Ford Reportedly Planning $25,000 SUV With Hybrid Option

Ford may be preparing to re-enter the affordable vehicle market with a new SUV priced around $25,000, according to a recent report from Automotive News. The report, citing multiple anonymous attendees at a dealer meeting, suggests the vehicle will offer both combustion and hybrid powertrains.

The styling shown at the meeting was said to resemble the original Ford Escape, though final designs are not yet complete. The SUV is not expected to arrive until 2029.

A Ford representative declined to comment on what they called "speculation" about future products, leaving the report unconfirmed. If the vehicle is built in Mexico, as Automotive News suggests, it could share a platform with the Maverick and Bronco Sport. 5-liter four-cylinder available.

Front-wheel drive would likely be standard, with all-wheel drive optional.

The move comes as Ford currently has only one vehicle priced below $30,000, the Maverick, which starts at $27,145 before destination. Price increases have pushed it out of the $25,000 range, leaving Ford without a strong competitor in that segment. The report notes that few small hybrid SUVs exist below $30,000, so a hybrid version of this new model could stand out if Ford keeps its price in check.