Find the best road trip vehicle for you

From Ranger to F-150 and Everest

Planning a road trip is almost as exciting as the trip itself. Choosing the right vehicle can make all the difference once you hit the road. Whether you’re towing a caravan, packing up the family or heading off on a last-minute long weekend, having the right setup can shape the entire experience.

To help break it down, we spoke with Lionel Santoso, Marketing Communications Manager - Commercial Vehicles from Ford Australia about three of their most popular 4WD options in Australia. The Ford Ranger, Ford Everest and Ford F-150 each cater to different styles of travel, from everyday driving through to big lap adventures.

Here is how they compare, and which one might suit your next BIG4 getaway.

Built for Aussie roads

Australia does not do one-size-fits-all when it comes to road trips. You might go from smooth highways to gravel tracks in a single day, so versatility really matters.

That's where the Ranger, Everest and F-150 each play their part.

‘The Ford Ranger has always set the standard for capability and versatility, with design and engineering in Australia helping Aussies tackle the weekday work and the weekend adventure,’ a Lionel explains.

Practicality is a big part of that appeal, with a sizeable tub and strong 4x4 capability making it an easy choice for travellers carrying gear.

If towing is high on your list, the F-150 naturally fits the brief. With up to 4.5-tonne towing capacity and helpful features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, it is designed to make handling larger caravans or boats far less stressful.

The Everest sits comfortably in between, combining off-road capability with a more family-focused interior with oodles of cabin space. With seating for up to seven, it’s built for longer trips where comfort matters just as much as capability.

Ute or SUV: Choose what suits you

For many travellers, the first decision is not the model, but the style of 4WD you want. Do you go with a ute or an SUV?

It really comes down to how you spend most of your time on the road.

‘If you are travelling with a larger family or group and want to be together in one vehicle, the Everest would be the preferred option,’ Lionel says. Having everyone in one shared space can make a big difference on longer journeys.

On the other hand, utes tend to suit more gear-heavy trips. ‘If your holidays involve activities like camping, surfing, mountain biking or fishing, a ute like the Ranger or F-150 is a better fit.’

In simple terms, if people and comfort come first, lean SUV. If gear, flexibility and a bit of mess come with the trip, a ute is often the better call.

Towing made easier

For many BIG4 guests, towing is part of the journey. Whether it is a camper trailer, caravan or boat, confidence on the road is key.

Ford has built a lot of its thinking around making towing feel more manageable. Across the Ranger, Everest and F-150, features like dedicated tow modes help adjust gear shifting and engine braking automatically.

‘Our vehicles are built to do the heavy lifting, making journeys safe and effortless,’ a Lionel says.

Systems like Trailer Sway Control also add an extra layer of confidence by helping keep things stable when conditions change.

At the heavier end, the F-150 leans further into towing support. ‘Tow/Haul Mode helps optimise gear shifts and uses engine braking when needed, reducing wear on your brakes,’ they explain. It’s the kind of feature that really comes into its own on long highway stretches or hilly sections.

Avoiding common towing mistakes

Even with the right vehicle, towing comes with a learning curve, especially if it is your first time.

One of the biggest adjustments is understanding how much it changes your driving. ‘Towing completely changes your vehicle’s driving dynamics,’ Lionel says.

Speed is a common culprit. ‘Driving at slightly lower speeds increases your reaction time and reduces the risk of trailer sway.’ It might feel slower in the moment, but it makes for a much safer and more relaxed trip overall.

Preparation is just as important. Knowing your towing limits, understanding your payload and making sure weight is evenly distributed can prevent most common issues before they start.

It’s not about overthinking it, but a bit of planning goes a long way once you are on the road.

Comfort that goes the distance

When you are covering serious kilometres, comfort quickly moves from a nice-to-have to a must-have.

Ford’s approach is to make the cabin feel more like a shared space than just somewhere to sit. ‘We treat the cabin like a living room on wheels,’ Lionel says, pointing to features like multiple charging points, climate zones and integrated tech.

The in-car tech also helps make long days feel shorter. Large centre screens with navigation and entertainment keep things simple, while driver assist systems like Blind Spot Information and Driver Alert help reduce fatigue over time.

It all adds up to a more relaxed drive, especially on those longer legs between destinations.

Matching your vehicle to your trip

Every road trip looks a little different, and your destination can play a big role in choosing the right vehicle.

Heading off the beaten track? The Ranger and Everest both have the capability to tackle rougher terrain with confidence.

Sticking to coastal towns and well-travelled routes? The Everest offers a nice balance of comfort and capability, especially for families.

Planning a big towing trip across multiple states? That’s where the F-150 comes into its own, particularly for caravanners covering long distances on highways.

‘It really comes down to how you like to explore,’ Lionel says.

A simple way to choose

If you are still weighing things up, it can help to picture your ideal trip.

• Ford Everest: Great for family holidays, longer stays and trips where comfort is a priority 
• Ford Ranger: Suits active travellers who want flexibility for gear and off-road exploring 
• Ford F-150: Best for serious towing and long-distance touring, particularly for caravanners

Each one can handle a road trip; it just depends on what kind of road trip you are planning.

Your 4WD and BIG4

There’s a reason road trips and holiday parks continue to go hand in hand. They offer flexibility, value and a sense of freedom that’s hard to beat.

‘Road trips and holiday parks embody the classic Aussie spirit of adventure, connection and freedom,’ Lionel says.

Whether you are planning a quick coastal escape or a full lap of the country, having the right vehicle helps you make the most of every stop along the way.

Wherever you are heading next, from beachside stays to outback adventures, choosing between the Ranger, Everest and F-150 comes down to how you like to travel. Get that right, and the journey becomes just as memorable as the destination.

Why not book in a test drive and try out these Ford 4WDs for yourself and see which one is right for you?