Ford Prepares to Launch Its Most Affordable SUV Ever at $25,000

Ford is planning to release a budget-friendly SUV starting at around $25,000. The automaker revealed the plan during a meeting with its dealers and distributors in Las Vegas.

An SUV for $25,000

The company showcased early prototypes of a boxy-designed SUV during the event, as reported by specialized outlets. If launched by the end of the decade, this model would become the cheapest vehicle in Ford's lineup, undercutting the Maverick truck, which currently starts at just under $30,000.

The price gap is significant. The Maverick starts at under $30,000, while the new SUV will cost about $5,000 less. This move comes at a time when demand for economy cars is rising in the U.S. market.

Traditional and Hybrid Powertrains

Ford plans to offer the new SUV with both traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid options, aiming to deliver a low-cost vehicle with multiple drivetrain choices. the model won't be based on the "Ford Universal EV" platform reserved for electric vehicles, which the company will use for the upcoming "Fatoum" truck expected to start at around $30,000.

This decision reflects the company's strategy of betting on conventional and hybrid solutions to achieve a more competitive price point. The numbers suggest Ford is trying to bridge the gap between budget models and its electric lineup.

Design Inspired by the First-Generation Ford Escape

The early prototypes displayed by Ford show preliminary cues of a boxy SUV, but the design is still in its infancy. The renderings and models are primarily intended to outline the vehicle's overall size and dimensions.

One Ford dealer told the press that the prototypes carry some hints reminiscent of the first-generation Ford EcoSport. The company is expected to reveal more details about the vehicle's name, specifications, and official launch timeline in the coming months, before production is anticipated to begin by the end of the decade.

Will Ford manage to shake up the market with this model? Only time will tell.