Those eager to purchase a Ford Escape PHEV or Corsair Grand Touring have been waiting for quite some time now to do so, enduring several delays along the way. However, according to sources familiar with Ford’s production schedule, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV is now scheduled to enter production on May 3rd. Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring production will begin the following week, on May 10th.
This is all tentative of course, and is still subject to change, especially in light of the ongoing global semiconductor chip shortage that has crippled Ford’s production in recent months. That includes the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant, where 11,700 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair models were recently cut as a direct result of the shortage, which is expected to impact production at least through the end of 2021.
The Escape PHEV and Corsair Grand Touring were originally revealed in 2019, and in July of 2020, Lincoln confirmed to Ford Authority that the Grand Touring was still slated to launch in 2020. One month later, we reported that the plug-in hybrids were scheduled to enter production in November. In October, Ford Escape PHEV and Corsair Grand Touring production were pushed back again because of the Kuga PHEV’s stop-sale and recall in Europe before it was moved to April 5th, and later, April 6th, followed by April 12th.
When it launches, the Escape PHEV will be powered by Ford’s 2.5L iVCT Atkinson-Cycle I-4. That traditional gas powerplant is paired with a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a liquid-cooled, 14.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery to produce a combined targeted output of 209 horsepower, which flows to the front wheels through an electronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
When running strictly on gasoline, the Escape PHEV carries an EPA-estimated rating of 41 miles per gallon, or an EPA-estimated all-electric fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe combined, which is best-in-class. The Escape PHEV will travel up to 37 miles on battery power alone, too.
The Corsair Grand Touring (PHEV) is powered by the same traditional gas powerplant as the Escape PHEV but features a higher combined output of 266 horsepower. That gas/electric powerplant combination is mated exclusively to Lincoln’s PowerSplit electric continuously variable transmission and electric all-wheel-drive.
As we previously reported, the 2021 Ford Escape PHEV in base SE trim will carry a starting MSRP of $32,650. Stepping up to the SEL trim will cost buyers at least $35,510, while the range-topping Titanium starts out at $38,585. This Ford Escape PHEV pricing does not include a $1,245 destination and delivery fee, however. Meanwhile, the Corsair Grand Touring will start out at $50,390.
We’ll have more on the Escape PHEV and Corsair Grand Touring soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Escape news, Lincoln news, Lincoln Corsair news, and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
Someone needs to explain and detail the difference between the Ford and Lincoln electronic transmissions. Also why does the Lincoln have 266HP while the Ford comes in at 209? The Lincoln range of 26 miles on a usable 11 kWh (out of 14.4) battery pack is pretty lame/jpoor while the Ford gets 39. More details are needed.
It is the same transmission in the Lincoln and Ford. The Lincoln has the extra 57hp because it is AWD and that is implemented by the addition of a motor to drive the rear wheels. I’m guessing it is a 57hp motor but it could be bigger and the battery output is the limiting factor in total system HP.
A third motor to power the rear wheels? Ford sold that patent to Toyota in 2004 as part of their ability to gain access to the Toyota hybrid system. Is there a link showing a third motor in the lincoln?
Lincoln.com
Are we sure that May 3rd is still right? Because my dealership said that it has been delayed to May 31st…. who’s right?
Has your dealer told you any more about when they expect to start producing these?
My C-Max has only 140,000 miles. I can wait and wait and wait to upgrade. But by then my choice may be full electric.
FYI, the shop.lincoln.com website has now activated the “Build & Price” tool for the Corsair Grand Touring (PHEV) model, describing and pricing the trim levels and options available. It also says “Vehicles are built to order and available for delivery in 6-8 weeks.” Apparently this last statement might not be entirely accurate.
Am I reading this right. The Corsair PHEV can be gotten with electronic AWD but the Escape cannot. This is a big deal. I am interested in the Escape PHEV but not if AWD is not available.
I don’t know how the Escape PHEV can compete against the RAV4 PHEV Prime without electronic AWD availability.
You are correct they are sticking the AWD on your PHEV CUV behind the Lincoln paywall, at least for now. There is no reason they couldn’t do AWD on the Ford they just choose to force you into a Lincoln if you want that. I’ve been waiting for these as a replacement for the wife’s C-Max Energi and I would pay for AWD on the Escape. Unfortunately moving up to the Lincoln takes away my state’s sales tax benefit due to the base price being above the cut off point.
It does create an interesting situation vs the RAV-4 Prime. Toyota puts the plug behind the AWD paywall to increase profits while Ford puts the AWD behind the Lincoln paywall to increase profits.
I would jump ship on FORD and go for the Toyota RAV 4 Prime…However, Toyota says they will not be selling the RAV 4 Prime in Idaho in 2021. I am still going to try to wait patiently for the FORD Escape PHEV….although I am really disappointed it is NOT AWD. If FORD does not deliver in 2021 I will give up on FORD…..SAD from a FORD guy for over 50 years.
Only 20k Rav4 Primes for sale in 2021. Dealer markup often exists. Rav4 prime has a 3rd motor generator powering the rear wheels which also capture more costing braking energy then a vehicle with only 2 motor generators. Rav4 prime can also be had with the 6.6 kW on board charger while Ford is only 3.3blike in my CMax Energi.
No AWD! I guess we’re done with the Escape then. Sad…
The main choice I faced was going over to NJ to get the RAV4 Prime with AWD or spend 11k less for the Escape Titanium PHEV. Given my C-Max has had no issues in the snow and the relatively mild winter weather in recent years in SE PA, AWD is not really necessary for us. So, I placed an order for an Escape Titanium PHEV for my wife last week. My only gripe is you can only get the heads up display with the Titanium Package which includes the sun roof. But we need a roof rack which means the Titanium Package is not an option. Toyota makes the heads up display standard on all Prime models.
I hope May 3 is right, but I don’t see anything about it having started production in their newsletter, so I bet your dealer is right.
There is zero data confirming a third motor generator powering the rear wheels in the Lincoln Corsair PHEV. The electric range loss with the Lincoln compared to the Ford Escape PHEV is terrible especially when compared to the Toyota RAV4 Prime which has a THIRD motor generator, AWD and an electric range of 42 miles. This suggests something isn’t too notch for electric efficiency with the Lincoln. There is also zero data suggesting a difference between the electronic CVT in the Ford and Lincoln other than AWD capability. Is this full time AWD via Subaru or is a hang on system when it engages when power is needed or slippage is detected? Zero data or information exists to explain the Ford and Lincoln differences other than total HP and AWD capability.
There are still no 2021 Corsair Grand Touring or Escape PHEV models available. Volvo, BMW, Audi all have availability. Even RAV4 Prime has limited availability.
I would like to look at a Corsair Grand Touring before buying a PHEV SUV but I want a car to travel long distance in very soon and time has pretty much run out. A fully loaded Volvo XC Recharge is looking really good at the moment.
As an aside, RAV4 Prime is the only PHEV I know has a spare tire. I heard Ford and presumably Lincoln did away with spare tires. Anyone know if it is available as an option on the Corsair Grand Touring?
I was able to order my Escape PHEV with a spare tire.
“LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Ford Motor Co.’s latest round of production cuts because of the global semiconductor shortage includes a prolonged shutdown of Louisville Assembly Plant starting next week and lasting through mid-July.
The plant, which makes the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair SUVs, will be down for six weeks starting Monday and then for another two during its normal summer shutdown, marking July 19 as a potential return date, according to UAW Local 862 memo dated Wednesday and obtained by WDRB News”
Does this mean Ford Authority is incorrect about production of the Corsair Grand Touring and PHEV Escape starting in May?
Just found out from my dealer that the Corsair Grand Touring PHEV I had ordered will not start production till the week of August 9. Chip shortage causing is closing all production. I’m bummed.
That’s probably wishful thinking. Every time they have set a date, they’ve delayed it again. I’m starting to wonder if I should cancel my preordered 21 Corsair and start thinking about a 22 model.
I wonder if the 2021 model will now be the 2022 model.
I am waiting for my Escape PHEV titanium originally ordered a year ago, then reordered in February. Replacement for my 2013 C-max
There are aftermarket hUD displays available which work off of the obd2 plug. Might be an option for you
All better hope these come out as 2022 models.
Picked up my Grand Touring yesterday. Finally after ordering it on 9/1/20. It rides so smooth. Seats are very comfortable, especially with the 24 way adjustment. Drove home on pure EV. Has the pick up and can go whatever the speed limit it. Definitely Escape and Bronco cannot match it’s luxury. Really glad I waited for it.
Appreciate positive feedback from Tim. Would appreciate more feedback from others too. I’m currently considering Corsair Grand touring PHEV, plus PHEV‘s Lexus N X and Hyundai Tucson.