Something unexpected just happened to the Ford Escape. It got cheaper to buy.
Ford has lowered the starting price of the Kentucky-built compact SUV from $30,490 to $29,490 for 2025, including destination fees.
That will make it the only US-built vehicle made by an domestic brand that is available for less than $30,000 when the Chevrolet Malibu is discontinued this fall.
Chevrolet launched a 2025 model year Malibu with a base price of $26,995, but has confirmed that it will end production by Nov. 18 in order to retool the Fairfax, Kan., assembly plant that builds it to manufacture the next generation Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle, starting late next year.
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The entry-level Escape is the Active trim, which comes with front-wheel-drive and a 180 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that is good for a 30 mpg combined fuel economy rating.
The next-lowest priced US-built vehicle from a domestic brand is currently the Michigan-made Chevrolet Colorado, which starts at $31,395 for the base WT (work truck) trim with rear-wheel-drive, but 2025 pricing hasn’t been announced.
The 2024 two-door Jeep Wrangler that is built in Ohio starts at $33,890 and the Michigan-built 2024 Ford Ranger starts at $34,315.
The Subaru Legacy, Honda Civic Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Cross and Toyota Corolla are the only other US-built vehicles that have starting prices below $30,000, with the lowest being the 2025 Corolla’s $24,640.
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As for the $20,000 barrier, there will only be one vehicle on sale under it 2025. The Mexican-made Nissan Versa is set to start at $18,330 when deliveries begin in the coming weeks.
2024 US-BUILT TRUCK OF THE YEARTM: FORD RANGER RAPTOR
