Ford Edge to be discontinued in 2025, won't return for 2026

Ford has officially announced that the midsize crossover SUV, Ford Edge, is set to be discontinued in the second quarter of 2024, with no plans for a 2025 model year. Ford spokesperson Jenn Banovetz confirmed the news, stating that production will continue into the second quarter, and the existing inventory will be sold throughout the year.

Speculation about the discontinuation of the Edge had circulated for years, yet the redesigned 2024 Lincoln Nautilus hinted at the possibility of another generation for the Edge. Notably, production of the Nautilus transitioned from Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, to China, with anticipated deliveries in the current quarter. It's worth noting that an extended wheelbase variant known as the Ford Edge L is manufactured in China and available in various markets.

The Oakville plant, previously dedicated to manufacturing the Edge, has undergone a strategic transition to produce five upcoming electric vehicles. This shift, disclosed in 2020 with a production goal set for 2025, is anticipated to encompass a three-row electric SUV among the unnamed models. The move aligns with the broader industry trend toward electric mobility, reflecting Ford's commitment to embracing a more sustainable future.

Introduced in 2007, the Edge midsize crossover established itself as a pioneer, filling the niche between smaller compact crossovers like the Escape and larger three-row SUVs like the Explorer. Competing with models such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevy Blazer, and Honda Passport, as well as newer entries like the Mazda CX-70, the Edge carved its place in the market. The decision to exit this seemingly lucrative segment appears unconventional, particularly considering its competitive pricing ranging from $40,000 for the base SE to well over $50,000 for the ST with additional options.

Ford has confirmed that the 2024 Ford Edge will remain available for purchase throughout the year, but its discontinuation will undoubtedly create a significant void in Ford's overall sales volume. In 2023, Ford successfully sold 106,098 units of the five-seat Edge, reflecting a notable 24.1% increase from the previous year. Comparatively, the Ford Bronco midsize SUV slightly trailed behind the Edge in sales, while the smaller Bronco Sport, based on the Ford Escape, outperformed both with 127,476 units sold. Despite these figures, the Edge's sales numbers still fall behind Ford's leading crossover SUVs, the Escape and Explorer, in the robust family lineup.

The disappearance of the Edge from the market has fueled speculation, especially as Ford expands its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio and capitalizes on the triumph of the Bronco models. Ford's strategic move aligns with the industry trend of discontinuing older crossovers with traditional gas engines in favor of embracing the shift towards electric mobility. This shift is not exclusive to Ford, as other automakers, including Nissan with the Murano, Jeep with the Cherokee, and Mazda with the CX-9, have also discontinued older crossover models in 2024, signaling a broader transformation within the automotive landscape.