Upcoming Discontinuations: SUV Models Ending Production by 2026

The rise of electric vehicles and evolving consumer preferences are forcing manufacturers to overhaul their lineups. Many SUVs, once popular, are now facing the chopping block, making way for electric, hybrid, or more modern successors.

Here are five notable SUVs set to be discontinued by 2026:

BMW X4

Launched in 2014 to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, the BMW X4 has seen a decline in demand for coupe-style SUVs. With a sales ratio of 7:1 in favor of the X3, BMW has decided to discontinue the X4.

The BMW iX4, an all-electric successor, is slated for a 2027 global debut. Prototypes spotted in Europe hint at a sleek, electric future for this coupe SUV.

Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair

Ford will cease production of the Escape by late 2025, along with its Lincoln Corsair counterpart. This decision isn’t due to poor sales but rather Ford’s $5 billion investment in retooling factories for electric vehicle production.

While existing inventory will last through 2026, there are no plans for a new generation. Additionally, stringent emissions regulations in several U.S. states have made it challenging for the Escape to remain competitive.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe

Mercedes-Benz is discontinuing the GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe due to declining sales. Despite their sporty design, these models are criticized for being less practical than traditional SUVs, particularly in terms of cargo space.

Some variants have even been labeled as “used cars to avoid” by U.S. automotive magazines, further diminishing their appeal.

However, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe 2025 will continue, boasting a twin-turbo V8 engine with 603 horsepower and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, catering to power enthusiasts.

Kia Soul

After 16 years and over 1.5 million units sold across three generations, the Kia Soul is being discontinued. Sales peaked at 154,768 units in 2016 but plummeted to 52,397 in 2024, a 65% drop.

Once popular among young and older buyers for its practicality, the Soul now faces stiff competition from Kia’s compact SUV lineup, including the Seltos, Niro, and Sportage. Its discontinuation streamlines Kia’s offerings, with the K4 LX sedan becoming the brand’s new entry-level model.

Cadillac XT6

The Cadillac XT6 2025 marks the final generation of this 7-seater SUV. Production ceased in early November, ahead of schedule, as part of Cadillac’s shift toward an electric SUV lineup. The Cadillac Vistiq 2026, its electric successor, is already available at dealerships.

The discontinuation of these SUVs signals a market purge, where models slow to innovate or align with electrification trends are being replaced by newer, more modern offerings. Over the next 2-3 years, expect significant changes in SUV lineups, with a surge in electric and hybrid models. While this means more advanced options for consumers, it also means saying goodbye to familiar models at an accelerated pace.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)