Ford has officially revealed an updated version of the Taurus sedan for the Middle East and a handful of other international markets, signaling the continuation of the nameplate outside North America. The latest refresh closely follows the design changes recently introduced on the Chinese-market 2026 Mondeo, which debuted toward the end of November. However, Ford has chosen not to carry over every update wholesale. Notably, the Middle Eastern Taurus does without the expansive, full-width dashboard screen featured in the Chinese model. In addition, while the refreshed Mondeo received modest powertrain enhancements, the Taurus retains its existing engine options without any performance upgrades.
For buyers in the Middle East, the Taurus is offered with two drivetrain choices. The standard gasoline version uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 239 horsepower and 382 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid alternative is also available, combining a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine rated at 185 horsepower with an electric motor delivering 64 horsepower. This setup is mated to a continuously variable transmission. Across the entire lineup, front-wheel drive remains the sole drivetrain configuration.
Although Ford discontinued traditional four-door sedans in North America—ending Taurus production at its Chicago plant in 2019—the badge continues to live on elsewhere. Markets such as China and the Middle East have maintained strong demand for midsize sedans, prompting Ford to continue developing and updating these models overseas. The Mondeo introduced in China in 2022 is now receiving a mid-cycle refresh that includes sharper exterior styling, updated technology, and slightly more powerful engines. Many of those improvements are now being echoed in the Middle Eastern Taurus.
Visually, the facelift centers on updates to both the front and rear of the car. The redesigned headlights feature cleaner shapes and modern LED signatures, giving the sedan a more aggressive appearance that draws subtle inspiration from the four-door Mustang. These new lighting units flank a wider grille, which is paired with a more athletic lower air intake. While the side profile remains largely unchanged, customers can choose from revised wheel designs and an expanded range of exterior colors. At the rear, the Taurus receives updated taillight graphics and a reworked bumper accented with black trim and a body-colored diffuser. Overall proportions remain the same, with the sedan measuring 4,935 mm in length and riding on a 2,945 mm wheelbase.
Inside the cabin, the overall layout is largely carried over, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a prominent 27-inch infotainment display mounted on the dashboard. Despite the familiar hardware, the system now runs Ford’s next-generation SYNC+ software, powered by the more advanced Snapdragon 8155 processor. According to Ford, this upgrade delivers a smoother user experience, a refreshed interface, and improved voice recognition functionality. The center console has also been revised, now offering dual wireless charging pads and redesigned cupholders, while physical control buttons have been repositioned beneath the climate vents for easier access.
Meanwhile, the Chinese-market Mondeo continues to be offered with both gasoline and hybrid powertrains, though its engines now deliver slightly higher outputs. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 193 horsepower, while the 2.0-liter EcoBoost generates 257 horsepower. The hybrid version offers a combined output of 284 horsepower. All Mondeo variants remain front-wheel drive, with gasoline models using an eight-speed automatic and hybrids paired with a CVT.
The updated Mondeo is built in China by the Changan Ford joint venture, with pricing details expected to be announced soon. It remains unclear whether Ford will apply similar updates to the Mondeo Sport, a mechanically related five-door fastback crossover formerly known as the Evos. Recent teaser images have also shown the refreshed Taurus for the Middle East, which is primarily distinguished by unique rear badging and a more restrained interior screen setup