Ford Taurus sedan overseas Sales Anchor Volume in the Middle East
Ford took its lower-riding vehicles out of the American market in 2018, leaving customers looking for traditional body styles with few options. However, the Ford Taurus sedan overseas is still very much alive and well, thriving in markets like the Middle East and China. This modern, midsize sedan, which is essentially the same car as the Mondeo sold in China, serves as the spiritual successor to the Fusion.
The current Taurus is the bestseller in the Middle East and ranks among the top five fastest-growing brands in regions like Saudi Arabia. It’s a testament to the fact that while the U.S. sedan market is fading, demand for traditional body styles remains incredibly strong elsewhere.
Here is a look at the impressive features and specs America is missing out on.
Powertrain Options
The Ford Taurus sedan overseas (which measures similarly to a Camry or Accord) is offered with three distinct powertrain options, including an efficient hybrid variant. All models utilize front-wheel drive (FWD) and are paired with either an 8-speed automatic or a planetary eCVT.
| Powertrain | Engine Type | Horsepower (Max) | Torque (Max) | Efficiency Note |
| Base | 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I4 | 188 hp | 190 lb-ft | Entry-level model. |
| Performance | 2.0L EcoBoost Turbo I4 | Up to 251 hp (China Spec) | 291 lb-ft | Strong performance rivaling a V6. |
| Hybrid | 1.5L E Hybrid | 205 hp (Combined) | 173 lb-ft (Electric Motor) | Offers substantial fuel savings. |
The Tech Divide: 27-Inch Screens
While the Middle East-spec Taurus comes well-equipped (including an 8-inch digital cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen), the Chinese-market Mondeo pushes the digital boundary further.
- 27-Inch 4K Infotainment Display: Higher-spec Mondeo trims feature a massive 27-inch 4K screen spanning the width of the dashboard, paired with a 13.2-inch gauge cluster. This setup effectively eliminates most physical buttons and is an impressive piece of technology not offered on any current Ford model in the US.
- Design Cues: The sedan’s styling features clear design links to other Ford products, including a roofline hinting at the Fusion and a rear design nodding toward the Mustang.
Why No U.S. Comeback?
Despite the strong performance and sales of the Ford Taurus sedan overseas, the chances of it staging an American comeback are slim to none. Ford’s current strategy is focused entirely on doubling down on highly profitable SUVs and trucks, which have driven record sales numbers. Given that Fusion sales had dwindled to a trickle before its discontinuation, Ford has little financial incentive to reintroduce a midsize sedan in the US, even one as technically competitive and well-appointed as the new Taurus/Mondeo.
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