It was supposed replace the Edge in America, but it’s not happening.
The launch of the new generation Ford Escape was not easy in the United States. Despite the redesign of the crossover, Kuga’s North American brother was less popular in 2020 than it was in 2019. It was also announced that the production for the Escape PHEV will not begin until Ford resolves the battery problems it has with the Euro-spec model.
The seven-seat Escape has been canceled for launch in the US. FordAuthority says that the Blue oval company is currently working on a three row version of the compact crossover, but it will only be available in China. The seven-seat model is expected to be released in China in the People’s Republic in the latter part of the year, or early in 2022.
According to our source, the Escape will be slightly longer than the standard Escape. It will also continue to use the C2 platform that is currently used by many Ford or Lincoln products. The only difference between the seven-seat and five-seat models is the more boxy roofline. Access to the third row will be made easier by sliding seats in the second row.
It was initially believed that the Edge could be replaced by a seven-seat Escape in Ford’s US lineup. Although the latter is expected to be discontinued following the current model year, it appears that Ford’s plans have changed. The upcoming wagon-like Fusion replacement, which is high-riding and wagon-like, could be used as a successor for the Edge. This leaves no room in the United States for a three-row Escape.
There is no information at this time about whether the Kuga will be available in Europe with a seven-seat version.