- The refreshed Ford Equator debuts with a plug-in hybrid, offering 362 hp and a 68-mile EV range.
- Design changes feature a wider grille, slimmer taillights, and new 20-inch wheels.
- The updated 3-row SUV model will make its debut at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show.
Ford sprawling lineup of global SUVs includes the Equator, which has just received a mid-cycle update in China, following closely on the heels of the recently introduced, slightly smaller Equator Sport. This latest version of the three-row SUV brings a revamped look and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Originally launched in 2021, the Equator is the product of Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) and was designed at the Ford China Design Center in Shanghai. According to the Blue Oval’s designers, the styling overhaul was inspired by the rising trend of Chinese families heading outdoors for camping trips, which led to the SUV’s so-called “holiday-style” aesthetic.
More: 2025 Ford Equator Sport Gets A Makeover, Ditches Bulky Grille In China
The explanation sounds a bit contrived, but it appears they’re angling for a more adventurous image. That said, the biggest change is the restyled front end, featuring a wider grille, new LED headlights, and slimmer bumper intakes. The new fascia makes it easier to tell the Equator apart from the Equator Sport, which was something of an issue with the previous design. The profile remains mostly the same, though it now features a new set of 20-inch Cyclone alloy wheels and a fresh palette of colors “inspired by nature.”
At the back, the highlight is the slimmer LED taillights with animated graphics and a full-width cluster incorporating an illuminated Equator lettering. Due to the redesigned bumpers, the length of the SUV has grown by 15 mm (0.6 inches), stretching to 4,920 mm (193.7 inches).
Inside, the Equator retains the digital cockpit of its predecessor with dual 12.3-inch screens, which is less impressive than the 27-inch screen found in products of the Changan-Ford joint venture. Still, there is a new design for the front seats, joined by individual second-row seats with reclining backrests and a traditional third-row bench seat. Buyers can choose between dark and light interior themes, featuring Dinamica suede upholstery, and wood grain inserts.
Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
One of the biggest changes is under the hood, where the updated Equator swaps out the old non-electrified 2.0-liter gasoline engine for a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new setup combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor and an 18.4 kWh battery pack. According to local site Sohu, this system produces a combined 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 555 Nm (409 lb-ft) of torque—more than early documents from the Chinese MIIT had led us to expect.
The CATL-sourced lithium iron phosphate battery offers up to 110 km (68 miles) of EV-only CLTC range, expanding the combined range to 1,205 km (749 miles). When connected to a fast charger, the battery can charge from 30 to 80 percent in 14 minutes. It is also compatible with bi-directional charging, serving as a power source for devices and appliances.
The Ford Equator is set to make its first public outing at the 2024 Guangzhou International Auto Show on November 15. Pricing will be announced closer to its market launch in China.
