2021 Ford EcoSport Review

　　

2021 Ford EcoSport Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2021 EcoSport is the smallest vehicle — car, truck or SUV — currently available from Ford. It's smaller than the Ford Escape even, but in return has a lower price and a still reasonable amount of space and utility. Unfortunately, there are some significant deficiencies elsewhere, such as a lack of advanced driver aids, a choppy ride and disappointing fuel economy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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) - $20,395 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $21,990 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (1.0L 3cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $23,960 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $25,460 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV (1.0L 3cyl Turbo 6A) - $26,895 MSRPTitanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $28,345 MSRPSES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A) - $28,155 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　There are plenty of options for an extra-small crossover SUV. Some of zzdcar' favorites include the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Soul. All of those feel more upscale and refined than the EcoSport. They also provide more of the latest advanced driver aids and higher fuel economy. But if you're set on this pint-sized Ford, check out our Expert Rating below for a full breakdown of the EcoSport's hits and misses.

　　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, 0-60 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. The 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 it 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 is 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's seat. It's easy to get into the front, 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 relatively exotic feature in this price class, however. The 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 EcoSport 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 space to 50 cubic feet, 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 car seat 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 test vehicle 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 three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is included for five years/60,000 miles (and includes towing to a 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?

Go for the mid-tier EcoSport SE to get the most value. It comes with more standard features than the base S and has silver-painted wheels and body-color door handles to class up the styling a little. It's also worth opting for all-wheel drive. Doing so gets you the EcoSport's more powerful engine, which is what you want.

　　

2021 Ford EcoSport models

The 2021 Ford EcoSport is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SES and Titanium. 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). All-wheel drive is optional on those trims and standard on the SES. Every all-wheel-drive model gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (166 hp, 149 lb-ft). Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Other feature highlights include:

　　S

　　It's lightly equipped with:

　　16-inch alloy wheels Cruise control Power windows and locks Six-speaker audio system Two USB charging ports 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspotSE

　　The SE builds off the base S model with a number of additional features. Changes include:

　　LED running lights Fog lights Body-color door handles and trim Roof rails Keyless entry with push-button start Automatic climate control Sunroof Tinted rear windows Heated front seats Satellite radio 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Integrated navigation system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)Notable options include:

　　SE Convenience package 110-volt power outlet Ambient interior lighting Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Seven-speaker audio system SE Appearance package 17-inch wheels Power-adjustable driver's seat Leather-wrapped steering wheel SES

　　The SES is the most stylish member of the lineup, with lots of gloss-black and dark-colored accents. In addition to standard all-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter engine, the SES comes with all SE features, adding:

　　Standard SE Convenience package Black 17-inch wheels Sport-tuned suspension Heated steering wheel Leather upholstery with cloth inserts Power-adjustable driver's seat Auto-dimming rearview mirror Heated exterior mirrors Rain-sensing windshield wipersTitanium

　　Like the SES, the EcoSport Titanium includes all of the SE's features. In addition to the standard SE Convenience package, the Titanium includes:

　　17-inch wheels Chrome and metallic exterior accents Heated steering wheel Leather upholstery Auto-dimming rearview mirror Heated exterior mirrors Rain-sensing windshield wipers Nine-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system

　　

2021 EcoSport Highlights

Trim: SSETitaniumSESS

　　

Base MSRP	$20,395
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