The Chinese-built Ford Taurus and Mondeo sedans receive sharper styling and updated tech, but they remain off-limits for American buyers
Update: After a steady run of teasers earlier this year, Ford has officially unveiled the refreshed Taurus for the Middle East and select other markets. While the exterior changes closely mirror those introduced on the Chinese-market 2026 Mondeo we saw in late November, Ford has opted not to include the larger screen that stretches nearly the full width of the dashboard in that version.
Furthermore, while the Chinese-market Ford Mondeo received a modest power increase as part of its facelift, the Taurus continues with its existing powertrain setup.
In the Middle East, the sedan is offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 239 horsepower (178 kW) and 282 lb-ft (382 Nm ), paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
A hybrid version is also available, combining a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 185 hp with a 64-horsepower electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive remains standard across the range.
Original story continues below.
Ford’s North American lineup hasn’t included a traditional four-door since the last Taurus rolled off the Chicago production line in 2019, but the name isn’t quite extinct. While the brand has retired sedans in its home market, China and a few other select markets around the world appear to have missed the memo.
More: Ford Evos Crossover Becomes The Mondeo Sport In China And Goes Hybrid-Only
The Mondeo that was introduced in China in 2022, is getting a mid-lifecycle update bringing crispier styling, new software, and slightly more powerful engines. Those updates will soon be mirrored by the Taurus that is offered in the Middle East.
What’s New?
The most notable visual updates are focused on the front and rear ends. The new headlights are shaped more cleanly and framed by contemporary LED graphics, lending it a stronger resemblance to a four-door Mustang.
The fresh lighting units flank a broader grille connected to a sportier lower bumper intake. The sculpted profile is largely carried over, although buyers have access to updated wheel designs and additional color choices.
More: Ford’s Electrified Bronco Arrives In China With A Pop Up Roof Surprise
Around the back, a redesigned tail section introduces more modern taillight graphics and a tweaked bumper fitted with black trim and a body-colored diffuser. Dimensions remain unchanged with a length of 4,935 mm (194.2 inches) and a wheelbase of 2945 mm (115.9 inches).
What’s New Inside?
At first glance, the interior appears to be carried over, with the same 12.3-inch digital instrument and 27-inch infotainment proudly sitting on the dashboard.
However, the cockpit now runs on the next generation of the SYNC+ software and is powered by the newer Snapdragon 8155 chip. Ford promises a fresh interface, smoother operation, and an improved voice assistant.
The floating center console has also been redesigned with dual wireless charging pads, and new cupholders. Finally, the physical buttons have been relocated under the climate vents.
Slightly More Powerful
The facelifted Mondeo remains available in gasoline and hybrid forms. However, the engines have been upgraded offering slightly increased outputs.
The base turbo 1.5-liter makes 193 hp (144 kW / 196 PS), the turbo 2.0-liter EcoBoost produces 257 hp (192 kW / 261 PS), while the hybrid option generates a combined 284 hp (212 kW / 288 PS). All of the Mondeo trims are FWD, with the gasoline using an eight-speed auto and the hybrid employing a CVT.
The updated Mondeo is manufacture in China by the Changan Ford joint venture. Pricing will be announced soon. For now, it remains unclear whether Ford will extend the same updates to the Mondeo Sport, the mechanically related five-door crossover fastback formerly known as the Evos.
Earlier teasers have also shown the facelifted Taurus for the Middle East, distinguished mainly by different badging at the rear and smaller screens inside.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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