A significant wind of change breathes at Ford following major announcements made today. In stride, we learn that the Ford Escape and the Lincoln Corsair will not be back after the model year 2026. It is therefore a significant new, since the Bronco Sport would technically be the only representative in the category of compact SUVs beyond this date. This decision stems from the transformation of the factory producing the Escape and the Corsair, which will host a brand new electric model in 2027.
A long career
The Ford Escape has occupied a special place in the range of the American manufacturer since its launch in 2000 as a 2001 model. Over the years, it has experienced four generations and has established itself as one of the best -selling compact SUVs in Ford. Moreover, in 2024, 6,416 copies were sold in Quebec, far ahead of the 1,656 copies of Bronco Sport.
The Ford Escape also marked history by being one of the pioneers of hybridization in this segment, and this, from its first generation. A few generations later, a rechargeable hybrid version has joined the offer and still remains offered to date. Until now, Ford reserved hybridization only at the Escape. The disappearance of the latter could therefore mean that Bronco Sport would inherit it. Nothing is impossible, since the two models share the same platform as well as non -hybrid engines. It is therefore a file to follow at this level.
The end of the corsair also
The Ford Escape is not the only one to disappear beyond 2026. Indeed, it will lead with it the Lincoln Corsair, these two models being assembled in the same factory. Initially introduced under the name MKC, the vehicle became the corsair during the redesign of the Lincoln nomenclature. He then represented the luxurious counterpart of the escape, resting on the same platform.
An end earlier in certain states
In some American states, Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair will no longer be available after the flow of stocks of the model year 2025. According to what Kelley Blue Book recently reported, these two models will no longer be sold in six states: California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. The reason: new standards of strict emissions will come into force for the model year 2026, and these vehicles are more compliant, thus becoming illegal for sale. Usually, a manufacturer makes changes to comply with this type of regulation, but today’s announcement explains the absence of adjustments to extend their marketing in these states.
Why does Bronco Sport remain and not the escape?
The answer is simple, in fact: even if it rests on the same platform as the Ford Escape, the Bronco Sport is not assembled in the same factory. It is rather assembled in Mexico, in the same factory as the Ford Maverick. The latter is therefore not affected by the announcements made by Ford today.
The manufacturer mentions at the same time that the 2026 inventories of Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair should be good to cover a good part of the year in dealership lessons.
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