Ford's latest announcement has sent ripples through the automotive industry as the company reveals its plans to discontinue production of its popular midsize SUV, the Edge, after 2024. The main reason that Ford is discontinuing the Edge is to move toward electric vehicles (EVs), and we should see a new midsize SUV EV to replace the gas-powered Edge. With the discontinuation of the Edge and other Ford models, what does the future of this automaker's SUV lineup look like, and how will it impact consumer demand?

The History of the Ford Edge

In 2007, Ford introduced the two-row, midsize SUV, the Edge. Auto consumers enjoyed driving the first-generation Edge until Ford redesigned this SUV in 2015 with moderate changes that upgraded the Edge with modern features such as advanced safety features, an EcoBoost engine, and a change to the trim lineup. For 2024, the final year for the Edge, Ford offers this SUV in five trims: the SE, SEL, ST-Line, Titanium, and the sports-performance ST trim. The four lower trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque comes exclusively with the top-tier ST trim. As you move up the Edge trims, you get attractive features such as leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, and additional driver-assist features, including front parking sensors.

When Is Ford Going To Stop Making the Edge?

Ford stopped producing the Edge in April 2024, and there won't be a 2025 Edge model. Ford is repurposing many of its production plants for EV manufacturing, including the Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada. We should see EVs coming from the assembly plants for the 2025 season, and there are rumors of a three-row EV SUV. This shift in manufacturing focus will put Ford at the forefront of the auto industry's EV revolution. The move demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Why Is Ford Discontinuing the Edge?

Ford stopped redesigning the Edge after the second generation was introduced in 2015, and consumer interest in a midsize two-row SUV began to decline. Many families gravitated toward three-row SUVs for more room, such as the Explorer, or rugged SUVs, such as the Bronco, for off-road adventures. Aside from slumping sales, auto consumers are increasingly drawn toward the zero-emissions and sustainability features that EVs provide. Ford listened to what consumers wanted and now focuses on electrifying its lineup of sedans, SUVs, trucks, and performance cars. By streamlining its vehicle portfolio, Ford plans to improve the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its lineup.  This strategy aims to align with consumer demands and maintain competitiveness in the challenging midsize SUV market. While the Edge is being phased out, it marks the beginning of Ford's transition to EVs.

Ford's EV Pledge

While Ford shifts toward EVs, it is investing in an auto campus in Tennessee and Kentucky called BlueOval City. Here, workers will make batteries for select Ford EVs and focus on creating desirable zero-emission vehicles for auto consumers interested in sustainability and the positive environmental effect of manufacturing and driving EVs. In addition, Ford is creating the BlueOval Charge Network so that Ford EV customers can recharge their batteries at Ford EV charging stations nationwide. Ford plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and is the largest automaker committed to reducing carbon emissions in its vehicles and manufacturing plants. In addition, Ford's research and development team is actively working on more sustainable EV batteries, moving to solid-state batteries with longer driving ranges and reducing the environmental impact of lithium-ion battery production. Ford is at the forefront of EV innovation, research, and implementation.

Ford Edge Alternative — Future Ford SUVs

Ford is developing alternatives to keep its utility vehicle range strong as it shifts away from the Edge and other gas-only SUVs. We expect Ford to focus on bolstering its future SUV lineup with EV and plug-in hybrid options for the Explorer, Escape, and Expedition models. For now, Ford offers the following vehicles in its electrified, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicle lineup:

• The Escape ST-Line Elite Hybrid SUV.
• The Escape Plug-in Hybrid SUV.
• The Mustang Mach-E EV SUV.
• The Ford F-150 Lightning EV pickup truck.
• The Maverick hybrid pickup truck.
• The F-150 hybrid pickup truck.
• The EV E-Transit Cargo Van.

While this is the current list of EVs found on Ford's website, we'll see new SUVs, pickup trucks, and cargo/passenger vans as part of Ford's commitment to sustainable vehicles. Until Ford completely transforms its lineup to EVs, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, you can still take advantage of popular gas-powered Ford SUVs such as the rugged Bronco and Bronco Sport, the versatile Escape and Explorer, and the family-oriented Expedition. Remember that as these popular SUVs become electrified, they'll still have rugged appeal, robust powertrains, and cutting-edge technology features anyone will appreciate. We look forward to Ford's development of sustainable and eco-conscious vehicles.

Explore the Future of Ford SUVs at Cochran Ford Boardman

While Ford will no longer make the Edge, you can explore the lineup of its new SUVs at our Boardman, Ohio, dealership. Our Cochran Ford Boardman team invites you to contact us  to learn more about the future of Ford's EV lineup, schedule a test drive for any model in our Ford inventory, and speak to our finance team about our flexible auto loan options. We look forward to helping you navigate the changes from gas-only vehicles to EVs and welcome you to the future of sustainable driving with Ford's EV lineup.