The Ford Everest has become one of Australia’s most versatile SUVs. It is powerful, spacious, and capable of handling everything from weekday commutes to cross-country adventures. But for many Aussie drivers, the Everest is more than a family SUV. It is a platform to build on, a vehicle that becomes even more capable with the right upgrades.
If you’re planning to turn your Everest into a true adventure machine, a few key accessories can make a world of difference. Here are some of the best aftermarket upgrades in Australia, from suspension lifts to roof racks and off-road lighting.
1. Suspension Lifts: Build a Stronger Foundation
A suspension lift is one of the most transformative upgrades for the Ford Everest. The factory setup is great for everyday driving, but if you plan to explore off-road trails, deeper ruts, or rocky tracks, a lift kit is essential.
A 40mm to 50mm lift is the sweet spot for most Australian drivers. It increases ground clearance and improves approach and departure angles, giving you more confidence on uneven terrain. A good lift also helps manage extra weight from gear, passengers, or towing setups.
Some of the most popular suspension brands among Everest owners include:
- Old Man Emu (OME)
- Ironman 4x4
- Dobinsons
These brands are known for their durability and performance in Australian conditions. Whether you are crossing the red centre or tackling coastal trails, these systems handle heat, corrugation, and dust with ease.
If you often tow a caravan or camper trailer, consider airbag suspension kits or adjustable shocks. These help maintain a level stance and improve handling under heavy load. The result is better comfort, control, and safety on long drives.
2. Roof Racks: Create Space for Every Adventure
Even with its generous cargo space, the Everest can run out of room quickly during long trips. That is where roof racks come in. They free up interior space and let you carry essential gear such as recovery tracks, spare tyres, fuel cans, or even a rooftop tent.
Popular roof rack brands in Australia include:
-
Rhino-Rack
-
Front Runner
-
ARB
The Rhino-Rack Pioneer Platform is a favourite among Everest owners. Its modular design allows you to attach accessories like light bars, awnings, and jerry cans with ease.
When choosing a rack, keep weight in mind. The Everest has a dynamic roof load limit of around 100 kg, which includes the rack itself. Once parked, you can load more for rooftop tents or camping setups but always check your rack and tent specifications to stay within limits.
For daily driving, a low-profile roof rack is ideal because it reduces wind resistance and noise. For touring setups, a full-length rack provides the versatility you need for long journeys across the outback.
3. Off-Road Lights: Brighten Every Night Drive
Australia’s open roads can be unpredictable after dark. Kangaroos, livestock, and unlit stretches can turn a simple night drive into a risky one. Off-road lighting is one of the smartest upgrades for any Everest owner who spends time outside the city.
The stock headlights work fine in town, but they cannot match the reach and clarity of LED light bars and spotlights. Top brands like Lightforce, Stedi, and ARB Intensity offer powerful lighting systems designed for harsh Australian conditions.
Light bars provide a wide, even spread of light that covers the road ahead, while spotlights focus a beam for long-distance visibility. Many drivers install both: a slimline light bar on the roof rack and a pair of spotlights on the bull bar.
When fitting off-road lights, always use a dedicated wiring harness with a relay and switch, ideally connected to your high-beam circuit. Make sure your setup complies with ADR (Australian Design Rules) standards and is aimed correctly to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
4. Other Must-Have Accessories for the Everest
Beyond suspension, roof racks, and lighting, there are a few other upgrades worth considering to get the most from your Ford Everest.
- Bull Bars and Nudge Bars - A bull bar offers protection against animal strikes and minor impacts, especially on country roads. Brands like ARB, Ironman 4x4, and TJM produce heavy-duty bars that double as mounting points for winches, lights, and antennas.
- Snorkel Kits - A snorkel is essential for river crossings and dusty trails. It raises the air intake so your engine breathes clean air, even when conditions get rough. Safari Snorkel and Airtec design kits that fit neatly on the Everest’s bodywork.
- Underbody Protection - Factory plates cover only part of the Everest’s underbody. Upgrading to full bash plates from Rival or ARB shields your sump, transmission, and fuel tank from rocks and debris.
- All-Terrain Tyres - Switching to all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres changes how your Everest grips, corners, and climbs. BFGoodrich, Toyo, and Cooper Tires offer reliable options that balance off-road traction with highway comfort.
- Rear Drawer Systems - If you carry tools, recovery gear, or camping supplies, a drawer system is a game changer. Systems from MSA 4x4 or Drifta provide organized storage, keeping everything secure and easy to reach.
5. How to Build Your Everest for Your Lifestyle
Every driver uses their Everest differently, and the best upgrades depend on your routine. The key is to balance practicality and purpose.
If you spend weekends exploring regional tracks, a modest lift, roof rack, and all-terrain tyres might be all you need. If you’re planning long overland trips or towing a caravan, you will benefit more from a full suspension upgrade, extra lighting, and underbody protection.
Take time to build your setup gradually. Each upgrade should serve a clear function. This approach not only saves money but ensures your Everest grows with your experience as a driver.
6. Why These Upgrades Work Best in Australia
Australia’s landscape is unique. You can drive from coastal highways to red desert tracks in a single day. That kind of variety demands gear that is as tough and adaptable as the country itself.
The best aftermarket parts for the Ford Everest are designed specifically for these conditions. Suspension kits are tuned for corrugation and heat. Roof racks are tested for high winds and heavy loads. Off-road lights are engineered to handle vibration and dust.
By choosing locally proven brands, you are not just upgrading your SUV, you are investing in reliability, safety, and comfort for years to come.
Upgrading the Ford Everest is about more than looks. Each accessory adds value, performance, and purpose. Whether you want a smoother ride on corrugated roads, extra storage for long trips, or better visibility on dark highways, these upgrades help unlock what the Everest was built for, freedom and capability.
A suspension lift, roof rack, and quality lighting setup form the core of a truly capable off-roader. Combine them with smart additions like underbody protection and all-terrain tyres, and your Everest becomes ready for anything from weekend getaways to full cross-country adventures.
Your build should reflect how you live and travel. Once you find that balance, the Ford Everest turns from a strong SUV into your ultimate companion on the road.
