Following the announcement made last August, Ford officially ended production of the Escape on December 17, bringing a 25-year run to a close.
This is certainly sad news for fans of the model, but it can also be seen as a positive step forward, as it should allow the automaker to introduce new and even more competitive vehicles.
A Remarkable Career
The Ford Escape arrived on the market in 2000 and immediately won over the public. At the time, sedans still dominated the landscape, but the Escape was one of the first SUVs to truly stand out. The model was particularly appreciated for its boxy design and solid, rugged character.
The Escape’s greatest strength has always been its ability to adapt to increasingly demanding consumer expectations. Over the years, the model gained in comfort, refinement, and overall capability. In fact, the Escape was the best-selling SUV on the market for many consecutive years. Ironically, this surge in popularity occurred just as Ford had completely reworked the formula in 2013, giving the model a rounder, more European-inspired design.
The Ford Escape was also one of the first SUVs in its segment to offer a serious and competitive plug-in hybrid powertrain, boasting impressively low fuel consumption and strong all-electric driving range. In recent years, the Escape has coexisted alongside the Bronco Sport, which essentially adopted the shape of the 2012 Escape. It was only a matter of time before Ford pulled one of the two models from the lineup—and ultimately, the Escape was the one to make way. That said, the American automaker’s SUV remains a true benchmark in its category.
What’s Next?
After millions of units sold and 25 years on the market, it is now time for the Ford Escape to take its final bow. As for what comes next, nothing official has been confirmed by the automaker, but more details are expected to emerge over the coming year.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
