2018 Ford EcoSport

Overview

The EcoSport is intended to blend the economy-minded traits of subcompacts and the sporty-lifestyle attributes of crossovers. In practice, the tiny ute is neither very economical nor very sporty—but it is surprisingly useful. Available with your choice of two engines, one with front-wheel drive and the other driving all four wheels, the EcoSport can tow more than some bigger crossovers. It also features a lofty seating position and fantastic infotainment options. Too bad the back seat is cramped and the fuel economy doesn't measure up to expectations.

What's New for 2018?

The EcoSport nameplate is new to the U.S. market for 2018. It carries two distinct powertrains and four trim levels: S, SE, SES, and Titanium. The EcoSport also has a unique side-hinged rear hatch that can be equipped with an externally mounted spare tire.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The EcoSport feels athletic and quick enough slicing through busy streets, but its vague steering and noisy ride diminish the experience. Both the standard 1.0-liter 123-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine and the optional 2.0-liter 166-hp inline-four share a dutiful six-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, it can tow more than most rivals, and the four-cylinder can be equipped with all-wheel drive. We don’t expect blistering acceleration from any subcompact, but the EcoSport is significantly slower than the competition. The six-speed automatic transmission helps smooth transitions and disguise the busy machinations under the hood. While its ride isn't isolated from noisy surfaces, the softly sprung suspension effectively isolates the impacts. Too bad the spongy shocks and top-heavy demeanor lead to unruly body motions.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Compared with the nicer cabins of rivals like the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Soul, the EcoSport’s interior disappoints. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels rubbery, and most of the plastic surfaces are hard and hollow. Higher trims dress things up with leather-and-cloth seats as well as copper-colored trim pieces. Although the EcoSport has the most front-seat space among its rivals, the back seat has limited headroom and legroom. Despite its diminutive size, the EcoSport has competitive cargo space. It also has an assortment of interior storage spots, but none are very large.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The EcoSport offers three levels of infotainment, with the top two trim levels supporting Ford’s user-friendly Sync 3 system and touchscreens packed with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The entry-level EcoSport S gets a 4.2-inch non-touch display that includes Bluetooth connectivity and two USB ports. Higher trims all have touchscreens and more features, but the larger 8.0-inch unit with navigation is optional on the SE model. The upgrade also includes a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, and a 110-volt outlet in the back seat area.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Ford EcoSport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.