2025 Ford Explorer Spells the End for the Ford Edge
First, Ford ditched its car lineup, leaving only the Mustang, and now the Ford Edge is on the chopping block. The Edge has lived up to its name with edgy performance in the ST trim and stubbornness to never add a third-row seat, but now it’s heading to that sunset at the end of the road. The 2025 Ford Explorer could be to blame or the end of the Edge, but only partially.
Say goodbye to the Ford Edge
Two-row crossovers are fine and dandy, but mostly in the compact SUV class. Once you enter the midsize SUV market, three rows of seats should be part of the mix. While this isn’t the case for every vehicle in this class, this logic is why the Edge is heading out the door. Ford recently announced that production will continue in the second quarter and that the Edge will be on sale for the rest of the year, but Ford Edge production will end.
The Oakville Assembly plant in Canada, where the Edge is made, is scheduled to be retooled to make electric vehicles. This plant could be home to a new Ford three-row electric vehicle, but Ford hasn’t announced anything yet.
What makes the Ford Explorer a better option?
The Explorer has been the most popular American SUV since it arrived in 1991. Over many years, the Explorer has been a practical and useful SUV for many drivers to enjoy on the roads and trails. The 2025 version features new equipment, a reduced trim lineup, and good power.
The 2025 Explorer includes Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims. Three trims share a powertrain, while the ST enjoys a sporty look and a more powerful drive system.
The biggest difference between the Edge and Explorer is the addition of a third-row seat in the Explorer. This makes the 2025 Ford Explorer more versatile and desirable than the outgoing Ford Edge.
What happened to the hybrid Explorer?
For the time being, all hybrid Explorers are going to police departments. The demand for Police Interceptor Utility models is much greater than Ford anticipated. This demand required three shifts of workers at the Chicago Assembly Plant to build these hybrid SUVs for police departments and not for public purchase.
Will there be an Explorer Raptor?
Ford could add more trims to the Explorer lineup but don’t expect this SUV to ever wear the Raptor name. The rugged Timberline could return and be the off-road-focused Explorer with a lift kit and standard AWD, but that’s for future speculation and conversations.
Consumer demand shows three-row midsize SUVs to be much more popular and desirable than two-row models. This demand, coupled with the success of the Ford Explorer, is why the Ford Edge won’t make it to 2025.
Source: MotorTrend
