Just a few years ago, the SUV segment was booming in America. It seemed like everybody who was somebody sported a blinged-out SUV. Nowadays, the SUV segment is shrinking, though it is far from gone. Ford has doubled down on SUVs with brand new Explorer and Escape models in the past couple of years, and at SEMA it will be bringing concept versions of each to the stage.
The Ford Explorer is arguably the granddaddy of the SUV segment, pushing out minivans as the ride of choice for soccer moms across America. For this year’s SEMA show Ford is putting the Sport back into Sport Utility Vehicle with the Explorer Sport model. With a 3.5 liter EcoBoost engine under the hood, it will serve as the basis for a sleek-and-slammed concept sporting huge 26-inch Forgiato wheels. It will be hard to ignore this SUV at the SEMA show, that’s for sure.
As for the smaller Ford Escape, the SEMA concepts will both embrace the sporty edge these vehicles once represented as well. The first concept is called the VACCAR Urban Escape Adventurer concept, and it is powered by a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine. We love the blacked-out look that certainly adds an edge to this family hauler.
The other Escape model coming to SEMA also has a 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine, but this time it is backed by all-wheel drive. Tuned by Heide Performance Products, this EcoBoost-powered Escape is said to be about fun, performance, and speed. Perhaps it will serve as a basis for a future Escape Sport? Could be a fun way to move the family around for sure.
Ford is still holding back its SEMA Mustang designs, but any of these SUV concepts would be a welcome addition to our virtual garage, as well as some of the SEMA Focus and Fusion concepts. Have you seen anything that tickles your fancy, or are you still waiting for the SEMA Mustangs?