The Ford Capri is back, and it’s actually a Volkswagen.
Ford has brought back the iconic Capri, but it’s not quite what fans of the original might expect. The new Capri is now an electric crossover, a significant departure from the sporty coupe that graced European roads from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s. This revival sees the Capri transformed into a sleek, practical SUV built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, similar to the VW ID.5.
The original Capri was a European-designed, rear-wheel-drive coupe, known for its sporty appeal and affordability. It was a hit among car enthusiasts, with some versions even boasting the Mustang’s V8 engine. In the U.S., the Capri was marketed through Lincoln-Mercury dealers and wasn’t immediately recognized as a Ford. Fast forward to today, and the new Capri is far from the sports car of yesteryear. Instead, it’s an electric crossover that Ford hopes will appeal to modern buyers looking for a blend of style and practicality.
Underneath its sleek exterior, the new Capri is closely related to the Ford Explorer EV, also built on the Volkswagen platform. The Capri offers two powertrain options. The base model features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, producing 284 horsepower and offering a range of 390 miles on the WLTP cycle. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and costs around $61,700. A cheaper model with 168 horsepower and a smaller 52 kWh battery is also planned, priced at approximately $54,000.
For those seeking more power, there’s a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version. This model boasts 336 horsepower, a 79 kWh battery, and a range of 368 miles. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds and is priced at around $67,000. The larger battery in this model charges from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes using a 185 kW DC charger, while the base model takes 28 minutes on a 135 kW charger. Both versions come with various wheel options, ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
The new Capri’s design aims to blend nostalgia with modernity. While it features some styling cues from the original, like a black band across the nose and DRLs arranged in pairs, it’s very much a contemporary vehicle. The interior is reminiscent of the electric Explorer, featuring a 14.6-inch SYNC Move infotainment display, a five-inch driver display, a massaging driver’s seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel. There’s also a ‘MegaConsole’ center storage system providing 0.6 cubic feet of volume, and a cargo area that offers up to 22.1 cubic feet of storage with the seats up, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet when folded.
While Ford’s decision to revive the Capri as an electric crossover may disappoint some nostalgic enthusiasts, it’s actually a strategic move aimed at modern buyers. The new Capri offers a compelling package of style, performance, and practicality, making it a strong contender in the growing electric SUV market.
I guess we just have to accept Ford will keep using iconic nameplates for its upcoming EVs.
Gallery: 2025 Ford Capri
