No Edge, No Escape
Ford may be proud of its SUV and truck lineup, but it’s been getting a bit thinner these past couple of years. The company dropped the Edge in 2024, while the Escape is on its way out and will be gone for good by the end of the year, a fact made even clearer by the limited sale of the latter.
That leaves Ford without a two-row midsize SUV following the discontinuation of the Edge, and Escape owners will have to choose between the Bronco Sport and other options if it’s time to replace their compact crossover. There are also no immediate plans to develop successors for these models. Both were consistently strong sellers for the brand, which had a decent following, and the gaps in the lineup represent opportunity costs for Ford.
Ford
The Current Alternatives
As mentioned, the Bronco Sport is effectively the successor to the Escape. In fact, the two are directly related, and it’s not just because of size. The models share the same platform, utilizing the C2 architecture that’s also found in the Maverick and the soon-to-depart Lincoln Corsair. Engine choices are similar between the two, but the Bronco Sport is not available with a hybrid option, something it needs to address to keep Escape buyers more interested.
However, the Edge has no equivalent model in the Ford lineup. It shared the same underpinnings as the Fusion, itself axed in 2022. Those still looking for something to replace their Edge will either have to downsize and get a Bronco Sport or pay more for an Explorer.
Ford
Promos and Private Discounts
The situation, particularly for Edge shoppers, is difficult. That said, some dealers are taking measures to keep their customers coming back to the Blue Oval. Automotive News reports that there are offers of up to $10,000 off an Explorer just to convince Edge and even Escape shoppers to upsize.
To sweeten the deal, Ford is employing employee pricing for all in participating dealers nationwide. That means the least expensive Explorer available is the rear-drive-only 100A, now at just $35,676. Even the most expensive ST model benefits from the promo, as it’s currently listed with a base price of $50,761. Bronco Sport prices are also lower thanks to the promo, with the most affordable being the Big Bend at $30,081, putting it much closer to the Escape’s base price.
Ford
Making Up for Dropped Models
While there are gaps in Ford’s lineup, dealers have reported ‘no problems’ in upselling those graduating from the Escape and Edge into the Explorer. “It fits both with the demographics and what the customers are looking for. They want something that makes sense to take to Home Depot, a nice dinner, a show downtown, or deer camp for hunting. It can be a chameleon. If you have something a little more purpose-built, it doesn’t feel as appropriate,” explained Craig Patterson, Ford’s utility marketing manager.
It seems that Ford’s directive is to continue offering Explorer discounts to offset the axing of the Edge and the eventual discontinuation of the Escape. Dealers have also been offering more lucrative lease deals to drive more people into showrooms. So far, it appears to be working as Explorer sales are on the rise. The question now is whether this practice will remain sustainable in the long run.
Ford
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