Ford Everest

A modern seven-seat SUV with a 2.0 Bi-Turbo diesel engine and all-wheel drive. It holds the highway confidently and takes climbs and dirt roads to remote beaches in its stride. A high seating position, rich equipment and a roomy boot make it ideal for long trips with a family or group carrying luggage and gear. Suited to active island holidays and trips to Phuket's remote beaches.

The Everest is a direct rival to the Toyota Fortuner in the class of big body-on-frame SUVs, and in many ways it's even more modern under the skin: the 2.0 bi-turbo diesel delivers excellent pull from a smaller capacity, runs quieter and more economically than many rivals, and fuel use stays around 8–9 litres of diesel per 100 km. The cabin is richly equipped — a big vertical multimedia screen, a full assist package, quality materials — so a long drive is comfortable for driver and passengers alike.

The all-wheel drive and high ground clearance come into their own on Phuket's real routes: turn-offs to wild beaches, dirt tracks washed out by downpours, and steep climbs to viewpoints, the Everest takes them confidently and predictably. The third row seats seven, and folded down it opens a huge cargo area for suitcases and active-holiday gear. The downsides are standard for big SUVs: the size demands care in the narrow lanes of the old town and in tight car parks, and manoeuvring in Patong's dense traffic takes getting used to at first. The typical renter is a family or group of 5–7 who take a do-it-all car for two weeks — for both comfortable highways to Krabi and runs to where the tarmac ends.

Please note: child seats and accessories are not included in the rental price and are provided for an additional fee — please check availability when booking.