The EcoSport Takes the Stage as Ford’s Favorite Compact Crossover SUV

A few years ago, the Ford EcoSport entered the subcompact crossover SUV category with a splash, and buyers rejoiced. Finally, a fuel-efficient and roomy SUV with a lot of style and spunk from a manufacturer that made a name for itself building some of the best trucks and SUVs on the market today. Whether you’re looking at a new 2020 model or a used Ford EcoSport, you’re on the winning end of both practicality and fun. The EcoSport ticks all the boxes, and we at DePaula Ford are going to tell you how.

First and foremost, it is fuel-efficient. It’s easy on the budget when you buy it, but also throughout the ownership experience. There will be fewer trips to the gas pump and – because of its reliability ratings – less time schlepping to the service facility. Again, it’s a win-win from the moment you drive off the dealer’s lot. All of this is fantastic, but we haven’t even touched on how great you’ll feel driving this SUV around town. The EcoSport is, in a word, sleek. Great lines and a clever use of interior space combine to give you a truck-like feel without the ungainliness of a larger vehicle.

In all, the EcoSport fits in both in the city and out on the open road. Its size means lots of agility and an easier time with parking in tight spots. It’s so comfortable for both driver and passengers that everyone will pick your EcoSport for the next fun adventure. With available all-wheel drive, the EcoSport can accompany you on all your road trips and provide reliable and safe transport during inclement weather. With all of that in mind, let’s look at some more in-depth features to understand why SUV buyers continue choosing the Ford EcoSport, both new and used, time after time.

Trims and Pricing

The newer 2020 EcoSport is available in four different trims, each with specific equipment and features that distinguish one from the other. The entry-level EcoSport S is priced for budget-minded buyers, at a starting MSRP of $19,995. The S is equipped with a standard 1.0 liter EcoBoost engine with auto start-stop for added fuel economy, and front-wheel drive. You’ll also get a standard 60/40 split rear seat and 16” wheels.

Next up is the SE. The EcoSport SE jumps to an MSRP of $23,450 and gives buyers a little more standard equipment, including a power moonroof and electronic automatic temperature control. A 6-speaker AM/FM stereo with Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability is also standard, as is an 8-inch color LCD touchscreen. Power windows with a handy one-touch down feature on the driver’s window are also standard.

The EcoSport Titanium is next in the lineup, and it starts at $26,265. At this trim level, we start to see luxury touches such as standard leather-trimmed seats with a power driver’s seat and heated front seating surfaces. The standard upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system with ten speakers and carefully-designed cabin acoustics will blow you away with crisp, clear sound. The 17-inch premium dark aluminum wheels give the Titanium a luxe look at the curb, and the standard onboard navigation system is another tech add-on that piles on the infotainment extras.

Finally, the 2020 EcoSport SES sits at the top of the lineup, with a starting MSRP of $27,380. In this upscale EcoSport trim, you’ll get Ford’s intelligent four-wheel drive system standard, as well as an upgraded sport-tuned suspension. Ford distinguishes the SES with black exterior trim accents, like an upgraded grille and black molding.

Also standard on the exterior are fog lights, black roof rails, power, heated outside mirrors, and a rear swing gate, which replaces the traditional tailgate and swings out instead of up. You’ll also get rain-sensing wipers that adjust speed automatically in response to the intensity of the rainfall. The EcoSport’s levels allow drivers to find the SUV that suits their exact needs. But what other features can you find in the EcoSport?

Safety and Tech Features

The EcoSport is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, the company’s suite of driver-assist systems designed to keep the driver and passengers as safe as possible. These systems utilize driverless technology to monitor conditions around the vehicle and alert the driver when sensing a potential hazard.

The available BLIS with cross-traffic alert, for example, monitors the vehicle’s blind spots and sends an alert if it’s unsafe to change lanes. The system also monitors potential obstructions coming from the left or right when backing up. A rearview camera is also standard, but Ford didn’t stop there. There is also a camera washer to keep it clear of mud and dirt, so you always have a clear view. With this equipment, safety is never a question in regard to the EcoSport.

Ford equips the EcoSport with a range of infotainment and technology features, including an available 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Ford’s voice-activated technology interface. If navigation is added, your touchscreen can help locate the closest gas station or your favorite local hiking trail.

You’ll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. There’s even an in-vehicle 4G LTE WiFi hotspot available for connectivity while on the road. Inside the vehicle, you’ll find two USB charging ports, a 12-volt outlet in the front console, and a second 12-volt outlet in the back. A 110-volt outlet is optional. The technology in the EcoSport is practically endless, making for a fun and convenient SUV.

Specs and Capabilities

The EcoSport is also a great choice for those buyers choosing an SUV for its cargo-hauling capabilities. The vehicle offers up to 50 cu.ft. of cargo space when the second row of seating is down and a respectable 20.9 cu.ft. with the second-row seats intact. That’s a lot of space, and it puts the EcoSport near the top of the category for cargo space.

Total passenger volume is 91.1 cu.ft., and when we break that down, we’ll find that the EcoSport offers seating for five and a first-row headroom of 39.6-inches, and first-row legroom at 42.9-inches. In the rear seats, there are 37.5-inches of headroom, and 36.7-inches of legroom, plenty of room for a comfortable ride. As for exterior measurements, the vehicle’s wheelbase is just 99.2-inches, and its length is 161.3-inches, making it small enough to be nimble in turns and tight driving conditions.

Fuel economy is a true bright spot, with the EcoSport delivering 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway when equipped with the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine and 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway if you opt for the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder motor. Why the difference? The 1.0 liter offers 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0 liter cranks up performance, coming in at 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. More performance equals a slight reduction in fuel economy, but depending on your driving style, it may be an easy sacrifice. And with the two engine options for the EcoSport, every driver gets to make that choice.

The EcoSport Has Everything

Overall, the EcoSport is a fun, sporty subcompact crossover SUV option in a category that’s full of vehicles with run-of-the-mill styling and bare-bones equipment offerings. With its large variety of trims and thoughtful attention to both luxury and utility, the EcoSport hits the sweet spot of affordability and luxe good looks without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a new or a used SUV, the EcoSport is one to look out for.