THERE’S like no question that sport utility vehicles (SUV) are all the rage. But the 2016 Ford Everest is no pretender to the crown and aimed squarely at those who take the ‘utility’ portion of the acronym seriously.

While people, in theory, like the concept of SUVs, over the years their negatives have led to a sub-category, the cross-over utility vehicle (CUV). Instead of trying to turn a proper 4×4 into a something drivable, they do the opposite: turning a sedan into a SUV, many with faux off-road ability. While that might be okay for the large majority of buyers, those seeking the original go- anywhere ability mantra of the SUV have slim pickings. That’s where the 2016 Ford Everest comes in, taking the rugged reliability and performance of the Ford Ranger and blending it seamlessly with the modern refinements necessary for comfortable everyday use.

A quick visual survey will class the Everest as a tall and handsome beast with chunky muscled surfaces. Throw in its ride height and it screams off-road standing still. Stepping up on the running board into the driver’s seat puts one straight into the blend. The dash is simple, well laid out, but has soft touch fabrics at all the major touch points. The steering wheel is littered with the multifunction buttons expected for driver convenience.

From the driver’s position, it’s easy to tell that space is no problem, so much so there’s a stow-away third row that turns the Everest into a genuine seven-seater when needed. Passengers aren’t just thrown around the back as they receive their own climate control, 12v power supply and cup holders. If they do wish to participate with what’s happening up front, the ‘infotainment’ system is more than up to the task with USB, bluetooth and auxiliary inputs to handle music and phone calls with crisp clarity.

Once all your cargo is in, the Everest is up to the task. It’s size becomes virtually negligible once up to the speed. The underpinnings may be based on an already capable pickup, but its been feted to deliver a very refined ride, soaking up bumps, steering and braking with accuracy, while the permanent four-wheel drive of the 3.2-litre turbo diesel model in one of its higher trims offers great traction.

As good as it feels onroad, off-road competency isn’t even a question with a myriad real off-road gear such as full 50/50 diff lock, low range, hill descent and an electronic terrain management system, with controls that sit as a prominent reminder in the centre console that you’re in a real SUV.

The Ford Everest bridges that gap of having your on/off-road SUV cake and being able to eat it too.