With Ford Motor Company investing heavily in electric vehicles and the batteries that will power those vehicles, the future for many ICE-powered models is a bit unclear. However, as Ford Authority reported back in June of 2020 and then confirmed early this year, the next-generation Ford Edge has already been canceled as the Oakville Assembly plant – where the Edge and Lincoln Nautilus are built – will be retooled to produce five new EVs starting in 2025. Ford CEO Jim Farley hinted at this move while speaking at the 2022 Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference recently, which is also where he pointed out that he believes the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a superior vehicle compared to the Edge. Thus, we decided to render a hypothetical two-row Ford Explorer that could replace the Edge, if Ford decided to build it.
A two-row Ford Explorer could prove to be a more affordable version of the long-running crossover, as well as an appealing alternative to those that appreciate the Edge for what it is – a stylish, comfortable, and roomy people and cargo hauler. While three-row crossovers and SUVs remain incredibly popular these days, not everyone has the need or desire to haul seven people around, and some would prefer to pay less and simply gain the extra cargo space instead.
For them, a two-row Ford Explorer could be the answer, and in this case, the lack of a third row also means that the rear roofline can take on more of a “coupe-like” or fastback profile for an extra touch of sportiness. Truthfully, building such a vehicle seems like a no-brainer, as we opined over one year ago, as the departure of the Edge will leave a large hole in the automaker’s lineup, since it will no longer have a two-row, mid-size CUV to slot between the compact Ford Escape and the nearly full-size Explorer. The Ford Bronco doesn’t fill that void either, as it’s a specialty body-on-frame SUV – not a crossover.
Ford could fill this gap quite easily with a two-row Explorer, much in the same way it did with the two-row Ford Expedition XL STX. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen, but we think that a two-row Explorer makes as much sense as an Explorer Raptor, which we also rendered nearly two years ago.
We’ll have more on the Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
Perfect for us—-thank you! We just upgraded to an Explorer from an Edge for more cargo space but will never use the third row seat. Having driven two Edges over the previous six years, we hope Ford takes your advice.
I’m the same way. I bought the Explorer because my Escape was often just a bit too small for cargo. I have zero need for the third row seat. I would be great if Ford dropped the third row, moved the rear seat back 3-4″ and cleaned up the under-floor storage. Still, I’m not complaining about the way its currently configured. The powered third row makes things pretty easy for configuring the seats up or down. I honestly like the outer design and don’t see any need to change it. Sculpting it could reduce cargo capacity, which defeats the purpose.
pr Ford has the right idea for moving back those rear seats, we’re nice for kids not grown up kids.
Agree. We do not need third row and do not like the captains seats only in the 2nd row. Not nearly as comfortable.
Your rendering needs a decider bar in the rear door so the glass can power down into the door… yeah, a nit.
Did you try a theme with a body color C pillar and black D pillar (consistent with Explorer design history)? Just curious for comparison.
Totally logical, therefore immediately rejected, by Farley and company. Add a hybrid option, with say 40 miles all electric and I’m all in.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a plug-in hybrid Explorer. It makes sense in today’s market.
Hybrids are being totally ignored. I will not buy a full-on electric vehicle that will replace the Edge. Just got our 2021 Edge 8 months ago and love it, sans that idiotic center console that needs a master reset once a month in order for my fan, temp and radio to work properly. An Explorer is too big, even if it has only two seats. A concept, I know. From 2009 to 2018 I’ve had 5 Escapes so I’m done with those. I get a car that i like in the Edge and Farley and Co. say adios to a nice size car. My 40 years of employment with Fo. Mo. Co. no longer holds allegiance to the blue oval. If some other auto company sells a car that fits my needs that doesn’t need to get plugged in, I’ll get that instead, two seat Explorer or not.
What a good looking vehicle!
I went from an Explorer to a Lincoln Nautilus after I sold my boat. (grandchildren prefer 7 days a week at sleep away vrs 2 days per week on the boat. I have been driving since 1961 and have had over 20 new cars ranging from Ford to Mercedes. I am happier with the Nautilus than any other car I have ever had (Of course it won’t pull a boat). It is the perfect 5 seate(comfortable, lively-V6-and handles well) It also gets better mileage than any other car I have ever had. Ford is making a BIG mistake. If nothing chages my next car will be a BMW X3. The Mach-E is the right size for a future Lincoln but the ride is horrendous and the interior is way to plain
There’s rumor that the next Nautilus might be built in China and shipped here. I think a Mach E verson for Lincoln is a waste. Why can’t there be a Lincoln exclusive EV?? A Halo to which people can aspire to. A modern prestige update of the Model KB could be a good start. (The Model K, KA and KB were in the same league as Rolls, Packard, Cadillac and Duesenburg to name a few.
After test driving other brands of SUVs. Five years ago we decided to purchased a new 2017 Edge Sport. It’s been an outstanding vehicle. No problems. Perfect size. Loads of technology. Comfortable interior. Nice body design with large 21 ” Rims, and solid performance. It appears Ford has stopped listening to their customers while talking about discontinuing the Edge. I read that most owners of the Edge love them. With 46,000 miles. My wife and I will continue to drive this vehicle for years to come. I should add after driving our 2017 Edge. My daughter in law recently purchased a new 2022 Edge Titanium. She too loves her Edge.
I bought a 2016 Edge new and I absolutely love it as much as my 2020 F150, which is great. My Edge is very quiet, comfortable, solid, and gets 27+ mpg. I believe it’s a better car than my 2022 Explorer, which is noisy on acceleration, (it’s OK at cruise). I won’t be getting rid of my Edge anytime soon, even if the motor develops the dreaded coolant leakage issue.
I have been dreaming about a two row Explorer every since it hit the market. How can we gain support for this vehicle and motivate FORD to build it ?
Ford could for once in their life say that because of customer demand they are bringing back the Ford Edge or they could just re-name it as the Explorer ll, Crossover-Hybrid. Everyone I know, both of them say they were surprised and upset that Ford terminated the Edge. I guess Mr. Farley, got tired of living on the edge.