After years of speculation and teasers, Ford has officially pulled the covers off the most anticipated revival in recent automotive history. The 2026 Ford Capri is here, and it is not a nostalgic retro coupe—it is a daring, futuristic electric fastback SUV that aims to redefine what a sporty Ford can be for a new generation.
This is not your grandfather’s Capri. The new model boldly transplants the spirit of the iconic 1970s and 80s sports coupe into the body of a sleek, high-riding four-door. It shares its fundamental Mustang Mach-E-inspired electric architecture, but wraps it in a dramatically different shell loaded with advanced technology, a next-generation cabin, and a promise of accessible performance. Ford is betting that a legendary name and cutting-edge tech can carve a unique niche in the crowded EV market.
Futuristic & Controversial Design: Love It or Hate It
Gone are the long hood and short rear deck. The 2026 Capri presents a bold, monolithic fastback silhouette with a steeply raked windshield and a sharply truncated rear end. The front end is dominated by a new interpretation of Ford’s signature grille—now a “Cohesive Shield” that integrates slim, aggressive matrix LED headlights and a backlit Ford badge. The design is clean, almost concept-car-like, with flush door handles and a pronounced muscular shoulder line that pays subtle homage to the original’s coke-bottle shape.
The rear is perhaps the most distinctive angle, featuring a full-width “Cape” LED light bar and a steeply angled rear glass. The overall effect is modern, aerodynamic (with a claimed Cd of just 0.29), and intentionally polarizing. It’s a design meant to stand out in a sea of crossover conformity, ensuring every onlooker will have a strong opinion.
The “Next-Gen” Digital Cabin: A Tech Cocoon
Step inside, and the 2026 Capri makes its mission clear: this is a digital experience first. The dashboard is dominated by a single, curved panoramic display that sweeps across the driver’s field of vision, integrating a digital instrument cluster and a massive central infotainment screen powered by Ford’s latest version of SYNC. Physical buttons are almost entirely absent, with control primarily handled via the touchscreen, a click-wheel on the steering wheel, and intelligent voice commands.
The cabin emphasizes a “light and airy” feel, with an available panoramic glass roof and sustainable materials like Microfiber Dinamica® and recycled marine plastics on key surfaces. The overall aesthetic is minimalist and driver-focused, with ambient lighting that can be customized to match driving modes. It’s a cabin designed to compete with the best from Tesla and Lucid, placing a heavy bet on digital luxury.
Powertrain & Performance: More Than Just an SUV
The 2026 Capri will launch with a choice of two battery packs and both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Power outputs are expected to range from approximately 285 horsepower in the base RWD model to over 450 horsepower in a high-performance AWD variant, with 0-60 mph times dipping well below 4 seconds for the range-topper.
Crucially, Ford has confirmed that alongside the pure electric models, the Capri will offer full hybrid options at launch. These will utilize an advanced version of Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology paired with an electric motor, targeting customers not yet ready to go fully electric but wanting a sporty, efficient powertrain. This dual-strategy is a clear acknowledgment of the varied global market readiness for EVs.
Advanced Safety as Standard: The Co-Pilot 360â„¢ Evolution
The 2026 Capri is built on a philosophy of accessible advanced safety. Every model comes standard with the latest iteration of Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢, which now includes true hands-free highway driving on pre-mapped motorways (via Active Drive Assist), intersection assist that can detect cross-traffic and cyclists, and an enhanced 360-degree camera system with a “transparent hood” view for off-road confidence.
The vehicle’s sensor suite—including radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors—is more comprehensive than ever, enabling features like Predictive Speed Assist (which reads curves and roundabouts to adjust speed) and Manoeuvre Park Assist that can handle both parallel and perpendicular parking with the driver outside the vehicle via their smartphone.
Conclusion: A Bold Gamble with an Iconic Badge
The 2026 Ford Capri is a vehicle of its moment: electric-forward, tech-saturated, and designed to spark conversation. By reviving a beloved nameplate for a radically different type of vehicle, Ford is taking a significant risk. Purists may balk at the SUV body style, but the company’s goal is clear: to capture the spirit of the original—affordable, stylish, and fun to drive—and translate it for the 21st century.
Its success will hinge on whether the driving experience delivers the promised thrill, the technology proves seamless, and the market embraces this unconventional reinterpretation. One thing is certain: the new Capri ensures no one will ignore it.
FAQ: 2026 Ford Capri
Q1: Is the 2026 Ford Capri a pure electric vehicle (EV)?
A1: It is primarily an EV, but Ford has confirmed it will also offer full hybrid options at launch, using advanced gasoline-electric powertrains for markets and customers not ready for a full transition to electric.
Q2: What is the most controversial aspect of the new Capri’s design?
A2: Its shift from a classic sports coupe silhouette to a fastback SUV body style is the most debated change. The modern, monolithic design and tall ride height are a stark departure from the original’s long, low proportions.
Q3: What is the “Next-Gen Cabin” feature?
A3: The cabin is dominated by a massive, curved panoramic display that replaces most physical buttons. It focuses on a digital, minimalist experience with sustainable materials and advanced voice-controlled SYNC software.
Q4: What advanced safety feature is now standard?
A4: The latest Ford Co-Pilot360â„¢ is standard, featuring hands-free highway driving capability, intersection assist with cyclist detection, and an advanced parking assist system that can be controlled via smartphone.
Q5: When will the 2026 Ford Capri be available to order?
A5: While the official reveal is now, customer ordering is expected to open in late 2025, with first deliveries commencing in early 2026.
Johnson is an automotive content writer and car enthusiast covering the US auto market. He specializes in new car launches, EVs, pickup trucks, SUVs, comparisons, and buyer guides. With a strong focus on real-world specs, pricing, and performance, his work helps readers make informed car-buying decisions.