The Ford Escape Is Being Discontinued: What That Means If You Want One

Ford is ending the Escape. After more than two decades as one of the best-known compact SUVs on the road, production has wound down at the Louisville Assembly Plant, which Ford is retooling for electric vehicles.

If you’ve been considering an Escape, that changes the shopping timeline but not the vehicle. What’s on dealer lots now is the last of them, and for a certain buyer that’s an opportunity rather than a reason to look elsewhere.

What’s Actually Happening

Ford confirmed the decision in 2025 as part of a broader shift toward electrification. The Escape and its Lincoln counterpart, the Corsair, are both ending so the plant can build EVs.

What that means practically:

Remaining inventory is what’s left. New Escapes on dealer lots are the final ones. When they sell, there won’t be more.

Nothing about the vehicle changed. The Escape rolling off the line last is the same Escape as the one before it. Discontinuation is a manufacturing and strategy decision, not a reflection on the product.

Service and parts continue. Ford supports discontinued models with warranty coverage and parts for years afterward, and the Escape shares EcoBoost and hybrid components with other Ford vehicles still in production. Our service center will keep servicing Escapes for as long as they’re on the road.

Missouri buyers aren’t restricted. Several states with stricter emissions rules stopped receiving new Escape inventory. Missouri isn’t one of them, so the full range of trims and powertrains has been available here.

Why a Final Model Year Can Be a Good Time to Buy

There’s a real argument for buying the last year of a well-sorted vehicle:

• The bugs are worked out. A model in its final year has had years of running production changes. You’re not buying a first-year vehicle.
• Incentives tend to be strongest. Manufacturers and dealers both want remaining inventory to move.
• You know exactly what you’re getting. No mid-cycle surprises, no wondering whether next year’s version is better.

The counterargument is resale. A discontinued nameplate can depreciate differently than one still in production. If you trade every three years, weigh that. If you keep vehicles seven to ten years, it matters much less.

What You Get in an Escape Active

The Active trim sits in the sweet spot of the lineup, with a sportier look than the base trims without the price of the top ones.

Powertrain. A 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 199 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available, which is worth having for Kansas City winters.

Fuel economy. EPA estimates of 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined with front-wheel drive, and 26 / 32 / 28 with all-wheel drive.

Towing. Up to 2,000 pounds with the 1.5-liter when properly equipped. The available 2.0-liter EcoBoost is rated higher if towing matters to you.

Cargo and seating. Room for five, with maximum cargo space ranging from 60.8 to 65.4 cubic feet depending on powertrain. The rear seats slide forward up to 5.9 inches and fold 60/40, which is the feature you’ll actually use most: slide them forward for a stroller, back for adult legroom.

Interior. A rotary gear dial frees up console space. Available heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are worth checking the window sticker for in this climate. Seat materials run from vinyl and cloth combinations to ActiveX.

Drive modes. Normal, Eco, Sport, and Slippery.

Safety. Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard, including Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, BLIS, rear parking sensors, and auto high-beam headlamps. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, Evasive Steering Assist, and Intersection Assist.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are also part of the lineup. See our Escape Hybrid and Escape Plug-In Hybrid pages for those.

If You’d Rather Buy Something Still in Production

That’s a fair position, and there are two obvious alternatives:

• Bronco Sport — similar size, shares powertrains with the Escape, standard all-wheel drive, more rugged character
• Maverick — compact pickup at a comparable price, also shares Escape powertrains, if you’d trade cargo enclosure for a bed

Both remain in production with no announced end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Escape being discontinued? Yes. Ford confirmed the Escape is ending as it retools the Louisville Assembly Plant for electric vehicle production. Remaining dealer inventory represents the final Escapes.

Why is Ford discontinuing the Escape? The decision is part of Ford’s broader shift toward electrification. The Louisville plant that built the Escape is being retooled for EV production. It wasn’t driven by poor sales; the Escape remained a strong seller.

Can I still buy a new Ford Escape? Yes, from remaining dealer inventory. Availability narrows as those units sell, and specific trims and powertrains become harder to find over time.

Will Ford still service my Escape after it’s discontinued? Yes. Factory warranty coverage continues for its full term, and Ford supports discontinued models with parts and service for years. The Escape also shares components with Ford vehicles still in production.

What’s replacing the Ford Escape? Ford has not announced a direct replacement for the nameplate. The Bronco Sport occupies similar space in the compact SUV segment, and the Maverick offers a comparable price point in a compact pickup.

What engine does the Ford Escape Active have? A 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 199 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available.

What’s the fuel economy of the Ford Escape Active? EPA estimates are 27 city / 34 highway / 30 combined with front-wheel drive, and 26 / 32 / 28 with all-wheel drive.

Where can I find a Ford Escape near Kansas City? Greenway Ford at 9505 E 350 Hwy in Raytown, MO. Check our Escape inventory for current availability or contact us at 816-482-3921.

See What’s Left

Inventory on a discontinued model gets thinner and less predictable over time. If you want a specific trim, color, or powertrain, sooner is better than later.

Browse our current Escape inventory, check current Ford offers for pricing and incentives, or use our vehicle finder service if the configuration you want isn’t on our lot.

Before you visit, estimate a payment, value your trade, or get pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score.