Why are Ford Escapes being discontinued?

No. Ford has not announced the discontinuation of the Escape, and the model remains in production and sales in the United States and many other markets as of 2025.

As automakers pivot toward electrification and adjust their lineups, rumors about retirement can spread quickly. This article explains the current status of the Escape, what feeds the chatter, and how Ford is evolving the model for 2024–25 and beyond.

Current status of the Ford Escape

Ford continues to offer the Escape in the United States and other markets for model years 2024 and 2025. It remains a core SUV in Ford’s lineup, available with traditional gasoline engines as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with ongoing updates rather than a retirement.

In Europe, the model is marketed as the Ford Kuga, a regional naming distinction that does not indicate discontinuation. Regional branding and platform sharing across markets can create confusion about a model’s status, even when it remains active globally.

Rumors about a model being retired often arise from broader industry shifts, supply-chain dynamics, and the pace of electrification. The following points describe common factors that can fuel such chatter even when a model is still in production.

• Automakers increasingly prioritize electrified SUVs, which can lead to perception that traditional internal-combustion models are being phased out, even if the model itself continues alongside hybrids.


• Regional naming differences (Escape vs. Kuga) can confuse consumers into thinking a model is gone when it has simply been rebranded for a region.


• Temporary production pauses or stock fluctuations caused by supply-chain issues may be interpreted as a sign of discontinuation, though they often reflect logistical challenges rather than a long-term retirement.


• Variations in sales performance by market or region can prompt speculation, even if the model remains strong in other areas.

Conclusion: These factors can spark rumors, but there is no official plan from Ford to retire the Escape in its core markets as of today.

What Ford is doing with the Escape lineup

Ford has kept the Escape central to its electrification strategy, offering gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants to meet diverse customer needs. The latest model years emphasize efficiency, technology, and ongoing refinements to styling and comfort, while maintaining the Escape’s practical SUV appeal.

• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options: The Escape HEV and PHEV variants deliver higher fuel efficiency and the option for occasional all-electric driving, appealing to urban and commuter buyers.


• Multiple powertrains across trims: Customers can choose from turbocharged gasoline engines or electrified options depending on the market and trim level.


• Tech and safety updates: Ford continues to enhance driver-assistance features, infotainment usability, and over-the-air updates where available.


• Regional strategy, global platform: In Europe the model is sold as the Kuga, illustrating Ford’s regional branding while preserving the underlying Escape platform.

These moves show Ford’s intent to keep the Escape relevant within a shifting lineup focused on efficiency and electrification, rather than retire the model entirely.

Market context and consumer impact

Industry-wide shifts toward electrification, coupled with supply-chain dynamics, can influence how buyers experience the Escape. While Ford continues to produce and sell the Escape, availability and pricing can vary by region, trim, and market conditions. Prospective buyers should monitor official Ford communications, local dealer listings, and EPA fuel-economy data for the latest information.

Overall, the Escape’s near-term future appears secure, with ongoing investments in electrified variants and a continued emphasis on practical, efficient SUV options within Ford’s broader lineup.

Summary

The Ford Escape remains an active model in Ford’s lineup, with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants available. Official announcements do not indicate a discontinuation. Rumors typically stem from shifts toward electrification, regional branding differences, and short-term supply dynamics. For buyers, this means continued availability, ongoing updates, and a growing emphasis on electrified options rather than a model retirement.

Is there going to be a 2026 Ford Escape?

Yes, the 2026 Ford Escape will be available, but it will be the final model year for the vehicle before production ends. Key updates for 2026 include a more streamlined exterior, an updated interior with upgraded materials, and the latest SYNC infotainment system. The 2026 model will also eliminate front-wheel-drive hybrid options, making the hybrid version all-wheel-drive only, and will use a non-California-compliant emissions system, which prevents its registration in states that follow California's emissions standards.
 
What's new for the 2026 Ford Escape?

• Exterior styling: Features a refreshed, sleeker design. 
• Interior upgrades: Includes improved materials and the latest SYNC infotainment system with a 13.2-inch center screen. 
• Engine options: The standard 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost engines continue, but the hybrid powertrain is now all-wheel-drive (AWD) only, while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) remains front-wheel-drive (FWD) only. 
• Emissions system: A federal/non-California compliant emissions system is now standard on all models. 

Important considerations

• Availability: Due to the non-California compliant emissions system, the 2026 Ford Escape cannot be registered in states like California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. 
• Production: Ford has announced it will stop producing the Escape after the 2026 model year, making it the final model year for the vehicle. 

What is going to replace the Ford Escape?

Ford is not replacing the Escape with a single model but is shifting to a new family of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) to fill the void. The Louisville Assembly Plant, where the Escape and Lincoln Corsair were made, is being retooled for this new EV platform, which will likely debut with a new midsize electric pickup truck around 2027. Ford may also redirect buyers to the existing Bronco Sport or Maverick to fill the compact SUV space. 
This video explains why Ford is discontinuing the Escape and what is replacing it: 59sMotormouthYouTube · Aug 26, 2025

• New EV platform: Ford is investing in a new "Universal EV Platform" designed to be versatile for different models, with an initial focus on affordability. 
• No direct replacement: Instead of a single successor, Ford intends to use a mix of new and existing vehicles to replace the Escape's role in its lineup. 
• Bronco Sport: Some analysts suggest the Bronco Sport could absorb some of the Escape's customer base, especially because it's a more modern and profitable option for Ford. 
• Maverick: Ford may direct budget-conscious buyers who would have chosen the Escape toward the hybrid version of the Maverick compact pickup. 
• Future SUVs: The new EV platform is expected to eventually produce new two- and three-row SUVs, but these are not considered direct replacements for the Escape. 

This video discusses the possibility of the 2026 Ford Escape being the last model: 1mLong McArthurYouTube · Jun 16, 2025

Which Ford escapes to stay away from?

You should avoid Ford Escapes from the 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2016 model years due to significant problems with transmissions, power steering, and electrical systems. Other model years to approach with caution include 2017 for brake and engine issues, 2009 for engine and handling problems, and the 2021-2024 models for potential electrical, fuel system, and other widespread recalls. 
Model years to avoid

• 2008: This model year had more complaints than any other in its generation, with major issues related to its transmission, power steering, and engine. 
• 2009: Continued many of the problems from the previous year, including engine and handling complaints. 
• 2013: Had 16 recalls from the NHTSA, including problems with its electronic systems, and significant mechanical issues like leaks and faulty catalytic converters. 
• 2014: Suffered from severe transmission problems, from minor issues to complete shutdowns. It also had power steering failures, recalls, and other mechanical problems. 
• 2016: Faced a recurrence of the transmission issues from the 2014 model, along with power steering failures and noisy, hard-to-press brakes. 
• 2017: Continued to have the loud brake issues from the previous year and added engine problems where the engine would stumble or stutter. 

Other years to be cautious about

• 2015-2019: While not as problematic as the years above, these models were part of the same generation with a high number of complaints. The EcoBoost engines in some of these years had head gasket issues. 
• 2021-2024: These newer models have had a high number of recalls, including issues with the fuel system, electrical system, and doors. Some 2024 models were also predicted to be less reliable than average. 

Recommendations

• For the most reliable models, look for the 2016 Ford Escape or the newer 2020-2022 models, though the newer models may have higher price tags. 
• If buying a used Escape, get a professional inspection before purchasing, and check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if it falls under any recalls. 

Why is Ford discontinuing the Escape?

Ford appears to have concluded that the Escape does not fit with its electric vehicle transition, which is why it is discontinuing production. Despite some Ford Escape model changes over recent years, such as the adoption of hybrid powertrains, production is winding down over the coming months.