Ford is axing one of its best-selling models after 26 years. 

The Blue Oval automaker will stop production of the Escape crossover SUV, with final models rolling off dealership lots in 2026. 

The Escape — initially a $20,000 SUV with boxy shape and a skirt of plastic cladding — launched in 2000 and became an instant hit. 

‘The Escape led the way in the popular compact crossover category that dominates the market today,’ said Robby DeGraff, an analyst at AutoPacific, to the Daily Mail.

Through the years, design refreshes sanded down the boxy shape and replaced the ruggedness with more refined design.. 

The latest versions come with either a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, a 2-liter EcoBoost, a 2.5-liter hybrid, or a 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid.

However, this model—and its upscale version, the Lincoln Corsair—is being phased out to clear space at Ford’s Kentucky production site in Louisville for the company’s upcoming generation of electric vehicles.

Ford has recently highlighted its storied Model T—the company’s first widely-produced car—while introducing a novel battery technology that utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.

The current Escape received powertrain inspiration from one of four trims, including two gas and two hybrid engines

Ford says the new battery will power multiple cars, including a yet-to-be-named four-door pickup truck with a $30,000 base price. 

The company believes the mid-size truck will have Mustang-beating 0- to 60 mph speed and a load of interior cargo space. 

‘Ford’s strategy to replace older gasoline vehicles with new budget-friendly electric vehicles using a simplified, modern platform is intriguing,’ commented DeGraff.

‘The Escape still sells well and its volumes will likely always surpass a new EV’s.’ 

That same platform is expected to power a lineup of other Ford vehicles, including a three-row SUV, a larger pickup, and a crossover. 

Right now, Ford only produces two consumer EVs: the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. 

Both cars use lithium ion chemistries to get electric power. Most of the critical minerals inside those batteries come from mines in China. 

 In June, Ford had to pause some US-based factory production as Chinese officials stopped selling necessary magnets to American automakers. 

Ford has two consumer EVs, including the full-size F-150 Lightning pickup

Ford’s Escape has been a popular best-seller – but the company is nixing the vehicle when the crossover segment continues to boom

Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, revealed the company’s new EV platform – he called it a ‘Model T moment’

This new battery technology from Ford is less expensive to produce, enhances fire safety, lasts longer, and promotes more sustainable mining practices.

But, most importantly, many of the required parts will have American supplies.  

GM is also developing similar battery technologies.

The new EV pickup truck, which might revive the Ranchero nameplate from the 50s through 70s, is expected to reach driveways in 2027.  

But the decision to axe the Escape is a bit of a surprise, given the state of the current American auto customer. 

The enduring appeal of the crossover segment remains strong across the U.S.; last year, the top-selling vehicle after pickups was the Toyota RAV4, a main rival to the Escape.

And Ford drivers were choosing the Escape, with the SUV getting some impressive sales numbers. 

In the last quarter, Ford reported selling 45,232 units of the vehicle, a 10.8 percent jump from the same period last year.

Ford’s remaining crossover SUV, the Bronco Sport, sold 39,075 units in the US during the same quarter. 

The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.