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Why is Ford discontinuing the edge?

Ford is discontinuing the Edge after the 2023 model year in North America, citing waning demand and a strategic shift toward higher-margin SUVs and electrified vehicles.

What’s driving the decision

Ford has pointed to a combination of market trends and business priorities that made the Edge less viable in its current form. The following factors help explain why the automaker decided to end the model.

Declining sales versus Ford’s more profitable SUV and truck lineup, which pressured the two-row crossover’s overall contribution to the bottom line.

Shifting consumer preferences toward larger, more versatile three-row crossovers and toward newer, electrified offerings.

Increased competition from rival crossovers in the same size class, many of which deliver a more modern feature set or better fuel economy.

Cost and complexity of updating an aging platform to meet evolving safety, emissions, and efficiency standards.

A strategic push to consolidate Ford’s lineup around high-demand models and battery-electric or plug-in options, freeing capacity for future products.

Taken together, these market forces and strategic priorities made the Edge the right model to wind down as Ford reimagines its lineup for the next era of mobility.

Strategic realignment: focusing on profitable and electrified models

As Ford recalibrates its portfolio, the company emphasizes profitability, growth in electrified vehicles, and a leaner model lineup. The following points illustrate how Edge fits into that broader plan.

Emphasis on electrification, with an accelerated rollout of battery-electric models and electrified variants across the SUV family (e.g., Mustang Mach-E and other upcoming EVs).

Concentration on models with stronger demand and higher margins, such as Explorer and other utility vehicles that better align with consumer trends.

SKU rationalization to reduce complexity in showrooms and manufacturing, enabling faster production decisions and incremental efficiency.

Improved dealer and supply-chain efficiency by focusing on core, widely-popular products rather than niche segments.

By exiting the Edge, Ford aims to redeploy resources toward vehicles that better reflect contemporary demand and the company’s electrification goals.

What this means for buyers and shoppers

Customers who were interested in the Edge or who are currently in the market will need to consider alternatives within Ford’s lineup or among used-vehicle options. The following paths are typically considered by buyers in this situation.

Closest Ford alternatives: Explorer (larger and capable with three rows) or Escape (compact and efficient), which can meet similar needs in different sizes.

Premium alternatives: Lincoln Nautilus or Aviator for shoppers seeking a more upscale experience with similar space and capability.

Used Edge inventory: Remaining new Edge orders or existing dealer stock may be available while supplies last, often at end-of-life incentives.

Consider other brands’ two- and three-row crossovers if the Edge was your preferred size and feature set.

Dealers may offer promotions or incentives on remaining Edge inventory as Ford winds the model down, while customers explore nearby substitutes with similar practicality.

Manufacturing and lineup implications

Discontinuing the Edge allows Ford to realign production and resources toward in-demand and electrified vehicles. The key manufacturing considerations include the following.

End of Edge production in its current North American footprint, with remaining capacity redirected to higher-demand models.

Shifts in plant assignments and supplier contracts to support newer or more profitable vehicles.

A broader portfolio strategy that prioritizes speed to market for electric and hybrid variants across Ford’s SUV lineup.

A potential phased wind-down timeline rather than an abrupt stoppage, enabling a smoother transition for manufacturing partners and dealers.

These manufacturing shifts reflect Ford’s broader plan to simplify its offerings while accelerating electrification and better serving evolving consumer tastes.

Summary

Ford’s decision to discontinue the Edge stems from a mix of weaker demand for the model, a strategic pivot toward more profitable and electrified vehicles, and a broader drive to simplify its lineup. While Edge shoppers will need to consider Explorer, Escape, Lincoln alternatives, or used-edge options, Ford intends to reinvest the released capacity and capital into its growing family of EVs and higher-demand SUVs. The move highlights the automaker’s ongoing transition from aging, underperforming models to a leaner, electrified future.

Will the Ford Edge ever come back?

No, Ford will not bring back the Edge as it is currently known; it was discontinued after the 2024 model year. Ford is shifting its focus to electrification and other segments, and is repurposing the plant where the Edge was made to build new electric vehicles. The Ford Fusion Active is expected to replace the Edge, though this replacement will be a different vehicle altogether, potentially an EV crossover.
You can watch this video to see what the new Ford Edge models may look like: 37sNamCarYouTube · Jan 15, 2025
Reasons for discontinuation

Strategic shift: Ford is prioritizing electric vehicles (EVs) and has a larger strategy to develop new EV models.
Market trends: The market is leaning towards either more maneuverable, smaller options or larger, three-row SUVs, and the Edge was in a shrinking segment.
Production changes: The Oakville Assembly Plant in Canada, where the Edge was made, will be retooled for new EV production.
Competition: The Edge faced increasing competition from rivals like the Chevrolet Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe.

What will replace it

Ford Fusion Active: Ford is expected to replace the Edge with the Fusion Active, a crossover that will likely have a different design, powertrain options (including a hybrid), and updated technology.
Potential EV replacement: Some speculate that a future EV could use the "Edge" nameplate, but it would be an entirely new vehicle and not a continuation of the old one.

This video explains why the 2026 Ford Edge will not be released in North America: 56sFaster CarsYouTube · Jul 16, 2025

What is the biggest problem with the Ford Edge?

Transmission Issues
A number of Ford Edge models have struggled with a faulty transmission. Some drivers heard clunking sounds from a transmission failure, followed by error lights on the dashboard. In a number of cases, transmission problems occurred while the car was in motion, which is extremely dangerous.

What is replacing the Ford Edge?

The Ford Edge is being discontinued, but there is no single direct replacement. Ford is shifting its focus to electric and hybrid vehicles, offering the Mustang Mach-E as a modern, sporty electric alternative. Other options that fill the mid-size SUV gap are the Ford Escape (with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options) and the larger, three-row Ford Explorer. Some speculate a future all-electric mid-size crossover, potentially the "Mach 4," could also take the Edge's place.
Potential alternatives

Ford Mustang Mach-E: An all-electric SUV with a sporty design, available all-wheel drive, and impressive range options.
Ford Escape: Available with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, making it a flexible choice for efficiency and commuting.
Ford Explorer: A larger, three-row option for drivers who need more space and power.
Ford Bronco Sport: A more rugged, off-road-focused compact SUV.
Future Electric Mid-Size SUV: Rumors suggest Ford may release another electric SUV to fill the gap left by the Edge.

Why the change

Shifting market demand: Consumers are moving toward smaller, more maneuverable crossovers or larger, three-row SUVs.
Focus on electrification: Ford is pivoting its strategy to meet customer demand for more fuel-efficient and sustainable options, like hybrids and EVs.
Market saturation: The mid-size two-row SUV segment is becoming more crowded, leading Ford to focus on its most popular and innovative models.

Will there be a 2025 Ford Edge?

No, Ford officially discontinued the Edge in the United States after the 2024 model year, so there is no 2025 Ford Edge for the U.S. market. While some dealership websites may list a "2025 Ford Edge" due to marketing or misinformation, the vehicle has been retired, and the Ford Explorer and Escape are being promoted as its replacements.

Discontinuation: Ford officially discontinued the Edge in the U.S. after the 2024 model year to focus on other models and electrification.
Misinformation: Despite its discontinuation, some dealership websites may list a "2025 Ford Edge," but this is inaccurate for the U.S. market.
Successors: The 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Ford Escape are the official successors for the Edge in the U.S.
International Models: A "2025 Ford Edge L" is available in China, but it is not sold in the United States.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.