The article is accurate regarding 2026 Maverick Lariat pricing, and AWD is standard: https://shop.ford.com/configure/maverick/config/summary/Config[|Ford|Maverick|2026|1|1.|...PCW...LAR.99A.77F.]?intcmp=vhp-bb-fbc

Here is the problem-the CE1 is roughly the same size as a Ranger? I thought I saw that some place.   There is only about 10 inches of difference in length between the Ranger and Maverick. The Ranger is 210 and the Maverick around 200.    The Rivian R1T is 217 inches long   The Lightning is 232    

I'd like to see the Explorer get off the CD6 platform since that's the only vehicle on it.  Get it on Everest platform.   Then an Edge replacement based on a stretched/widened C2 platform.  To me, that would make more sense.

I've thought about this as well. With tariffs really eating into profits, of Ford's EV plants are underutilized, perhaps there could come a day when Ford builds batteries or entire vehicles to help maximize production capacity. Those brands even after paying Ford a premium could probably make more money compared to the alternative, importing their own EVs and being faced with a hefty tariff. 

As an owner of a 2021 Ford Edge ST, I would love to have seen the next gen Edge based on a shortened Explorer platform with a fastback styled rear with short overhangs. There's nothing Ford currently offers or that has shown to be coming that I would replace my current Edge with. The current Explorer is too big and the Mach E is looking dated. If they come out with a 4 door Mustang with a V8, I would seriously consider one of those. 

I get what you're saying, but correlation doesn't imply causation. Large sedans in general started to collapse in sales around that time. 

I disagree, your average Nautilus owner isn't gonna even know an edge shares components with their cars. Virtually none of the Escalade or navigator owners I've met know or care that their vehicles share so much with vehicles that are 30% less expensive.    I feel like if anyone was gonna be pissed off about that, it would be the people who bought the most expensive halo model within that brand. I think we as enthusiasts notice this stuff, causal buyers generally don't, especially as it comes to sharing design cues.    A nautilus could still justify its price premium by having nicer interior materials and design, the luxury brand status, and so on. I don't believe someone who paid 60 grand for a nautilus with a super high end interior would be mad about a 45 grand edge with similar styling, a cheaper interior, and a less prestigious brand. 

P.S. — Not exactly the same, but similar to when Tesla introduced Model 3 which in some ways resembled much more expensive Model S.  After that, sales of Model S plummeted as did their resale value.  Again, not exactly the same, but suddenly the image and value of previous luxury vehicle took a big hit.

I believe auto companies, actually all companies, should be careful not to dilute the image and value of their premium brands.  I was referring more to the general sequence than to Ford versus Lincoln specifically.  Your statement below jumped out at me.   Going from affordable to luxury doesn’t seem as damaging to me because at least the new buyers of the luxury vehicle know what’s involved and can therefore price it into their decision.  Reminds me of when GM took cheap Chevy Cavalier and upgraded to pseudo-luxury Cadillac Cimarron.   Going the other way, however, seems much different to me if I understand your point correctly.  If a company takes a luxury vehicle and waters it down to sell at a much lower price point, I believe two things could happen.  Firstly, could discourage many prospective buyers of the premium vehicle from purchasing, and secondly, previous owners of the premium vehicles could get pissed and feel betrayed.  I would think intelligent owners would figure out that such a move would likely depreciate the value of their vehicle.  Just my 2 cents (opinion) since this is extremely subjective topic.

Found these over at Bronco 6G....