The Ford Bronco Sport Fails to Fill the Shoes of a Discontinued SUV
I might play the world’s smallest violin for the Ford Bronco Sport. The baby horse SUV sold fewer models than a recently discontinued option in 2025. Dealerships wish the dead model were still in production as the Bronco Sport fails to make up for its loss.
Dealers want a Ford Bronco Sport alternative to replace discontinued SUV
Can you guess which discontinued SUV is causing pain for dealerships? It’s the Ford Escape, and it still has a solid demand despite being passed through death’s door.
The Escape sold 139,387 SUVs in 2025. Meanwhile, the Ford Bronco Sport sold 134,493 models. That’s still good, and it defeated rivals like the Jeep Compass.
However, the Escape was killed too soon, and the Bronco Sport isn’t making up for its loss. Dealerships claim that the Escape has left a massive gap in the market.
They’re begging for an affordable SUV to replace it. According to Car Scoops, they would even take an affordable sedan to better meet the needs of drivers.
The 2025 Escape had an MSRP of $28,150, and the 2026 Bronco Sport starts at $31,845. That’s an expensive jump, especially for people who don’t need off-roading upgrades.
Many are optimistic about five upcoming vehicles that will start under $40,000. One of the options includes a $30,000 electric truck. But they still miss the Escape at the moment.
Many report success in retaining some customers by getting them to switch to the Mustang Mach-E, Bronco Sport, and Ford Explorer instead. However, affordability is a growing concern.
Production of the Escape was stopped at the Louisville Assembly plant so it could be renovated to build new vehicles, including the electric truck. It will launch in 2027.
