Ford is making a major shift in its production strategy—one that will see two of its well-known gasoline-powered SUVs disappear from the lineup in just a couple of years. According to a recent report from Edmunds, the company plans to end production of the Ford Escape and the Lincoln Corsair after the 2026 model year.
This decision is tied to Ford’s plan to retool its Louisville, Kentucky, assembly plant to produce a brand-new, low-cost electric vehicle. The upcoming EV, which is expected to debut in 2027, will reportedly be a compact pickup truck priced around $30,000. Ford also plans to build at least two new SUVs on the same platform, forming a new family of affordable electric vehicles.
Why the Change?
Ford’s move is part of a massive $5 billion investment to introduce its “Universal EV Production System” at the Louisville facility. This system is intended to make electric vehicle production more efficient and cost-effective, allowing the automaker to compete in the growing affordable EV market.
While the idea of a budget-friendly electric truck is attracting attention, the change comes at a cost—specifically, the loss of two entry-level gas-powered SUVs. For many buyers, the Escape and Corsair serve as the most accessible models in the Ford and Lincoln lineups.
What It Means for Ford’s Lineup
Once production ends, Ford’s most affordable SUV will become the Bronco Sport, followed by the larger Bronco. For Lincoln, the Corsair’s exit means the Nautilus will be the new entry point into the brand, but with a significantly higher price tag—about $13,000 more than the Corsair’s base price.
This is a bold gamble. The Ford Escape has been one of the brand’s best-selling vehicles, ranking as the second most popular Ford SUV in 2024. Its removal from the lineup comes at a time when Ford has already eliminated other budget-friendly options like the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and EcoSport. more photos
The Market Risk
The compact SUV segment—where the Escape currently competes—is one of the most competitive and in-demand categories in the auto industry. Moving away from a strong seller in favor of an unproven new EV could pose a significant risk.
However, Ford may be betting on the future appeal of its Bronco Sport, which is currently priced only about $1,000 more than the base Escape but comes with standard all-wheel drive and additional features. On the Lincoln side, the company may be banking on the Nautilus’ luxury appeal to soften the blow of losing the more affordable Corsair.
What’s Next?
Production of the Escape and Corsair will continue through 2026, and there is expected to be enough inventory to carry sales into that year. But once the existing stock is gone, these models will be discontinued for good.
The new electric pickup is expected to be the first model out of the updated Louisville plant in 2027, followed by its related SUV versions. It remains to be seen if Lincoln will also receive a version of this upcoming budget EV to fill the gap left by the Corsair.
Ford has not yet issued an official comment on the decision to phase out the Escape and Corsair, but industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on whether this bold transition pays off—or leaves a gap in Ford’s lineup that competitors are eager to fill.
FAQs
Will the Ford Escape be discontinued after 2026?
Yes. Ford will stop making the gas-powered Escape after the 2026 model year when its Louisville plant is retooled for a new budget EV.
Will the Lincoln Corsair be made beyond 2026?
The Lincoln Corsair will also continue through 2026, but its production is expected to end when the plant shifts to making a new all-electric vehicle.
Why is Ford stopping Escape and Corsair production?
Ford is spending about $2 billion to convert its Louisville plant into a factory for affordable EVs. This means goodbye to the Escape and Corsair.
What cheap EV will Ford build at the Louisville plant?
Starting in 2027, Ford plans to build a mid-size electric pickup that costs about $30,000, using a new universal EV platform for efficient, low-cost production.
Will the 2026 Escape be sold in California?
No. The 2026 Escape will have a non-California emissions setup and won’t be sold or registered in six high-emission states including California and New York.
Where will the Lincoln Corsair be sold in 2026?
The 2026 Lincoln Corsair will be available in all 50 states, even those with strict emissions rules like California, unlike the Escape.
What happens to Ford plant jobs during the switch?
The updated EV production plan at Louisville will keep around 2,200 jobs—down from 2,800—with some positions eliminated in the shift to electric vehicle assembly.
When does the new EV truck start being made?
Production of the new $30,000 electric pickup will begin in 2027, after the Louisville plant finishes retooling for the Universal EV system.
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