I actually think a more square and planted (not necessarily a full box, but squared like the current Explorer’s form with a lower hood height) is clearly the way to go. I like my 2022 Escape but I think the attempt to just make Fusion and Focus buyers go to the Escape is a total failure. If people want a more sedan-like car, they should just buy a sedan or Ford should make a cheap fastback hatch/subcompact crossover.

I wonder what they'll do differently with the styling to make the escape more appealing again. I've heard some say make it boxy like the BS. With rumors that the mach-e is gonna become an ICE crossover, I kinda wanna see a crossover with evolved mach-e styling cues that's an in-betweener, smaller than the current mach-e, maybe a little longer than the current escape. Something that retains a similar look,and remains an EV so mach-e buyers who want to stick with an EV have something that appeals to them. But escape buyers also have something sleeker and sportier than the current escape that's worth buying.    Maybe ditch the mustang branding, ignore the mustang logo in this rendering lol. But a CE1 crossover like this would be awesome. people can buy a boxy utility like the BS if they want, or a sleeker coupe cross. 

I figure initial quality will have bumps at first which is more or less fine as long as its ‘worth it’ like Rivian. It is quite a gamble for Ford but a good one.    I will say that after driving the new Bolt, its totally baffling to me that GM shows no outward signs of continuing their previous plan to have a whole family of Bolt-esq vehicles. Unless GM just couldn’t figure out the LFP supply chain I really don’t get why they aren’t leaning into the Bolt harder. They’d be the #1 EV manufacturer in America and really be able to hit a good balance between the sort of traditional autos we are used to with the new electric and software capabilities EVs offer.

Yea, I’m countin’ on Ford to get both the CE1 pickup truck and the next gen Escape right. That means no more anonymous boring blob styling for the Escape, and a flawless launch - on time, high volume, high quality - for both models.

2029 is a bit long but after having test drove a 2027 Chevy Bolt (which is actually a pretty awesome vehicle priced great) its worth the wait if the UEV platform really takes the mid-sized truck and next Escape towards the tech level Rivian and Tesla have. The mid-sized truck will also be here next year if I can’t wait.    

Mitsubishi Confirms New Pickup Truck for North America - Autoblog   One of Mitsubishi’s first moves to be more visible in the U.S is the introduction of a new pickup. This was confirmed in the company’s presentation published on May 29, 2026. The plan is for a ‘new pickup collaboration project from Nissan.’         There's also talk the new Montero may come to the US.  I could see it happening if it and the pickup are based on each other...

Ford Escape Revival Set For 2029 On Universal EV Platform   Now, Ford Authority has confirmed that the Ford Escape will indeed be making a comeback as a compact all-electric crossover, similar in size to the outgoing model. It carries the designation U833, and is slated to enter production at the Louisville Assembly plant in 2029. This will likely make the new Ford Escape EV the second vehicle to utilize FoMoCo's new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, following the debut of the new mid-size pickup that will also be built in Louisville starting next year.

Obviously with the open panels like that, that wouldn't make production, but I actually kind of like the latest Hummer styling.

Experian Auto data for 1Q 2026 indicates that Toyota bZ (including Woodland but not including the Subaru rebadges) is now the best selling non Tesla EV:  

That thing looks stupid....there, I said it.