Refreshed Ford Equator Sport PHEV Debuts For China

Not to be confused with the rather similar Equator, the Ford Equator Sport debuted in China back in November 2021, adding a sportier and somewhat luxurious crossover for customers in that market. We then got our first look at the refreshed Ford Equator Sport roughly one month ago, along with confirmation that this particular model would be gaining a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time. Now, the updated Ford Equator Sport PHEV has officially debuted, right alongside the regular Equator, which has also received a host of updates for the new model year.

Unlike the regular Equator, the Ford Equator Sport is equipped with seating for five rather than seven, and it looks slightly different on the outside, thanks to some dark trim and other elements. It’s designed to appeal more toward those that have an appreciation for getting outdoors, and features a muscular look with sculpted lines in that regard. The updated Equator Sport now features a redesigned front fascia with an angular hood, an obsidian grille, a trapezoidal bumper, and L-shaped ice-crystal headlights. The 20-inch wheels feature a piano black finish, and there are additional trim pieces sporting that same look at both ends.

The interior of the refreshed Ford Equator Sport PHEV has also been revamped in a number of ways, sporting Nano Gray accents coupled with black, textured carbon details, satin aluminum plated accents, and contrast stitching. Ford also redesigned the crossover’s headrests to provide more support and a plusher feel, with an overall focus on giving the Equator Sport a more modern design inside the cabin.

Perhaps the biggest news pertains to the powertrain present in the new Ford Equator Sport PHEV, which combines the old 1.5L gas engine – generating 148 horsepower on its own – with an electric motor adding an additional 81 horsepower for a combined output of 215 hp. The Equator PHEVs utilize a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, but it’s unclear what sort of capacity or all-electric driving range they’ll offer at the moment. Ford also hasn’t released pricing or launch info for the new Equator and Equator Sport, but we should know much more in the coming weeks and months.