It could be the Ford Edge’s replacement in the US.
We don’t know much about this camouflaged prototype, which is believed to be a Ford Fusion Active crossover SUV. It was seen recently close to Ford’s Dearborn development center and testing grounds. We believe it will be on the US market within the next year.
This is also not our first public encounter withthis wagon-esque, boxy Fusion. In March, a similar-looking test vehicle was photographed in the Arctic. Since then, it seems that different taillights were installed. The test vehicle is also lighter along the back and roof, so it appears some of the false panels at its rear have been removed. If you look closely at the rear hatch, you will see a bar or straight line that runs horizontally connecting with the taillights. It arcs downward.
There may be a few Fords from China that are working on the new Fusion. The Equiator, an SUV, debuted last year. It offers three-row seating in a package similar to the one we are seeing here. The Ford Evos is a curious coupe-crossover with a similar face to the Equator. It comes in a sleeker package and sits slightly lower to the ground.
This Fusion Active prototype shows both. Although the Equator’s boxy shape makes it a great match, it is lower than the Evos. Zooming in on the prototype’s front, you can see indentations in camo wrap at the corners. This is similar to the Equator’s driving lamps. The Chinese models both have wide grilles with narrow headlights. We suspect this is what you will find behind the covers of this test car.
What about the underside of the car? It could be a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with an eight-speed auto in Ford’s C2 platform. This platform was also used in the Maverick. Fusion Active could offer front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive as an option.
The Ford Edge is expected to close next year. This would make it a perfect time for Ford to introduce new players into the midsize SUV market. This could lead to a debut in late 2023 or early 2023.