New Ford Equator Seven-Seat SUV Coming To China In Q1 2021

It appears that China is getting an all-new, seven-seat SUV called the Ford Equator, as a few details and pictures of the big utility have been released by Car News China. The Equator will be produced at the Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited (JMC)-Ford joint venture, and is scheduled to launch in Q1 of 2021.

The Ford Equator is slated to compete with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Commander and Toyota Highlander in China, and measures in at 4,905 mm (193 inches) long, 1,930 mm (76 inches) wide, and 1,755 mm (69 inches) tall, with a 2,865 mm (113 inches) wheelbase.

The Equator will be powered exclusively by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder of unknown origin, which will deliver 221 horsepower in this application. Buyers will get their choice of either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, as well as rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The styling of the new Ford Equator is rather unique, starting up front with a pair of slim LED daytime running lights framing small headlights. There is a rather large upper front grille, along with a lower grille, framed by a pair of fog lights.

Out back, the Equator has LED taillights with a light bar connecting them, which is a popular design trend these days. Large “Equator” script lies below Ford’s Blue Oval badge, and there are dual tailpipes protruding from the bottom of the bumper. Overall styling is somewhat similar to the Ford Territory, which was produced in Australia until 2016.

In China, the joint venture between Jiangling and Ford builds the Ford Transit van, Everest SUV, Tourneo multi-purpose vehicle, and Territory crossover for the Ford brand. The joint venture also assembles pickups, SUVs, vans, and light and heavy-duty trucks for the JMC brand.

We’ll have much more on the new Ford Equator model as soon as it’s available, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for around-the-clock Ford news coverage.