Is Ford coming out with a next-gen Edge? For a lot of people that were fans of the earlier Ford Edge, the unfortunate answer is that it's complicated. There may be a hybrid Edge on the horizon, but we wouldn't hold our breath waiting for it. However, that doesn't mean Ford doesn't have a new-gen Edge ready for other markets, namely the Chinese market. The 2024 Ford Edge L has been spotted testing and will likely turn up at the Shanghai Auto Show soon. But just why is Ford getting rid of the Edge stateside?

Ford has big electrification plans for the future. So far, the brand has released great EVs, like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning. Like most brands, Ford is taking a more EV-centric route. In 2020, the Blue Oval announced that it will end production of the Ford Edge at the Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada after signing agreements to introduce EVs from 2025. The new electrification plans have most likely led to the cancelation of the Edge SUV after the 2023 model year.

Updated April 2023: We've updated this article with more recent developments on the 2024 Ford Edge and why it's being discontinued from North America. It will live on as the all-new 2024 Edge L SUV for China. We also tell you what to expect from the American successor after the 2023 Edge SUV.

Related: Why The 2018 Ford Edge Isn’t Worth Much Today In The Used Market

Why Is Ford Discontinuing The Edge SUV?

2023 Ford Edge Side View
Ford

Just why is Ford dismissing its reliable crossover? According to Ford Authority, credible sources confirmed that 2023 really is the end of the Ford Edge production era in North America. While this hurts the crossover’s dedicated fans, Ford has a very good reason for doing so. You see, the Ford Edge rolls out of the Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada, along with the SUV's luxurious sibling, the Lincoln Nautilus. These two vehicles have been solely produced at the plant since their inception years ago.

About two years ago, Ford made plans with the Canadian Union Unifor to introduce up to five new EVs starting from 2025. This signed agreement stated that the EVs would be available at the same Oakville plant. The cancelation of the SUV was likely prompted by labor negotiations. It would be much more expensive to produce the Edge, the Lincoln Nautilus, and many EVs at the same plant. It would also be counterintuitive to its “electrification plans”. So, the Ford Edge won’t be around for the 2023 model year because the Oakville plant where it's produced will be converting into an EV-only factory. Unfortunately, this will also be the end of the line for the Oakville-made Lincoln Nautilus.

Ford Is Making A 2024 Edge Only For China

Ford will begin to retool the plant in 2024 in preparation for the production of the upcoming EVs. The new electric vehicles are set to start rolling out in 2025 and will sell for the same model year. But that doesn’t mean the Edge is going completely. The Changan Ford Assembly Plant in Chongqing, China, will continue to produce the Chinese Ford Edge in its new 7-seater form. It will be the sole manufacturer of the compact crossover. So, it's not the end for the Ford Edge after all, but rather, the end of its line in North America.

Related: 10 Reliable Fords That Are Known For Their Low Running Costs

What Will Replace The US-Spec Ford Edge In 2024?

2023 Ford Edge Front Angular View White Color
Ford

Almost every automaker has either already started electrifying their cars or is planning to in the next couple of years. And like all of them, Ford knows that the transition from conventional gas-powered vehicles won't happen instantaneously. The transition will be slower and more systematic. That’s why Ford will spend the entire year of 2024 to prep the Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada.

So far, Ford hasn't yet announced the details of the upcoming EVs. However, of the five models, we think two or three Ford EVs of them will be compact crossovers. Especially since this is the hottest segment right now and will be for many years to come. One of the upcoming electrified SUVs will likely be the successor of the axed Ford Edge. It might also take its shape, luxury, and more.

We would have suspected the Ford Edge replacement to be a shrunken version of the all-new Explorer EV based on VW's MEB platform. But it will not be sold in America, and moreover, Ford is working on an all-new in-house platform. It will spawn a revolutionary new pickup truck and most likely an all-electric 2025 Edge.

The other anticipated Ford SUV, we’re guessing, will be an EV spin-off of the Bronco. This will pay homage to Ford’s best off-road crossover. A bigger EV version of the navigator would also suffice, but it's tough to tell at this point.

By the time the Ford Edge’s successor will roll out of the production line, Ford’s newest EVs, the F-150 Lightning, and the Mach-E will be a couple of years old. The success of the upcoming EVs will depend on the momentum established by existing Ford EVs. So, Ford will likely spend a lot of time working on EV-related issues.