The Ford Escape is one of the most popular SUVs in the world. It’s right up there with the RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. It has dominated the segment for a long while. During the SUV craze, the Escape emerged as an efficient, versatile, and affordable crossover in America. After a successful 2-decade run, Ford is discontinuing the Escape SUV model in 2025.
Responding to inquiries, a Ford spokesperson emphasized the enduring significance of the Ford Escape, stating, “The Ford Escape is and will continue to be an important part of our lineup.”
The brand recently introduced the 2023 Escape earlier this year. The model features a new ST-Line trim and enhanced hybrid options. And so far, the 2023 Ford Escape has garnered positive sales outcomes. All good things must come to an end. Meanwhile, the Escape will remain in production until 2025. Ford will replace the Escape SUV with an electric vehicle.
The Escape is not the only SUV leaving the scene. Ford will also discontinue the Ford Edge SUV, marking a strategic shift in Ford’s SUV lineup.
This Is Why We Will Miss The Ford Escape: Generations And Recent Sales
The Ford Escape made its first appearance in the automotive scene back in 2001. As a compact and more versatile SUV, the Ford Escape slotted between the brand’s EcoSport and Ford Edge. A second-generation model debuted in 2008 after a brief debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Carrying on the predecessor’s momentum and the jointly-developed Ford CD2 platform, the second-gen Escape became a star. The third-generation Escape came in 2013. The most recent fourth-generation lineup came in 2020.
As of the second quarter of 2023, Ford has successfully delivered 64,839 units of the Escape. However, this figure reflects a 12.3 percent decline compared to the 73,920-unit volume recorded during the same period in 2022.
The Ford Escape’s Recent Accolades
The Ford Escape won a lot of awards over the years. In 2020, the Escape won two awards from JD Power and Wards.
In 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested 15 compact SUVs. In the end, the Ford Escape and the Volvo XC40 were the only crossovers to emerge with a ‘Good’ score.
More recently, the Ford Escape PHEV won the 2023 Best CPO Value Award from Vincentric. The 2023 Ford Escape also got nominated for MotorTrend’s 2024 SUV of the year Award.
What We Know About The Current Escape Model
In a recent update, Ford refreshed the Escape for the 2023 model year, introducing notable styling enhancements such as LED headlights and optional 19-inch wheels. The interior received a tech makeover, featuring the Sync 4 infotainment software displayed on a 13.2-inch screen, which supports convenient features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster measures an impressive 12.3 inches.
Safety is a paramount focus, with the Blue Oval providing advanced tech features, including steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, predictive speed assist, a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors, and cross-traffic braking. All these upgrades come with a starting price of $27,500
Buyers have a range of powertrain options for the Ford Escape. The lineup includes a 180-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. This base powertrain is available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
The ST-Line Select and ST-Line Elite trim levels have an EcoBoost turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower. Additionally, there’s a hybrid-assisted 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 192 horsepower. The eco-conscious buyers can pick the plug-in hybrid version of the 2.5-liter engine, delivering 210 hp and an impressive 37-mile electric-only range.
Since Ford is discontinuing the Escape SUV in 2025, there will be no 2026 Escape SUV, at least not an ICE version. Meanwhile, Flagship Drive will keep you updated on the 2025 Ford Escape’s specs, technology, engines, and more.
