Ford is reportedly developing a low-cost crossover priced from around $25,000, according to a report by Automotive News citing an unnamed dealer who was shown an early prototype. The news follows closely on Ford's confirmation of the Fathom, its upcoming sub-$30,000 electric truck, suggesting the company is responding to growing concern over rising new car prices in the United States. However, the crossover is not expected to reach showrooms until 2029, leaving plenty of scope for the project to change before launch.

The prototype is said to resemble a first-generation Ford Escape and is expected to offer both hybrid and petrol-only powertrains, with hybrid versions reportedly built at Ford's Hermosillo plant in Mexico alongside the Bronco Sport and Maverick. Dealers were also apparently shown a four-door Mustang, compared in size and styling to the Porsche Panamera but priced under $40,000, and were told that the electric platform underpinning the Fathom will spawn four further electric Ford models. Ford declined to comment, and average US transaction prices topped $50,000 by the end of last year, underlining the potential appeal of significantly cheaper new models.