In its recent future product pipeline report, Automotive News reaffirmed earlier rumor mill rumblings that Ford aims to scrap the next-generation Edge SUV as well as its Lincoln-branded sibling, the Nautilus. That could come across as a surprising move, for a few reasons. The Nautilus — formerly Lincoln’s “MKX” — just saw its major update for the 2019 model year. As for the Edge, it’s been a staple in Ford’s crossover portfolio for 15 years, and is arguably one of the models that helped kill off the company’s passenger car lineup. Show Both are still decent sellers within their brands, too: Ford dealers sold 42,704 Edges this year (through July 2021). Lincoln sold 12,843 examples of the Nautilus, making it the brand’s third best seller, behind the smaller Corsair and the larger Aviator. Nevertheless, Ford has no fewer than four two-row SUVs with the new Bronco Sport and Bronco in the lineup. The slightly larger, three-row Explorer, for its part, is only $175 more to start than Ford’s in-between crossover, as well. Find deals on new and used vehicles through (in collaboration with Detroit Trading™) here! Retooling for EVsThe news comes on the heels of an agreement between Ford and Canada’s Unifor union, which handles worker relations at the Oakville Assembly Plant where the Edge and Nautilus are built. The automaker plans to convert Oakville into an EV plant — dropping its current conventional production in the process. One Lincoln-branded electric crossover is due from that plant by 2025, with several more to follow. That may bode well for the Nautilus making its return, as Lincoln gradually transitions to a full-EV lineup. As for the Edge, while it’s still decently popular its sales are on the decline. Even with the semiconductor shortage skewing sales figures to some extent, Edge’s year-to-date sales have suffered the worst of Ford’s mainstream lineup, falling by 27.1%. While these two models may be discontinued in 2023, Ford obviously plans to carry forward its crossover-focused business model. The larger Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator should see battery-electric counterparts by late 2022/early 2023. More information on those cars should work its way out in the coming months.
The Ford Edge and its more luxurious platform mate, the Lincoln Nautilus, apparently aren't long for this world. This is not news that should surprise you, as the two-row crossovers are getting on in years. The Edge, in particular, doesn't have the refinement or interior class as its competitors. The equally old Nautilus, however, just got a significant reworking that seriously improved it in our eyes, especially inside. It's still not as great as newer Lincoln products, but its engine lineup is strong and the interior is properly luxurious. If the latest report from Automotive News is accurate, buyers only have a short time to discover the upgraded Nautilus' charms. The publication claims that the Edge and Nautilus, both built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, will die so that future EVs may be built there. Ford had previously announced that Oakville would retool for electric vehicles, but it wasn't explicitly clear that this would spell the end of the line for the two crossovers. We do know that Ford Mustang Mach-E production will eventually land there when it goes into its next generation. Ford has a lot of fresher product to fill the gap these two-row SUVs will leave behind—particularly in the size segment just below the Edge's size class, such as the Escape, Bronco Sport, and Mach-E. So too do the excellent Corsair and Aviator somewhat overshadow the Nautilus, as good as it has gotten. It's possible that Ford could directly replace both two-row midsize crossovers with something, but perhaps both lineups just continue on without. Maybe EVs built at Oakville? At this point, it's unclear, and Ford has yet to even confirm the death of the Edge and Nautilus to us, although we've asked. Is there going to be a 2023 Ford Edge?Order Your 2023 Ford Edge. Get a head start on making the 2023 Edge yours.
Will there be a replacement for the Ford Edge?Reportedly slated for a final version in 2023
According to Automotive News, Ford will reportedly discontinue the Edge and its more luxurious twin – Lincoln Nautilus – after producing one final version in 2023.
Why did Ford discontinue the Edge?The canceling of the SUV was likely prompted by labor negotiations. It would be much more expensive to produce the Edge, the Lincoln Nautilus, and many EVs at the same plant.
What cars will Ford make in 2023?FUTURE VEHICLES. 2023 2023 Super Duty®. 2024 2024 Mustang.. 2023 2023 F-150® Raptor R™. 2023 2023 Maverick® Tremor® Off-Road Package.. |
