47,490 and the Isuzu MU-X at $47,800.

The entire Everest range is powered by the same 3.2-litre turbo diesel engine found in the Ranger. The five-cylinder has been slightly de-tuned in the Everest, producing 143kW (down 4kW against the Ranger) and 470Nm. Each model will be offered standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Everest will offer considerable off-road credentials in the way of full-time four-wheel drive, an 800mm water wading depth, a four-mode terrain select system, hill descent control, electronic locking rear differential and an active transfer case.

It boasts a three-tonne braked towing capacity and minimum 225mm ground clearance.

The standard safety suite includes seven airbags, stability control, ABS, traction control and emergency brake assist.

The entire Everest line-up boasts Ford's SYNC infotainment software. Trend and Titanium models also feature a MyKey function that allows parents to program a key that limits top speed and limits the maximum radio volume, among other features.

It will be offered in a choice of eight different colours.

2016 Ford Everest pricing and specifications

On sale: October

Price: $54,990-$76,990 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 143kW at 3000rpm

Torque: 470Nm at 1750rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic; 4WD

Fuel use: 8.5L/100km