With Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair Bowing Out, What’s Next?
The Ford Escape, one of the most popular SUVs in North America since its original debut in 2000 as a 2001 model, will cease production near the end of this year. The same goes for its luxury cousin, the Lincoln Corsair.
Rumours to this effect had been circulating for several months, but the news was confirmed—obviously without fanfare—during the big press conference on August 11 to announce the brand new Ford Universal EV Platform aimed at launching various affordable, high-volume models, starting with a midsize pickup in 2027.
- Also: Top 10 Most Affordable Hybrid Vehicles in 2025
- Also: 73,000 Ford Vehicles Recalled in Canada, Class Action Filed Against PHEVs
Before 2025 is over, the Louisville, Kentucky assembly plant that manufactures the Escape and Corsair will start to be renovated and retooled to produce these future electric vehicles. Ford will invest $2 billion USD to complete the transformation.
Until then, the automaker will ensure it builds enough Escapes and Corsairs to continue sales well into 2026. The former, in particular, is still enjoying considerable success, with Canadian sales jumping 58.8 percent in 2024 to 31,037 units. However, they fell 8 percent in the first half of 2025. Similarly, the latter recorded a 41-percent increase before falling back 1 percent. Over in the U.S., sales are still up so far this year.
What’s Next?
Ford has no plans for a direct replacement for either. Moving production to another domestic plant also doesn't seem feasible, let alone outside the U.S. due to tariffs that would drive up prices excessively for customers.
As far as the Escape is concerned, Ford will be looking to temporarily redirect its customers to the Bronco Sport, which offers a similar size and the same gasoline engines (but no hybrid variants), or even the Maverick pickup, which sells for a comparable price. You have to understand that Ford makes more profit from the Bronco Sport than from the Escape.
In the case of the Corsair, there is no short-term alternative.
In the longer run, well, the Bronco Sport is expected to be redesigned for 2028, likely including a hybrid model. Otherwise, we'll have to wait for Ford to use its new Universal EV platform to launch a smaller, entry-level electric SUV that will slot below the Mustang Mach-E and indirectly replace the Escape.
And what about Lincoln? Its first all-electric vehicle is still a no-show. Will it have two or three rows of seats? With the Corsair discontinued, the Nautilus will become the brand's most affordable vehicle, but will it manage to attract enough customers? Time will tell.
