Small gains: Ford brings subcompact crossover EcoSport to America

We do not expect every automaker to fill every niche. Sometimes it may not be worth the fuss to wage a battle in every platform. Take Ford, which has made a subcompact crossover known as the EcoSport for 15 years overseas. It gained traction, distribution and popularity with a 2013 makeover. Not until the 2018 model year, though, did Ford finally bring it to the United States.

Welcome to the party, pal.

The EcoSport checks in at less than 13-and-a-half feet, or 16.8 inches shorter than the Ford Escape and a half-foot shorter than most of its competition.

EcoSports come in four trims, S, SE, Titanium and SES, with the first three available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The SES we tested is presented only with AWD. Starting prices are $19,995 for the base S trim with front-wheel drive and top out at $27,240 for the Titanium with all-wheel drive. Out tester was $26,740 but came with a knockoff of $2,750 in incentives at the time of delivery.

The base engine is a 123-horsepower, 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder. The SES only comes with an otherwise optional 166-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Because of the EcoSport’s AWD curb weight of 3,386 pounds, quickness is not an attribute. Independent recorded tests of going from 0-60 mph put the time in the 10-second range, which is almost lumbering. The ride on 17-inch tires was composed and handling acceptable. The best part is the EcoSport’s size makes maneuvering on crowded city streets or parking lots a snap.

The height of the car gives it a larger-than-expected feel for front-seat passengers, although cramped back-seat passengers don’t feel the same love. Passenger volume in this size of vehicle is probably not going to be an attribute appreciated by many.

The cargo space at 20.9 cubic feet behind the back-row seats, however, is good for the category. The cargo hold is accessed by a swing-open tailgate. It took me a minute to find the latch, which is located in the right taillight.

Two items surprised me about the EcoSport. One was its Indian manufacturing plant, although that facility has been producing it for other countries since 2012. The other was EPA mileage ratings of 23 mpg/city and 29 mpg/highway for the AWD drive version. Compact consumers might expect better.

As far as the Ford EcoSport goes, while the price-point per size might not be for everybody, it does widen the options in the automaker’s playbook. More is better – even when more is smaller.


2018 FORD ECOSPORT

  • Price/As-tested price………………… $26,740/$25,325
  • Mileage…………………………………… 23 mpg/city; 29 mpg/hwy
  • Engine……………………………………… 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/torque…………………………… 166 hp/149 lbs.-ft.
  • Drive wheels……………………………………… All-wheel drive
  • Final assembly point……………………………………… Chennai, India

About the Author