Rumors pertaining to the discontinuation of the Ford Escape have been swirling for years now, and from multiple sources. This past January, a report surfaced that indicated Ford Escape production at the Louisville Assembly plant was slated to end by the conclusion of 2025, after which The Blue Oval was said to be shifting its focus to the Ford Bronco Sport as its compact crossover of choice. That report was followed by comments from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union representing workers at Louisville noting that the plant was set to close for retooling this December. However, it now seems as if the Ford Escape will live on at least through the 2026 model year.
Ford Authority has learned from sources familiar with the matter that the Ford Escape will be produced for the 2026 model year after all, meaning that the current model year won’t be its last, as previously rumored. It’s unclear if Ford will continue producing and selling the Escape beyond that mark, however. As Ford Authority reported in November 2023, Ford’s latest master contract agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) stated that the Escape and Lincoln Corsair would only be built through the “planned product lifecycle” of each, after which an “all new EV product will be added.”
Ford CEO Jim Farley later hinted the Louisville Assembly plant was being retooled for the production of the company’s under-development low-cost all-electric vehicles, comments echoed by the UAW recently. The union noted that that the facility will close for somewhere between 8-10 months to undergo a “massive remodeling project” starting in December 2025, or possibly sooner. The Blue Oval didn’t confirm this particular report, but a spokesperson did say that “In 2023, Ford committed a vehicle for Louisville Assembly Plant. We will have more details to share later.” UAW leaders confirmed that the plant’s 2,300 workers will be laid off during this retooling, but will receive unemployment benefits and are set to return once the process is completed.
At first, many expected that the first low-cost EV riding on Ford’s new platform would be some sort of small crossover in the vein of the Escape, but as Ford Authority reported last August, FoMoCo later confirmed that “the first affordable vehicle off this new platform will be a mid-sized electric pickup launching in 2027 that is expected to cater to customers who want more for their money – more range, more utility, more usability.”
The crossover may not be around much longer, either.
Yet another place we might see additional lighting elements.
Another low-mile modern pickup.
The automaker hasn't given up on the more advanced tech.
Though it missed out on an overall win.
Plaintiffs claimed that the frequently upfitted model doesn't have an adequate suspension setup.
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What a relief. I was planning to suggest Farley's head if it wasn't extended. Now do the right thing and plan a redo for '28. If Ford plays its cards right, due to the abundance of American content, it might be able to sell this for the best prices around and watch sales soar. Hope that's not a pipe dream.
Farley has said, “ No boring cars!” Flare this thing out a bit, give it active exhaust, adaptive suspension, 300/300+ hp. Total winner!
How about the fabled Escape Raptor 😉
Would not be surprised to see the low cost EV program go to Blue Oval City instead of the truck. Perhaps they can add the Nautilus at Louisville.
It's almost like somebody in the senior management meeting said, "Hey remember that time we cancelled the Edge and planned to replace it with an EV? Whatever happened with that?"
what a mistake that was. ! The Edge is a fabulous SUV
Glad to see they're keeping the Escape for at least another year I have a '22 Titanium Hybrid AWD and I love everything about the car. I took a quick look at the Bronco last time I was at my dealer and they're not even remotely close to each other in appearance, function, or convenience. There really wasn't much I liked about the Bronco and seeing as I also have a '25 Maverick Lariat Hybrid, I want my other vehicle to be a normal car, the Escape. I really like the people and the service at my Ford dealer to the point that I would feel disappointed when I went to shop other brands to see what was similar to the Escape when I went to buy my next car. Wouldn't even consider the Bronco.
Pienso igual a usted
This is a huge segment of the automotive market. Ford would be stupid to abandon it. It's a niche that Ford created, after all. Unfortunately the Edge is not returning, so this is their two-row SUV. I love my '24 Platinum and if Farley wants to step up the pace and make it less boring, then (1) make a PHEV with a real engine in it - maybe the 2.0L Eco-Boost, maybe even the 2.3 to handle the extra weight. Porsche makes PHEV vehicles that are fun to drive in ICE mode, why not Ford? They could own the segment. As to cost savings, I have an idea where to save $24 million per year - from just one reduction in employment. Catch my drift?
When it's your only PHEV in North America, killing it didn't make any sense.
Where's the battery monitoring software fix for 2020-23 PHEVs?
Ford realized they could not afford to lose any more volume, especially since the Escape is made domestically with no tariffs.
The Escape was Ford's first SUV sacrifice due to the no more sedans strategy. Ford de-SUVed the Escape, styling wise, to make it more car like. As a result sales plummeted for a platform that is actually very good. Toyota has done the exact opposite, not investing in new world-class platforms but focusing on styling, which has resulted in higher sales for them.
Now with the Ford - VW semi partnership thing happening, I have no idea what is to become of Ford's non truck models. I sincerely in the next 3 years, when I will be looking for a new vehicle or two, Ford gets it's act together.
The platform is not "very good." It's terrible. Ford quality is a joke. The Escape could have been a great alternative - it's a nice design with many thoughtful touches. And the hybrid crushes it on gas mileage. But a car is no good if it spends all its time in the shop.