The Ford Edge and luxury equivalent Lincoln Nautilus may cease production in 2023. The vehicles have long been a staple of the Ford and Lincoln CUV lineups, but the Edge hasn’t seen much updating. The Nautilus, formerly known as the Lincoln MKX, received a completely new look in 2019 along with the name change. The redesigned Nautilus may not be around much longer, so buyers should act fast as there may be only a few years remaining.

Why are the Edge and Nautilus rumored to die?

The Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus are rumored to die in 2023 if this automotive news report is accurate, which is not confirmed by Ford. Due to both vehicles being built at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada to make space for EV production, the two CUVs will be discontinued. With the Escape and the release of the Bronco Sport, Ford can feel more comfortable with discontinuing the Edge. The same goes for the Nautilus, which leaves behind the Aviator and Corsair in the Lincoln lineup of CUVs.

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge began production in 2006, and its first model year was 2007. Since then, it has gone through plenty of small changes, but none that really redefined the body or look. It received its name from a trim package for the original Ford Ranger. The Edge shares its underpinnings with the Ford Fusion. The first generation of the vehicle was also produced as the Mazda CX-9. It sold 130,125 units in 2007 and has stayed in that range consistently since then.

The 2020 Ford Edge sold 108,886 units, according to goodcarbadcar.net. The Edge hasn’t received a redesign since 2015 when the second generation started production. Since then it has added SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, the ST-Line trim, and most recently an upgraded 12-inch touch screen infotainment system.

Lincoln Nautilus

Originally named the Lincoln MKX, the Nautilus began production during the same year as the Ford Edge. Part of the Lincoln lineup of “MK” named vehicles, the “X” stood for crossover. The Nautilus (MKX at the time) was Lincoln’s first-ever crossover. In 2018 Lincoln began moving away from the “MK” branding for their models. Starting by changing the MKX to the Nautilus.

Most recently, the 2021 Nautilus got an interior redesign. Lincoln added a 13.2-inch infotainment screen as well as more luxurious materials across the front, surrounding the all-new dashboard. Powered by Ford’s new Sync 4, it now has wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, and allows drivers to use their phone as the key. For a CUV with only a few years remaining, those are a lot of nice updates.

What will replace the Edge and Nautilus?

The CUVs in the Ford and Lincoln lineups need replacements but will Escape, Bronco Sport, Aviator, and Corsair be the answer? Or is Ford going EV with their crossovers? The Oakville Assembly plant will produce the Ford Mustang Mach-E, so could new EV CUVs be next?

Automakers are fully committing to going electric this year, most recently Genesis announcing its 2025 all-EV lineup. If the rumor of Edge and Nautilus discontinuation turns out to be true, could there be more Ford EV announcements coming soon? Maybe an all-electric Edge redesign is in the works for post-2023. Until Ford makes an official announcement we can’t know for sure if the Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus will die. Though usually where there’s smoke, there’s an all-new electric crossover.