The future of the Ford Escape remains uncertain in North America, but reports from Europe suggest the crossover’s story may not be over. While Ford has not announced a successor, the next-generation Kuga—the Escape’s European counterpart—is reportedly in development and could eventually bring the possibility of a new Escape closer to reality.
Ford Escape Production Has Ended in the U.S.
The final Ford Escape built at an American assembly plant rolled off the production line on Dec. 17 of last year.
The crossover remains available for purchase in select states, but Ford has not officially announced plans for a replacement. For now, buyers seeking a small Ford crossover in North America must turn to the Bronco Sport.
In Europe, however, the Escape continues under the Kuga name and is still produced at Ford’s Valencia facility in Spain.
Next-Generation Kuga Reportedly in Development
According to reports from Auto Motor und Sport and Auto Express, Ford is planning a next-generation Kuga for Europe. The reports also indicate the model could be offered with a hybrid powertrain.
The vehicle’s future may be tied to Ford’s European partnership with Geely. The two companies have established a joint venture under which they will produce vehicles in Valencia.
The arrangement could allow Ford to benefit from Geely’s development pace while basing some future models on the Chinese automaker’s technology.
Ford Says the Vehicle Will Have Its Own Identity
Jim Baumbick, president of Ford of Europe, rejected suggestions that the future Kuga or Escape would simply be a rebadged Geely model.
“Make no mistake, the Ford product will have a completely unique [body]. This is not a reskin. We don’t do boring cars. This is a uniquely engineered, truly unmistakably Ford product that will be differentiated from Geely’s and their target customers,” Baumbick told Auto Express.
Geely currently offers the EX5, which the report identifies as a possible foundation for the redesigned Kuga and Escape. The model is larger than the discontinued crossover while remaining within the compact crossover segment.
Its platform also supports both hybrid and electric powertrains, potentially giving Ford flexibility in future powertrain options.
Hybrid Power Could Play a Key Role
Previous rumors suggested the North American Escape could return as an all-electric model. However, Ford’s electric vehicle efforts in Europe have fallen short of sales expectations, according to the report.
The Volkswagen-based Explorer and Capri have demonstrated that Ford cannot rely exclusively on electric vehicles at this stage, particularly in its European business. The report suggests hybrid models remain an important part of the company’s strategy.
Using Geely’s multi-powertrain platform could also help Ford reduce development time and costs while supporting both hybrid and electric variants.
U.S. Return Remains Uncertain
According to the report, the redesigned Kuga and Escape are not expected to make their global debut until 2029, assuming current plans proceed.
The report also notes that a Chinese-developed platform could complicate a return of the Escape to the U.S. market because of tariffs. It further references comments from Ford CEO Jim Farley expressing a preference to keep Chinese vehicles out of the United States.
Conclusion
Although Ford has not confirmed a successor to the Escape, reports indicate the next-generation Kuga is under development for Europe with potential hybrid power. Whether that vehicle ultimately leads to the Escape’s return in North America remains unconfirmed.
