2026 Ford Equator Sport

• The 2026 Ford Equator Sport receives a bold front-end redesign and introduces a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.

• The PHEV model combines a 1.5L turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 215 hp.

• Interior enhancements include a new Domino Black and Manuka Tan theme, upgraded materials, and advanced technology features.

Bolder Face, Better Stance

The front end of the 2026 Ford Equator Sport is where things get interesting. It’s not just a facelift — it feels more sculpted. The hood is flatter, crisper. The headlamps are slimmer, tucked in tightly above a blacked-out grille with a clean mesh pattern. It leans into a more athletic stance without trying too hard. Around back, those new L-shaped taillights connect more cleanly across the tailgate, making the SUV look wider. New 20-inch alloys help it fill the arches more confidently.

There are two new paint options too — Cactus Gray and Oasis Green. Neither screams for attention, but both complement the Equator Sport’s more mature design language.

PHEV Joins the Lineup

The big news under the skin is the arrival of a plug-in hybrid model. Ford’s pairing a 1.5-liter turbo-four with an electric motor for a combined output of 215 hp. The combustion engine alone produces 150 hp, and the motor adds another 82 hp into the mix. A lithium iron phosphate battery from CATL provides the juice, but Ford hasn’t confirmed its size or electric-only range just yet.

This move puts the Equator Sport in closer competition with Chinese-market favorites like the BYD Song Plus DM-i, which has been grabbing attention for its balance of EV range and affordability.

Inside, a More Premium Vibe

Ford’s also stepped up the interior — not in a radical way, but enough that you notice. There’s a new color scheme called Domino Black and Manuka Tan. It sounds like a cocktail, but in practice, it’s a smart mix of contrast stitching, faux woodgrain, and matte aluminum trim. The seats have thicker headrests. The textures feel more grown-up.

There’s more tech too — facial recognition, adaptive cruise, automated parking, and a full suite of driver assists. These aren’t industry-firsts, but they help the Equator Sport feel less like the budget option and more like a contender.

Still China-Centric, but Worth Watching

The Equator Sport continues as a China-first product through the Jiangling-Ford joint venture, and it’s sold as the Ford Territory in export markets. No word yet on whether the PHEV will make it to those other regions, but if it does, it’d fill a useful niche between the budget crossover crowd and the more expensive electrified nameplates.

For now, it’s a solid step forward — not flashy, but competent. And in a segment where sameness is the norm, that’s worth something.

Technical Specification

Performance

• Power Output: 170 hp (125 kW)

• Torque: 260 Nm

• Top Speed: 180 km/h

• Acceleration (0–60 km/h): 7.5 seconds
  

Body Measurements

• Length: 4,685 mm (184.4 inches)

• Width: 1,935 mm (76.2 inches)

• Height: 1,706 mm (67.2 inches)

• Wheelbase: 2,726 mm (107.3 inches)
  

Powertrain

• Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged Inline-4

• Transmission: 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

• Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Capacities

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 liters (15.8 gallons)

• Seating Capacity: 5 passengers

• Boot Space: 448 liters (15.8 cubic feet); expands to 1,422 liters (50.2 cubic feet) with rear seats folded

Price

• Starting Price in China: ¥165,500 (approximately $23,412 USD)

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