The joint venture of Ford with Jiangling has introduced the updated Equator Sport in China. This launch comes just three years after the original version's debut. The new model not only features a refreshed exterior to match modern design trends but also plans to offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option in the near future.
This vehicle is known as Territory in markets outside China and is essentially a shorter, sportier version of the Equator. Both vehicles have recently appeared on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China's list, and now the Equator has officially debuted on the Jiangling Ford website ahead of its market launch.
One of the most notable features of the updated version is the new front design. A black piece connects the new LED headlights to the bumper openings, replacing the large grille found in the previous model. The side and rear door remain unchanged, but the rear now features a more simplified design. Ford has also introduced new wheel options, including 20-inch wheels, alongside two new exterior colors: Wilderness Green and Cactus Gray.
The updated SUV is slightly longer, measuring 4685 mm, which is 55 mm more than the previous version. The remaining dimensions, including a 2726 mm wheelbase, remain unchanged.
Interior updates are less pronounced, with the new trim options being the most significant change. The Equator Sport retains its dual 12.3-inch digital displays but now features an upgraded sound system consisting of 10 speakers. In comparison, other Ford models in China, such as the Evos, Mondeo, and Explorer, have larger and more impressive 27-inch displays.
The vehicle will come with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine that delivers 168 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. Power is exclusively sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In addition to the non-electrified version, Ford will soon introduce a hybrid version that provides 215 horsepower with a CATL battery. The company has not yet announced the pricing of the vehicle, but the price range for the current version is between $18,100 and $23,500.
