Ford to Discontinue Escape and Corsair Crossovers, Replace with Electric Pickup

Ford will discontinue its Escape and Lincoln Corsair crossovers at the end of the 2026 model year. The decision is a risk for the company, as both models are popular and sell well. However, Ford plans to replace them with an upcoming midsize electric pickup truck priced around $30,000. The company has invested $5 billion in its Louisville Assembly Complex to produce the truck and other EVs.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has announced that it will discontinue the Escape and Lincoln Corsair crossovers at the end of the 2026 model year. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as both models have been popular and have sold well. The Escape, in particular, has been a significant contributor to Ford's success, helping the company recover from the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession. However, Ford is shifting its focus towards electric vehicles (EVs), and this move is part of its strategic plan to transition to a more sustainable future.

The company plans to replace the Escape and Corsair with an upcoming midsize electric pickup truck. The truck is expected to be priced around $30,000, making it a compelling option for consumers. Ford has invested $5 billion in its Louisville Assembly Complex to produce the truck and other EVs. The investment has created nearly 4,000 jobs and is part of the company's broader initiative to develop a family of affordable electric vehicles based on the new Ford Universal EV Platform.

The decision to discontinue the Escape and Corsair is a risk for Ford. Both models have been popular and have sold well, with the Escape outselling the Bronco and Bronco Sport separately through July. However, Ford is confident that the upcoming electric pickup will be a profitable addition to its lineup. The company anticipates that the truck will have a lower cost of ownership than a Tesla Model Y and will offer more interior space due to the new Ford Universal EV Platform.

The move is a significant gamble for Ford, considering that the EV market in the United States has been slower to gain traction than anticipated. Additionally, the current administration has been deadset on rolling back EV incentives and tax credits, which could make the road more challenging in the near term. However, Ford is making a strategic decision to look into the future, something that Detroit automakers have not always been known to do.

For long-term investors, this move could be a reason to pause, but it is also a strategic decision that could pay off in the future. Ford is making a significant investment in the EV market and is positioning itself to be a leader in the transition to electric vehicles.

Reference List:
[1] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/F/pressreleases/34261656/ford-says-goodbye-to-2-popular-crossovers/
[2] https://electrek.co/2025/08/14/fords-30000-ev-pickup-signals-end-popular-suvs/