Remix founder Tim Phin puts the new Ford Everest Active to the test on a rugged weekend escape

For a brief weekend escape, Remix founder Tim Phin loaded up the newly introduced Ford Everest Active and set off toward the rugged black sands of Piha for a dose of wild luxury.

The Everest has firmly established itself as a Kiwi favourite, claiming the crown as New Zealand’s top-selling large SUV for three years running. For the 2026.5 range update, Ford has refined the lineup by introducing the 'Active' trim as the new gateway model, taking over from the outgoing Trend. Positioned to balance bold aesthetic presence with exceptional value, the Active brings high-end refinement to the lineup without compromise, perfect for inspiring exactly the kind of getaway we were looking for.

While winter in Aotearoa can bring unpredictable weather, the Everest turned every mud puddle and wet bush track into an invitation for adventure. Carving through the sweeping turns of Piha Road, the high driving position lends an immediate sense of safety and command. Powered by Ford’s proven 2.0L Turbo engine, it delivers that ideal sweet spot: driving with the comfort and refined handling of an executive vehicle, backed by 3.5 tonnes of towing muscle and genuine go-anywhere capability.

Underneath the sleek exterior—framed by 18-inch alloy wheels, crisp LED headlamps, and stylish privacy glass—lies serious off-road hardware. With selectable drive modes, ranging from 2H for efficient highway cruising to 4H and 4L for steep incline traction, the Everest handles everything from slick mountain driveways to muddy trails leading down to hidden waterfalls. Whether you’re pulling a boat up a slippery ramp, towing jet skis for a summer run, or tackling soft sand and mud, this vehicle transitions at the twist of a dial, a seamless shift.

Inside, the cabin is modern and thoughtful. Up front, you are greeted by leather-accented seating and dual digital displays centred around a massive 12-inch portrait touchscreen, making navigation through the Waitākere Ranges completely effortless. Added standard safety specs like the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System offer total peace of mind when transitioning from sealed roads to rough gravel tracks.

If you haven’t noticed by now, versatility is where the Everest Active truly shines for lifestyle enthusiasts. As a full seven-seater, there’s ample room to pack in the whole family or crew without feeling cramped. Fold the rear seats down, and you have an expansive cargo hold ready for surfboards, weekend duffels, and wet-weather gear. And after a crisp morning spent exploring bush tracks and taking in the misty views above the surf, stepping back into the warm, tech-forward sanctuary of the Everest felt like we were at home.

While the wider Everest lineup steps up to 3.0L V6 power in the Wildtrak, Platinum, Sport (which also comes with a 2.0L engine), and rugged Tremor models, the 2.0L Turbo Active proves that the new entry point into this range is anything but basic. Capable enough to conquer wild coastal roads and stylish enough to make a statement wherever it lands, just a quick trip to Piha was enough to prove that Ford’s Everest Active is the ultimate passport to weekend freedom.

FORD.CO.NZ