2020 Ford EcoSport Review

　　

2020 Ford EcoSport Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　While compact crossovers have exploded in popularity over the last decade, their smaller siblings are good alternatives for buyers looking for something a little more affordable. Unfortunately, many subcompact SUVs lack the finesse and refinement of their stablemates. The 2020 Ford EcoSport is one of these; it doesn't match the expectations set by its direct competitors or the larger Ford Escape.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Ford EcoSport S 4dr SUV (1.0L 3cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$136/mo  for EcoSport S

　　EcoSport S

　　S 4dr SUV (1.0L 3cyl Turbo 6A) - $19,995 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $21,590 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (1.0L 3cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $23,450 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $24,950 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (1.0L 3cyl Turbo 6A) - $26,265 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $27,715 MSRPSES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $27,380 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　First, here's the good news. Ford has done a good job at masking the EcoSport's age — though relatively new to the U.S., the EcoSport has been on sale in other markets for over half a decade. The cabin design is similar to the Escape, and materials are commensurate to what you'll find in other small SUVs. The EcoSport makes the most of its modest footprint, as both passenger and cargo room are good for the class. However, that's the extent of the EcoSport's strengths.

　　This bite-size Ford has numerous drawbacks not shared with its competitors. Many subcompacts offer a wealth of advanced driving aids, but only a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring are available here. Both available engines feel underpowered, and this feeling only intensifies as you load the car with passengers and gear. We're also not fond of the EcoSport's lifeless steering, choppy ride quality or compromised rear visibility. Note that few of these drawbacks are present in the pre-2020 Ford Escape. If you desire a small, easy-to-park runabout, there are better choices in the class. And if you have a little flexibility in your budget, you'll find a superior SUV in Ford's own lineup.

　　Notably, the 2020 Ford EcoSport is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.0/10

　　How does the EcoSport drive? The three-cylinder engine is woefully underpowered. Even with the turbocharger spooled up, it takes a long time to bring the EcoSport up to highway speeds. In zzdcar testing, 0 to 60 mph took 11.4 seconds — one of the slowest paces in the segment. Further slowing things down is the automatic transmission's indecisive nature.

　　The EcoSport doesn't exhibit much body roll when going around turns, though ultimate handling grip is modest due to the economy-oriented tires. Steering feel is abysmal -- it feels as though the steering wheel is connected to the tires with ony a large rubber band. It's a strange sensation that's hard to get accustomed to. A firm push on the brake pedal is required for stopping power

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the EcoSport? Though the side bolsters aren't very wide, they manage to secure front passengers in fast turns. Seat bottoms are firm and comfy, but the seatbacks feel flat as boards. The rear seats are similarly flat and shapeless. Ride comfort isn't much better. The EcoSport's ride is choppy and bumpy on most surfaces. It handles road undulations well, but still gets bounced around by the sharper impacts of bad pavement.

　　More positively, the automatic climate control works well and the seat heaters get hot quickly. Road and wind noise are hushed, but you do get a little bit of engine noise (though the three-cylinder sounds surprisingly good).

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The EcoSport's cabin is just roomy enough, but smarter packaging would open it up even more. For example, the deep dashboard gobbles valuable real estate. Thick front and rear roof pillars create significant blind spots. Most controls are easy to reach, though some labels are cryptic, and some virtual buttons on the vertically oriented touchscreen are hard to hit.

　　It's easy to find an agreeable position in the driver seat. Front seat entry is good, but the raised, "stadium-style" rear seats make it tricky to gracefully enter and exit.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? We highly recommend selecting a trim level with the Sync 3 infotainment system — it's fast and easy to use, and it adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The high-definition screen provides a navigation display that is sharp and sophisticated. The optional B&O audio system exceeds expectations for the segment.

　　A rearview camera is standard, and a blind-spot monitor is optional. Though advanced safety sytems are becoming common even in this bargain-priced segment, they aren't available on the EcoSport. A Wi-Fi hotspot is a realtively exotic feature in this price class, however. Voice commands are highly structured; your smartphone's voice assistant is better.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Like the larger Escape, the EcoBoost suits active lifestyles. With 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row, the cargo area is roughly the same size as the Jeep Renegade's, and a bit larger than the Mazda CX-3's. Folding the rear seats increases this to 50 cubes, but you'll have to manipulate the front seats and fold the rear headrests down to yield max space. The left-hinged tailgate opens to side for curbside cargo-loading.

　　In-cabin storage is sufficient, with a skinny but deep center console and useful door pocket storage. Installing car seats is tough — the LATCH anchors are hidden behind stiff upholstery.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? We managed 25.9 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation loop: decent, but short of the EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. Our result was actually closer to the optional all-wheel-drive model's rating. The EcoSport's sluggishness gave us high hopes for better fuel efficiency, but we were ultimately disappointed.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the EcoSport a good value? At nearly $27,000 as-tested, our Titanium tester was quite pricey for a subcompact crossover. A larger Escape or other crossover delivers more for the same, or less, money. You either really need to like the EcoSport's diminutive size (understandable given its parking ease) or just like its style. Build quality is solid overall, but a persistent, unidentified rattle from the rear of our test vehicle's cabin was annoying.

　　Bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage is for 3 years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is good for 5 years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is included for 5 years/60,000 miles (and includes towing to nearby Ford dealer, battery jump, and fuel delivery).

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　Depending how you define "sport," this small Ford could be a decent pick for a small SUV. It has decent cargo space and promises thrifty performance. But it really needs grippier tires, quicker acceleration and a total overhaul of steering feel to be truly sporty. There are better choices for a fun-driving small crossover SUV.

　　

Which EcoSport does zzdcar recommend?

Though attractively priced, the base S trim is lightly equipped and looks a little low-rent inside and out. The SE is our pick, with body-colored accents, silver-painted wheels and a ton of upgrades inside. If you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this trim is your starting point. We also recommend selecting all-wheel drive, which also adds a more powerful four-cylinder engine to the mix. The base turbocharged three-cylinder is fine if you're flying solo, but it lacks meaningful thrust when traveling with friends.

　　

2020 Ford EcoSport models

The 2020 Ford EcoSport is a five-passenger subcompact crossover that slots below the Escape in Ford's SUV lineup. The EcoSport S is decently equipped, with available all-wheel drive and most basic amenities you'll want from a modern car. The SE is quite a bit pricier, but its list of added features is extensive. From there, buyers can go in one of two ways: the sport-themed SES — adding the EcoSport's upgraded engine and standard all-wheel drive — or the luxurious Titanium, with leather upholstery and a B&O Play premium sound system.

　　The EcoSport S, SE and Titanium models with front-wheel drive are powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (123 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque). Optional for those models and standard on the SES is all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (166 hp, 149 lb-ft). Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

　　The short list of standard equipment on the base S model is indicative of its modest price. Features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, integrated blind-spot mirrors, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split rear seats, a cargo cover, Bluetooth, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, a 4.2-inch central display screen, and a six-speaker audio system with two USB ports.

　　Upgrading to the SE equips the EcoSport with LED running lights, foglights, a windshield wiper de-icer, body-colored exterior accents, roof rails, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, an upgraded driver information display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, upgraded cloth upholstery, an adjustable cargo floor panel, an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 interface, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

　　The SE's optional Convenience package further adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, interior ambient lighting, a navigation system, a seven-speaker audio system, and a 110-volt household-style power outlet.

　　The SES is the somewhat sporty variant. It has the contents of the Convenience package and the 2.0-liter engine/AWD combo, along with 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, black exterior styling elements, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery with cloth inserts. The Black Appearance package adds a black roof, spoiler and hood decal.

　　The luxe Titanium builds off the contents of the SE with the Convenience package, further adding 17-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, metallic bumper accents, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen Play premium audio system with HD radio.

　　A keyless entry keypad and remote engine start are stand-alone options on every trim level.

　　

2020 EcoSport Highlights

Trim: SSETitaniumSESS

　　

Base MSRP	$19,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$136/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles