Rumors pertaining to the forthcoming demise of both the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair have perpetuated for years now, and have been backed up by a variety of sources – including the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and The Blue Oval itself. Those rumors have long suggested that production of both the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair would end at the Louisville Assembly plant by the conclusion of the 2025 model year, after which that facility will be retooled for the production of a new all-electric model. However, as Ford Authority reported last week, the Escape will live on for the 2026 model year, and that’s also true of the Lincoln Corsair as well.
Ford Authority has learned from sources familiar with the matter that the Lincoln Corsair will be produced for the 2026 model year after all, meaning that the current model year won’t be its last, as previously rumored – though it’s unclear if Ford will continue producing and selling the Escape and Corsair beyond that mark. It’s also unclear if those two crossovers will be built into the 2026 calendar year, as the automaker could simply opt to give each a short run before Louisville is retooled. Production of the 2025 Escape began in September 2024, so it’s possible that the 2026 models may only be rolling off the lines for around three months.
As Ford Authority reported in November 2023, Ford’s latest master contract agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) explicitly stated that the Escape and Corsair would only be built through the “planned product lifecycle” of each, after which an “all new EV product will be added.” More recently, the union revealed that the facility will close for somewhere between 8-10 months to undergo a “massive remodeling project” starting in December 2025, or possibly sooner. UAW leaders confirmed that the plant’s 2,300 workers will be laid off during this retooling, but they will receive unemployment benefits and are set to return once the process is completed.
The Blue Oval stopped short of confirming that 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.” 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, with the first expected to be a mid-size pickup.
Comments
Just what Ford needs. Another EV pickup. With the Edge gone and if Ford follows through and discontinues the Escape they will have no competitor for the very attractive Chevrolet Equinox (gas and EV) and the Trailblazer. Don’t understand the thought process at this company.
I’m glad that the Escape / Corsair have another year. In light of what is going on politically and with the low sales of bev cars, hopefully the union will renegotiate the re purposing of that kentucky plant and will continue to make great cars that people want to buy! The whole bev thing is flopping for so many reasons. Just adding, I am not anti bev, but I am pro choice .
I think Ford should make the seats on the Corsair more comfortable. They feel like a rock compared to other vehicles. Heck, the Ford Bronco Sport is more comfortable. I’m kind of eyeing the Bronco Sport, for future reference.
I don’t expect any changes to be made like that as they were not even planning to have a 2026 model run. It will be a carryover till they decide to kill it all together or do a refresh.
We have the optional 20-way seats on our Corsair GT (with the massage, etc.). They are exceptionally comfortable, especially on longer road trips.
Will the 2026 Escape offer a Hybrid model?
keep producing the Corsair in the USA…If it comes from China, I won’t purchase any vehicle.
Hope the Corsair lives on for a second generation, would be great to see a new one with new Nautilus/Navigator styling
Jim Farley must be nuts to exit the large worldwide luxury CUV market with his planned discontinuance of the Corsair, and especially its GT PHEV model! I don’t understand the rationale behind this decision. I, like other F shareholders, want an explanation.
It’s time for Farley to go. He keeps letting engineers go and every other day I read an article that Ford is recalling huge numbers of cars. Dump the old race car driver with AN ENGINEER. I remember when it was Qualify is Job 1. We flew Q1 flags.
The best selling car in the USA is the Toyota Rav4, surpassing even the F150, and Ford wants to exit this segment???