Ford is one of the leading carmakers in the world and has always had an innovative streak when it comes to designing and building cars, trucks, and SUVs that people love. Dating back to the very beginning of the automotive industry, Ford also has a legacy of making fantastic vehicles that are affordable and meet the needs of the drivers who buy them. That legacy is borne out today in Ford’s impressive and massive lineup of reliable SUVs. One of the more recent additions to the lineup is the Ford EcoSport. As you’ll soon see, the EcoSport is an outstanding offering, and a used Ford EcoSport makes a great buy for many reasons.
The Ford EcoSport is an affordable subcompact SUV. What that means is that it has the utility and feel of an SUV but the handling and maneuverability of a much smaller vehicle. It sits higher up than a car, which gives the driver a better view of the road. It also has plenty of room for five passengers and cargo space that is competitive with other vehicles in its class. And with its athletic, stylish look, the EcoSport is very fun to drive.
When looking for used Ford EcoSport models, it is important to keep your eye on which year and which trim you are dealing with. Although all of the years and trims have something great to offer, there are a few differences with each, and if you have a particular need, you will want to make sure you get the EcoSport that is just right for you.
One of the variables that can make a big difference is the engine. If you look back at the 2018 EcoSport (the first year Ford sold the compact SUV), you will notice two engine options, each with varying levels of power and fuel efficiency. The first engine is a 1.0L 3-cylinder that can generate up to 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive to give it intuitive handling. The 3-cylinder engine also has world-class fuel efficiency for a subcompact, getting 27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. With its 13.6-gallon fuel tank, that means stopping at the gas station is a rarity.
The other engine option for this used Ford SUV is a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that can produce 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. The surprising thing about the 4-cylinder engine is that even though it is more powerful, the extra power doesn’t come at the expense of too much efficiency. To be sure, in the city, you only get 23 MPG compared to the 27 MPG of the 3-cylinder, but on the highway, the 2.0L gives you the same 29 MPG as the smaller engine. Sport utility vehicles are known for being gas hogs, and Ford’s 2018 introduction of a cleaner and leaner compact SUV was a welcomed addition. The EcoSport rounds out the Ford family of SUVs perfectly and gives drivers the option of being gentler on the climate, all while driving a great vehicle.
Another wonderful thing about the Ford EcoSport is that it has some very nice extra features that make it both safer and more convenient to drive. The EcoSport’s Intelligent Access keyless entry system is one such feature that checks off both boxes. With keyless entry, the vehicle is safer and more secure, and it adds a layer of convenience that many have come to appreciate. Fumbling for keys while managing children or carrying groceries is a thing of the past and makes loading and unloading the EcoSport easier than ever.
Remote start is another available feature you can find on many of the EcoSport trims. With a remote start, you can get things moving while still in the comfort of your own home. Those of us in upstate New York know that winter mornings can chill you to the bone, and trudging out to a cold car in the morning is hard to get over. With the EcoSport, you can make your way to a car that has had time to warm up to greet you. It really does make a big difference.
Keyless entry and remote start are only two of the features you’ll find on the Ford EcoSport. One advanced feature that drivers have grown to love is the backup camera. With the backup camera, backing into or out of tight spaces is ultra-easy and stress-free. The camera also makes parking and traveling in reverse safer so you will be less likely to hit something or someone.
A number of the trims also come with a power-operated sunroof that is both stylish and gives the EcoSport a bright, airy feel. Opening it up for fresh air or simply keeping it in place and enjoying the additional light will enhance your overall driving experience. It can even help keep you alert while driving.
The EcoSport can also be equipped with an expansive suite of driver-assist technologies that makes it one of the more advanced compact SUVs on the market today. Blind-spot monitoring will alert you if there is another vehicle approaching in a hard to see spot. Rear cross-traffic alert extends this to the parking lot and warns you if you are backing out into an oncoming vehicle. Finally, brake assist will enhance your braking force to minimize damage in the case of an accident.
With all of these great features and others like them, the EcoSport is both safe and offers a convenient, hassle-free driving experience. Getting these features at the price you can find a used EcoSport for is even more amazing and only adds to the proof that it is truly a high-quality compact SUV.
As noted above, the Ford EcoSport is a very good vehicle when it comes to gas mileage. It can get anywhere from 23-27 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. These numbers are comparable to other compact SUVs, though the city efficiency ratings are better than many of the competitors’ city numbers. If you plan to do much of your driving in local areas, the EcoSport is definitely a solid choice.
At DePaula Ford in Albany, we have a great selection of new and used EcoSports as well as many other cars, trucks, and SUVs from Ford’s unbeatable lineup. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer service and would love to let you take any of our models for a test drive. Our sales associates know just about everything there is to know about Ford and can answer any questions you might have. Our finance team is also made up of some of the friendliest people in the business, and they will work diligently to get you a vehicle financing package that meets your needs. So pay us a visit and let us help you find your next car.
