Dual-screen arrangements give off a Mercedes vibe.
Similar to Volkswagen and its Chinese joint ventures, which have resulted in a huge lineup of vehicles, Ford also collaborates with local automakers in People’s Republic to create unique vehicles that you won’t find anywhere else. The Blue Oval’s CN portfolio has a new member, the Equator. It is a three-row SUV that was developed by the Jiangling/Ford joint venture.
The Equator, which is painted in striking rose with matching interior accents and is slightly larger than the Ranger-based Everest, but it’s still smaller than the Explorer. It measures 4,905 millimeters (193.1 in) in length, 1,930mm (76 in), and 1,755mm (69.1in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,865mm (112.8 in).
The unibody Equator was designed to compete with the China-only Jeep Grand Commander. It features a split headlight design and large taillights. The front grille is a mix of chrome and glossy black accents. There are also silver skid plates at both the front and back for that rugged SUV look.
The Equator’s large greenhouse suggests a spacious interior. The Equator comes with six seats and a pair of 12.3 inch Mercedes-like screens. The cabin features wood trim, as well as a floating center console and individual armrests for middle-row seats.
It’s tempting to think that the large footprint and dual exhaust tips indicate that there is a V8 or V6 under the hood. The high taxes in China on large-displacement engines mean that the Ford Equator must use a turbocharged, 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The EcoBoost produces 221 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet (356 Newton-meters) of torque. It is channeled to the front wheels via a six speed, dual-clutch automated transmission.
Jiangling-Ford’s choice of name is intriguing considering that there have been two namesake concepts in the past, one in 2000 for a more expensive F-150 and another in 2005 to show off an Asian Escape. Suzuki enthusiasts will recall that there was also an Equator midsize pickup truck. This was essentially a Nissan Frontier rebadged by Nissan.
The new Equator will be available in China by Ford starting March 28th. There is little chance that the SUV will be sold elsewhere.