It took a while, but Ford finally has a player in the subcompact crossover game. It's called EcoSport and it's been on sale for a few years in markets outside the U.S. EcoSport is a 5-passenger wagon that slots into the Ford lineup below Escape. Indeed, it's about a foot-and-a-half shorter and 500 pounds lighter than Escape. Competitors include the Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Kia Niro, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Kicks, Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota C-HR.
The EcoSport comes in S, SE, SES ad Titanium trim. Two engines are offered. Front-drive models are powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder that makes 123 horsepower. All-wheel-drive models get a normally-aspirated 2.0-liter four that makes 166 horsepower. Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 2000 pounds.
Available features include B&O Play premium audio system by HARMAN, SYNC 3 with 8-inch touch screen and Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility, push-button start, power windows and door locks and rear-view camera. Prices start as low as $19,995 for the S and climb to $26,880 for the SES.
EcoSport's base 3-cylinder engine is fine for around-town grocery getting but struggles on the highway and with a full passenger load. It's probably better to get the larger 4-cylinder engine, even though it adds to the price tag and brings along all-wheel drive. With the four you not only get better acceleration but also less engine noise and vibration. The 6-speed automatic mates well to either engine and feels more polished than the CVT automatics found in many competitors.
For most buyers in the Chicago area, front-wheel drive is fine. However, with the EcoSport, all-wheel drive is standard with the larger engine. The all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for extreme off-road use. EPA ratings with the 3-cylinder are 27 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. With the 4-cylinder the city number drops to 23 MPG but the highway number remains. The EcoSport is not as fuel efficient as most competitors, but driving with a light throttle foot, you can achieve 30 MPG in overall driving.
Though the EcoSport is a small vehicle with a wheelbase of just 99 inches, it offers a refined and composed ride. Sure, it feels a little tippy in quick side-to-side maneuvers, but it handles the bumps with aplomb and doesn't bound on the highway. The short wheelbase and tight turning circle make it great around town as well. Unfortunately, the steering lacks road feel and wanders a bit on the highway and the brake pedal has a dull, numb feeling. Noise isolation is good with little highway wind rush or tire rumble. The 3-cylinder engine gets buzzy when pushed hard.
Despite its low price point and diminutive dimensions, EcoSport manages to impress with quality interior materials, a fresh design and good passenger space -- at least up front. Of course, the interior is awash in plastic, but most of the surfaces are soft touch and there's a bit of piano black and brightwork to liven things up. Drivers face a traditional twin dial setup and the center stack is dominated by a large touch screen and simple dials for audio and climate control. Overall the effect has EcoSport punching above its price point.
Front seats are smallish and don't have much padding. Head and leg room are good if not near the top of the class. Rear-seat room is disappointing, even for a subcompact crossover and the seat bottoms seem to be overly elevated. Visibility is a bit compromised to the front thanks to extra roof pillars, but quite good to the side and rear. Entry-exit is a snap thanks to tall door openings.
The ace up every crossovers' sleeve is versatility and EcoSport doesn't disappoint. Cargo space with the rear seats in use is class competitive at 21 cubic feet. The rear seats fold flat but create a slight bump in the floor. Thankfully, there's a removable cargo floor that can be positioned higher to make a flat load floor. One important note, EcoSport's rear hatch is actually a door. Thankfully it swings away from the curb but can make loading and unloading in tight spaces difficult. Interior storage is sparse with just a few covered and open bins throughout.
Though Ford's new EcoSport is new to the U.S. market, it's been on the road since 2012 in other countries. That can might mollify some of the "first year" jitters buyers might have. Taken as a whole, EcoSport fulfills its mission quite well. It's pleasant to drive, versatile and affordable -- provided you don't get too deep into the options list. Downsides include a cramped rear seat, which is normal for this class, mediocre power and fuel economy and that swing-away rear door. There are so many players in this class, be sure to test drive your favorites and then work a good deal.
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