Instead of the Explorer being a true SUV like it once was, it's now a crossover built on the same platform as the Taurus. You can blame America's love affair with crossovers for this one. Or you can stop being a whiny bitch and go to Australia and check out the all-new seven-seat SUV that's truly capable of going offroad. Presenting the Ford Everest, an Australian-developed (Read: kick-ass) SUV that's based on a stretched version of the global Ford Ranger. Global, as in just about everywhere except the US.

Ford will offer the Everest, according to its local market, with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines, ranging from a 2.0-liter turbo-four EcoBoost to a pair of turbo diesels – a 2.2-liter four and a 3.2-liter five-cylinder. As of now, no larger gasoline engine is planned. The latter two are also available in the Ranger and all, in the case of the Everest, are paired exclusively to a standard six-speed automatic gearbox. Both two- and four-wheel drive versions will be sold. Manufactured in Thailand, the Everest also comes with power-folding third-row seats, smartphone connectivity, Ford's SYNC, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen.

For offroading purposes, buyers will be treated to Ford's four-wheel drive Terrain Management System to adjust settings on the fly. Ford also claims a "class-leading" ground clearance of 225 mm (8.85 inches). In Australia, the Everest's main competitors will be the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Prado (the local market Land Cruiser). Sales are expected to get underway shortly.