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2019 Ford EcoSport

Starting at $21,090

6/10 C/D RATING
Specs
2018 Ford EcoSport
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
6/10 C/D RATING

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  • Highs Easy to maneuver, terrific infotainment, big(ger) crossover qualities.
  • Lows Small size imposes limitations, apathetic acceleration, subpar fuel economy.
  • Verdict Despite the small package, the EcoSport competes with larger alternatives—in some areas.
By Eric Stafford

Overview

The EcoSport attempts to give crossover shoppers what they so desperately want: a high seating height, useful towing capacity, and myriad features. Its name also suggests the ability to be economical (Eco) and sporty (Sport). Ergo, EcoSport! Unfortunately, this high-riding subcompact is not one of the most affordable or best driving options in its class. Still, it delivers many desirable features such as excellent infotainment options and increased ground clearance versus traditional hatchbacks. The simple interior is fine on cheaper models, but falters on more expensive ones, especially when compared with rivals such as the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Soul. Its tight back seat and middling fuel efficiency also hurt its case. The EcoSport features two engine options that pair to either front- or all-wheel drive but be warned that neither one moves this tiny ute with authority. Instead, it caters to people with active lifestyles that don't want to pay big bucks for bigger alternatives.

What's New for 2019?

The 2019 EcoSport carries over mostly unchanged. The lineup still includes four trim levels and the same set of engine and transmission combinations. However, the nifty spare-tire carrier that could be mounted on the rear swing gate is no longer available. While it was only available on the base model, we thought it was a cool addition. The Sync Connect system is replaced by FordPass Connect, which allows users to access real-time traffic information and utilize the 4G LTE mobile hotspot. The top-of-the-line SES model adds a new Black Appearance package that includes a black-painted roof and black hood decal. However, this option must be paired with Diamond White, Moondust Silver, or Lightning Blue paint colors. Inside, the SES trades orange accents for gray ones.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We think the SE model is the best combination of features and price. Compared with Ford's base model, it adds a power sunroof, rear parking sensors, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We'd also select the all-wheel-drive system, which requires the turbocharged engine option that together cost $1500. That's well worth the price for their increased towing capacity and improved fuel efficiency. In fact, this configuration earned 2 mpg more on the highway in our testing than the smaller engine with front-wheel drive.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Impressive towing capability, bumps don't bother passengers, fun to thread through traffic.
Dislikes: Painfully slow acceleration, cacophonous cabin, slow steering responses.

Whether it has the standard 123-hp turbocharged three-cylinder or the optional 166-hp four-cylinder, the EcoSport is the opposite of quick. Both engines share a dutiful six-speed automatic transmission and—surprisingly—can tow more than most rivals. Having driven these powertrains, we've confirmed that straight-line acceleration is not a strong point. Still, both engines felt peppy leaving stoplights and at city speeds. It can tow up to 2000 pounds when equipped with the four-cylinder engine. Even the three-cylinder version can handle as much as 1400 pounds.

Despite its flawed dynamics, the EcoSport has redemptive qualities that even qualify as fun—at times. To be clear, it drives much better at slower speeds. It felt athletic and quick (enough) slicing through busy streets, but its vague steering and noisy ride diminished the experience. While its ride wasn't isolated from rough surfaces, the softly sprung suspension on our Titanium test vehicle effectively isolated the impacts. Likewise, it didn't bounce on bumpy surfaces. Too bad the spongy shocks and top-heavy demeanor led to unruly body motions. These effects were amplified at higher speeds. The brake pedal on our front-drive Titanium model never felt firm, but it had consistent feedback.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Those who believe the "Eco" in EcoSport stands for economical will be disappointed. Neither of the two available engines are inefficient per se; they just lag behind the competition in their EPA estimates and real-world highway fuel economy. Surprisingly, the four-cylinder version performed better on our real-world test than the three-cylinder. We observed 30 mpg with the four-cylinder and 28 with the three-cylinder. However, neither were as efficient as the Hyundai Kona or the Nissan Rogue Sport we tested.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Commanding seat height, infotainment chock full of features, adjustable cargo floor.
Dislikes: Tight back seat, base models have no options, cargo area lacks cubbies.

The EcoSport interior is functional instead of fashionable, which we can appreciate on the cheaper models. Too bad the cabin quality is underwhelming on top trims that cost nearly $30,000. Meanwhile, there's ample passenger space up front but not so much in back. Compared with the classy cabins of the Kona and the Kia Soul, the tiny Ford's interior disappoints. The leather-wrapped steering wheel felt rubbery, and most of the plastic surfaces felt hard and hollow. The SES model dresses up things with exclusive leather-and-cloth seats as well as copper-colored trim pieces.

The EcoSport offers three levels of infotainment, with the top two versions supporting Ford's user-friendly Sync 3 system and touchscreens packed with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base models have a basic display without smartphone integration. The higher trim levels all have touchscreens and top options, such as a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and a 110-volt outlet in the back-seat area.

Despite its diminutive size, the EcoSport has competitive cargo space and storage. Most test results were average; it proved itself a useful, albeit compact, travel companion with a few handy tricks. It held fewer carry-on suitcases than the Rogue Sport and the Honda HR-V but had higher capacity than the other similar competitors. The EcoSport has an assortment of interior storage spots, but none are very large. A sealable vent in the glovebox connects with the vehicle's air conditioner to create a climate-controlled compartment.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The EcoSport has not yet been crash-tested by either of the U.S. testing agencies. While it lacks advanced driver assists such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, the features that are available align with most competitors. Key features include:

  • Available blind-spot monitoring
  • Available rear cross-traffic alert
  • Available rear parking sensors

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The EcoSport's warranty coverage is strictly average; those who want the best protection available should consider either the Soul or the Kona.

  • Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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