Ford has officially launched the minor-change Taurus for the Middle East and select markets. The exterior redesign closely resembles the previously revealed Chinese-market 2026 Mondeo, but Ford did not adopt the special ultra-wide display that stretches almost the entire dashboard for this Taurus model.

The key updates focus on the front and rear lighting. The new headlights are sharper and cleaner, featuring modern LED graphics that give the sedan a stronger resemblance to a four-door Mustang. The grille is wider and linked to a sportier lower bumper intake. The side profile remains largely unchanged, though new wheel designs and additional exterior color options have been introduced. At the rear, the taillight graphics have been modernized, and the bumper has been reshaped with black trim and a body-colored diffuser. The dimensions remain the same, measuring 4,935 mm in length and 2,945 mm in wheelbase, with no changes to overall size.

Inside, the cabin layout is carried over with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 27-inch infotainment screen. However, the software and processing hardware have been upgraded to next-generation SYNC+ powered by the Snapdragon 8155 chip. Ford states that the new interface is easier to use, delivers smoother performance, and features a smarter voice assistant. The floating center console has also been redesigned, now offering dual wireless charging pads and new cupholder placement, while the physical controls have been relocated beneath the climate vents.

For powertrains, the Middle East-spec Taurus retains its existing engine options and does not receive the output bump applied to the Chinese facelifted Mondeo. The primary engine remains a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline unit producing 239 hp and 382 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive continues as standard across the range. The hybrid model is still offered, using a 1.5-liter turbo engine making 185 hp combined with a 64-hp electric motor, routed through a CVT and also driving the front wheels.

In China, the facelifted Mondeo receives upgraded engines, including a 1.5-liter turbo producing 193 hp, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost generating 257 hp, and a hybrid system with a total combined output of 284 hp. All Mondeo trims remain front-wheel drive, with gasoline models using an 8-speed automatic and hybrids using a CVT. The vehicle is built in China under the Changan-Ford joint venture, and pricing details are expected soon. It is not yet confirmed whether the same updates will extend to related models such as the Mondeo Sport or the five-door fastback crossover previously known as the Evos.

Source: Carscoops