Ford is reportedly developing a new entry-level SUV that could start around $25,000 and offer both hybrid and gasoline powertrains by 2029.

Ford is reportedly working on a new entry-level SUV priced around $25,000 that could become the most affordable vehicle in its lineup by the end of the decade. The model was reportedly shown to dealers during a recent private event in Las Vegas, where executives presented early design mockups of the upcoming crossover.

The project remains in the early stages of development, but it appears to be part of Ford’s broader strategy to expand its range of affordable vehicles.

Ford reportedly showed dealers early mockups of a new entry-level SUV expected to arrive by 2029.

According to reports, dealers compared the vehicle to the first-generation Ford Escape, describing it as boxy and wide with compact proportions.

The new SUV is expected to sit below the Ford Maverick, which is currently the brand’s least expensive model.

Hybrid and gasoline versions are planned

Unlike the upcoming Ford Fathom electric pickup, the new SUV is not expected to use Ford’s Universal EV platform.

The upcoming SUV is expected to offer both hybrid and gasoline powertrains.

Instead, it will reportedly be available with both hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains, allowing Ford to target a broader range of buyers.

The expected price of around $25,000 would place it directly against affordable subcompact SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos.

That positioning would give Ford a stronger entry-level offering in one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. market.

Production could begin in 2029

The design shown to dealers was reportedly only a preliminary concept, meaning the final production model could change significantly before launch.

The production version could be built in Mexico and become Ford’s most affordable model.

Reports indicate that a new hybrid crossover is scheduled to enter production in 2029 at Ford’s Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico, and that model could be the same vehicle presented during the dealer event.

If the project moves forward as expected, the Ford $25,000 SUV would become one of the brand’s most important new products, giving buyers a more affordable alternative to larger crossovers and helping Ford compete more aggressively in the entry-level SUV segment.

Mercedes-AMG has previewed its upcoming electric performance SUV, which is expected to deliver more than 1,000 horsepower and share technology with the new AMG GT 4-Door EV.

Mercedes-AMG has released the first teaser images of its upcoming electric performance SUV, giving enthusiasts a preview of what could become one of the brand’s most powerful production vehicles.

The new model is expected to share its design philosophy and powertrain technology with the recently revealed AMG GT 4-Door EV, which produces up to 1,153 horsepower.

Mercedes-AMG has previewed its upcoming electric performance SUV with styling inspired by the new GT 4-Door EV.

Although the SUV remains hidden under a black cover, several design details are already visible. The front lighting appears to feature Mercedes-AMG’s new three-pointed star LED signature, while the rear lights also incorporate illuminated star-shaped graphics similar to those used on the GT 4-Door EV.

The overall proportions suggest a high-performance SUV with wide fenders, a low roofline and a more aggressive stance than current AMG utility models.

AMG GT 4-Door technology is expected underneath

Mercedes-AMG has not confirmed technical specifications yet, but the SUV is widely expected to use the same dedicated electric performance platform as the AMG GT 4-Door EV.

The electric SUV is expected to share its platform and performance technology with the AMG GT 4-Door EV.

That would likely mean a tri-motor powertrain producing up to 1,153 horsepower in its highest-performance version, with lower-output variants also expected to join the lineup.

The GT 4-Door EV also uses a 106-kWh battery pack, and the SUV is expected to offer a driving range of around 300 miles depending on the final configuration.

A new chapter for AMG performance

The upcoming SUV represents another major step in Mercedes-AMG’s transition toward high-performance electric vehicles.

Mercedes-AMG is expanding its next-generation electric performance lineup with a dedicated high-performance SUV.

The company has made it clear that future AMG EVs will focus not only on acceleration, but also on handling, thermal performance and repeatable high-output capability.

The Mercedes-AMG electric SUV is expected to be fully revealed before the end of the year, with sales likely beginning during 2027.

Formula 1 could increase Sprint races from six to as many as 10 in 2027, but the format still faces important sporting and technical concerns.

Formula 1 appears ready to expand its Sprint race program in 2027. The current calendar includes six Sprint weekends, but that number could increase to nine or even 10 events, meaning more than one-third of the championship would use the shorter race format. The proposal is driven by Liberty Media’s goal of increasing fan engagement throughout the entire race weekend.

The strategy is clear. Formula 1 wants to create more meaningful on-track sessions and reduce periods that casual fans may see as less important, even though those sessions remain crucial for teams and drivers.

Formula 1 could expand the Sprint race calendar significantly from the 2027 season onward.

A larger Sprint calendar would also mean that teams have only one practice session before Sprint qualifying and the Sprint race itself. That leaves far less time to prepare the cars and understand changing track conditions.

The biggest problem with the current Sprint format

The main criticism is that Sprint races still lack real sporting importance. They generate attention for a few hours, but they are quickly overshadowed by Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Sprint races often lose their impact because qualifying and the Grand Prix remain the main events of the weekend.

Even drivers rarely celebrate Sprint victories with the same emotion as a traditional race win. That weakens the perception of the format among fans and reduces its long-term value. Many observers argue that Sprint races feel like additional content rather than a competition with genuine significance.

Another concern is the growing workload. Expanding to 10 Sprint weekends would effectively create 34 race events across a 24-round season, increasing the physical and mental demands on drivers and team personnel.

A different approach could improve the format

One proposal is to replace the third practice session with a Sprint race, allowing qualifying to take place earlier on Saturday and making the Sprint the main event of the day.

Replacing the third practice session with a Sprint race could give the format greater sporting relevance.

That approach could give the Sprint a stronger identity while preserving Friday for meaningful practice work. It would also create a Saturday schedule with a clear competitive narrative rather than two major sessions competing for attention.

The debate is not simply about adding more races. The key question is whether more Sprint races automatically create better Formula 1. The answer may depend less on quantity and more on giving the format a genuine sporting purpose.