Ford’s 2025 Equator gets revamp, gets plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid SUV has an all-electric driving range of 110 kilometers (68 miles) and can also use the battery to power external devices

Ford’s vast global SUV lineup includes the Equator, which follows the recently launched slightly smaller Equator Sport and has just received a mid-cycle refresh in China. This latest version of the three-row SUV brings a new look and is available for the first time with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Originally launched in 2021, the Equator is a joint venture between Ford and Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) and is designed at the Ford China Design Center in Shanghai. According to the designers of the Blue Oval, this styling transformation was inspired by the rise of outdoor camping trips among Chinese families, which also created the so-called “resort style” aesthetic of this SUV.

More: 2025 Ford Equator Sport gets revamp, ditches bulky grille in China

This explanation sounds a bit contrived, but it looks like they were going for a more adventurous image. That said, the biggest change is the redesigned front end, which features a wider grille, new LED headlights and slimmer bumper air scoops. The new dashboard makes it easier to distinguish the Equator from the Equator Sport, which was an issue with the previous design. The exterior remains largely unchanged, but now features a new set of 20-inch Cyclone alloy wheels and a fresh color palette “inspired by nature”.

Highlights at the rear are slim LED taillights with animated graphics and full-width light clusters with illuminated Equator lettering. Thanks to redesigned bumpers, the SUV’s length has increased by 15 mm (0.6 inches) to 4,920 mm (193.7 inches).

In terms of interior, the Equator retains the digital cockpit of the previous generation product, equipped with dual 12.3-inch screens, which is less impressive than the 27-inch screens in Changan Ford joint venture products. Still, the front seats have a new design, including individual second-row seats with reclining backrests and a traditional third-row bench. Buyers can choose between dark and light interior themes, with Dinamica suede upholstery and woodgrain inserts.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain

One of the biggest changes is under the hood, where the updated Equator replaces the old, non-electrified 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a plug-in hybrid system. The new unit combines a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, an electric motor and an 18.4 kWh battery pack. The system produces 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 555 Nm (409 lb-ft) of torque, exceeding expectations in early documents from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, local website Sohu reports.

Lithium iron phosphate batteries produced by CATL can provide a pure electric CLTC range of up to 110 kilometers (68 miles), extending the combined range to 1,205 kilometers (749 miles). When connected to a fast charger, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in 14 minutes. It is also compatible with two-way charging as a power source for devices and appliances.

Ford Equator will make its public debut at the 2024 Guangzhou International Auto Show on November 15. Pricing will be announced closer to China launch.