Ford threw the automotive industry a bit of a curve ball when it announced plans to phase out all sedans in North America. That’s a major change and it will have a big impact on the company’s future product lineup.
While traditional sedans are out of the questions, Ford is working on a handful of new models that will be introduced in the next couple of years. The company has already teased a several of them, so let’s take a glimpse into the American brand’s future.
2019 Ranger
The mid-size truck market was an afterthought a few years ago, but it’s seen a major resurgence. Ford was caught off guard by this trend and has been left watching Chevrolet sell over 100,000 Colorado pickups annually.
Ford will correct their mistake early next year when it launches the 2019 Ranger in the United States. The model was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show and Ford confirmed the truck will be powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. It will be paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission which can be mated to an optional four-wheel drive system.
2020 F-Series Super Duty
The Ranger won’t be the only new truck next year as Ford has confirmed plans to introduce an updated F-Series Super Duty in 2019. Little is known about the truck, but spy photos have shown the model will have a new front fascia and modified rear end.
The styling changes are expected to be minor, but the truck could have improved towing and payload capabilities. Rumors have also suggested the Super Duty could gain a new V8 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission.
2020 Escape / Kuga
The current Ford Escape and Kuga are showing their age, but the model remains wildly popular with consumers. Ford is looking to capitalize on this success by introducing a redesigned Escape next year.
The model is expected to have a more upscale design which borrows a number of styling cues from the European Focus. Ford has already confirmed plans for a hybrid variant and it will likely be sold alongside models with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.
2020 Explorer
Customers looking for something larger can wait for the 2020 Explorer which will be unveiled next year. Ford has teased the redesigned model on a handful of occasions and it appears to be sportier and more stylish than the current model.
Speaking of sporty, Ford has confirmed plans for Explorer ST which will “soon follow” the standard model. It will reportedly have a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine with around 400 hp (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque.
2019 / 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500
While a vast majority of next year’s debuts are crossovers and trucks, Ford is also planning to introduce the Mustang Shelby GT500. The company has been teasing the model since January and has already confirmed it will feature a supercharged V8 engine with more than 700 hp (522 kW).
The car it isn’t expected to be as powerful as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, but it should be more capable on the track. The company has been tight-lipped on specifics but has said the car will have “innovative track technologies” and “performance hardware.” Besides the heat extractor hood and carbon fiber rear spoiler, the model could have carbon-ceramic brakes and a dedicated Drag Strip mode.
2020 Focus Active
The company’s other car for 2019 will be the Focus Active which will be imported to the United States from China. The model should echo the European variant and feature an off-road inspired exterior with plastic body cladding, an increased ride height and faux silver skid plates.
US specifications remain unconfirmed, but the model could be offered with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine that has outputs of 148 hp (110 kW) and 180 hp (133 kW). Ford has already confirmed the three-cylinder engine is coming to America and it will be able to run on two cylinders to save fuel.
2020 Bronco
Perhaps one of the most anticipated new models is the Bronco which will be introduced in 2020. Ford hasn’t said much about the Bronco, but a previous teaser image suggested it will be a two-door SUV aimed squarely at the Jeep Wrangler.
There appears to be a number of styling similarities between the models as both will have an upright fascia, a short hood, a flat roof and a rear-mounted spare tire. The teaser image also suggests the Bronco will have bulging fender flares, a short wheelbase and plenty of wheel travel.
2020 Baby Bronco
The Bronco won’t be the only off-road focused model introduced in 2020 as Ford has also teased a Jeep Renegade or Compass competitor. The company hasn’t revealed the model’s name, but stated it will be a “small utility” vehicle designed to appeal to “people who love getting away and spending time outdoors with their families and friends.”
Little is known about the crossover, but the model will have circular headlights, plastic body cladding and a roof rack. The teaser image also shows rounded styling fenders and a slender grille with “Ford” lettering.
2020 F-150
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for years and the company wants to keep that momentum going. As a result, the automaker will unveil a new F-150 in 2020 to battle the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Ram 1500.
Ford hasn’t said much about the truck, but the company has already confirmed plans for a hybrid variant. The F-150 Hybrid will be able to function as a mobile generator and this could make it the ideal work vehicle for contractors who somewhere to plug in their tools.
2020 Mach 1 / Performance Battery Electric Utility
Ford is gearing up to launch 16 new electric vehicles by 2022 and the first will arrive in 2020. Originally teased with the Mach 1 moniker, the model will be a “Mustang-inspired, battery-electric SUV.”
The model is being developed by Team Edison and the company has suggested the crossover will have “seamless and convenient charging” as well as over-the-air software updates. Executive have also hinted the crossover will be affordable and have a range of in excess of 300 miles (482 km).
Updated Fusion This Fall, More Hybrids In The Future
Besides the aforementioned models, Ford will launch the 2019 Fusion late this summer. The sedan comes with a simplified trim structure and additional equipment including the new Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance systems.
The Fusion Energi has also been equipped with a new 9.0 kWh lithium-ion battery which enables the model to have an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 25 miles (40.2 km). The updates are also expected to carry over to the Mondeo.
As you’re probably noticed, Ford is embracing electrification in a big way. Besides the F-150, the automaker has confirmed the Bronco, Escape, Explorer and Mustang will be offered with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.