Forbidden Fruits: 3 Awesome Ford SUVs That You Can't Buy In The United States

Aug 04, 2023

Ford has a wide array of crossovers and SUVs in its global lineup and here are three stand out models for 2023

As one of the most prominent American automakers of all time, Ford really began its SUV journey in the United States when it introduced the OG Bronco back in 1966. The following decades saw the introduction of other prominent SUV models like the Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Edge, and the mighty Excursion.

But beyond U.S. shores, the automaker has also focussed on building and expanding its portfolio in other markets like China, Europe, and Australia. Keeping that in mind, here’s a close look at three amazing SUVs from the blue oval's global lineup, that isn't offered Stateside.

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Developed for the Asia-Pacific region and produced in Thailand, the Everest is a body-on-frame SUV that is one of Ford's top-selling vehicles in markets like Australia, and the Philippines. Now in its third generation, the Everest is based on the same T6 platform that underpins the Ranger pick-up truck. and the Brono. Available in 4 trims - Ambiente, Trend, Sport, and Platinum, the Everest shares a lot of the design cues with the Ranger, more specifically the front fascia. Wheel sizes start at 17 inches on the base Ambiente trim, going up to 21-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec Platinum trim. The rear end of the SUV features a set of neat-looking horizontal taillights which are connected by a LED lightbar.

The Everest’s interior is also similar to that of the Ranger and features equipment like a 10.1-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster on lower trims. Meanwhile, higher trims benefit from a larger 12-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system is powered by Ford’s latest SYNC4 system that debuted on the F-150 and Mustang Mach-E and also packs in a 360-degree camera for added convenience and safety.

Coming to engines, the Everest gets a mix of turbo-diesel units that include a 3.0-liter V-6 and a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with a single or dual turbo depending on the trim. Transmission options include a 6-speed or a 10-speed automatic. The Everest will also get the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine this year that also powers global models like the Mustang, Bronco, and Ranger. Moreover, the Ranger-based SUV is likely to get a hybrid powertrain with a Raptor version on the horizon.

RELATED: Why The Ford Edge L Is Better Than An Explorer

The Edge L is a three-row SUV that’s only available in the Chinese market and is more akin to the Explorer that’s currently sold in the U.S. It is vastly different from the Edge crossover that was first introduced in 2007, with the second generation coming along in 2015 that received an eventual facelift in 2019. With the production of the US-spec Edge soon coming to a close, the Edge L definitely excels in every aspect over the former.

The overall sporty look of the Edge L is thanks to elements like the large front grille with inverted L-shaped headlights on either end and air intakes on the lower half of the bumper. The ‘L’ badge is placed on the unique window fin element at the C-pillar and due to the roof being black, it gives off a floating effect. Like most SUVs these days, there’s a light bar that connects the blackened LED tail lights at the rear.

Complimenting the exterior is the rather premium interior which consists of a large dual-screen setup that runs along the dashboard and is positioned atop the neatly-integrated AC vents. Along with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 27-inch touchscreen, the Edge L boasts of features like a heads-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. As mentioned previously, the Edge L has a three-row cabin with captain seats in the middle and can comfortably seat up to seven passengers with ease.

Powering the Edge L are a choice of two engine options, a gas-only 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that puts out 248 horsepower and 279 pound-feet of torque and a hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that develops 271 horsepower and 299 pound-feet of torque. Both versions get an all-wheel drive setup and Ford claims that the hybrid version can offer around 37mpg.

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The final model on the list is the Ford Territory, a shorter two-row version of the Equator SUV that’s made by Ford and JMC’s joint venture for the Chinese market. Named the Equator Sport in China and the Territory for other global export markets, the compact crossover SUV is now in its second generation. Rivaling the likes of the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 in terms of size, the Territory’s front fascia bears resemblance to the new Taurus sedan that’s also not sold in the US.

Design elements include the large front grille that’s complimented by the lightbar that connects the L-shaped LED DRL, headlamps on the lower half of the bumper along with the faux silver skid plate. Wheels sizes start at 18 inches on the base trim going up to 19 inches on the top-spec trim and the side profile of the SUV has highlights like the prominent wheel arches, chrome door handles, and a strong shoulder line. The rear of the SUV hosts the rather simple-looking L-shaped LED taillights, prominent ‘Territory’ badging, and faux silver elements on the rear diffuser.

Like the latest Ford models, the Territory also has a rather premium interior with plenty of tech features such as the dual 12.0-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and driver assistance systems. The overall cabin has a clean layout courtesy of the aircon vents that are seamlessly integrated within the dashboard and rotary-style drive selector.

The Territory gets two turbocharged engine options, a 1.5-liter and a 1.8-liter Ecoboost unit, the latter of which is available only in select markets. Both engines have been paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard, with the 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder putting out 158 horsepower and 182.9 pound-feet of torque and the 1.8-liter unit developing 190 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

That wraps up our list of three-awesome SUVs from Ford's global portfolio that isn't offered in the United States. As a brand that is now solely focusing its efforts on selling SUVs (with the exception of the Mustang), these models certainly pack what's needed to be part of the brand's U.S. model lineup. Ford must have its reasons for not bringing them over, but it certainly gave us a chance to see what the Ford is doing elsewhere.

A penchant for all things on four wheels and tonnes of research pertaining to evolution of automotive technologies.