Ford's $25,000 crossover arrives in 2029 — hybrid and gas only, no electric version

Ford has confirmed plans for the most affordable vehicle in its lineup: a new compact crossover arriving in 2029 with a starting price near $25,000. Contrary to expectations, the model will not be electric.

The details emerged after a private dealer meeting in Las Vegas, where the company previewed early mock-ups of upcoming vehicles. According to Automotive News, the crossover features a boxy, wide body reminiscent of the first-generation Escape. It will slot below the current Maverick pickup and become the brand's cheapest offering.

A key twist: the new crossover will not ride on Ford's Universal EV platform, which the automaker is developing for future electric vehicles. Instead, it will be offered in hybrid and gasoline-powered versions. Production is planned at Ford's Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico.

In parallel, Ford is preparing the all-electric Fathom pickup, with pre-orders opening in early 2027. The starting price is $28,350, positioning it in the affordable EV segment — deliveries are set to begin in the second half of 2027.

The decision to skip an electric version of the affordable crossover raises questions, especially given market trends. In the first half of 2026, four of the top five best-selling EVs in the US were affordable SUVs: Chevrolet Equinox EV, Toyota bZ, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Tesla Model Y. Ford's Mustang Mach-E ranked only seventh, with sales down 46% year-over-year to 11,632 units.

Ford has previously said the Universal EV platform is flexible enough to support vehicles ranging from B-car-sized models to commercial vans, leaving the door open for an affordable electric crossover in the future — though timing and specifics remain unclear.