The diminutive EcoSport may have outwardly goofy styling and tiny-looking wheels, but its best characteristic is its surprisingly nimble handling on the road and around our test track. The EcoSport drives more like a sporty car than a dull SUV, with its even-keel ability to take corners quickly, and some welcome feedback through the steering wheel.
Ford’s latest SUV is positioned beneath the Escape and competes with the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Mazda CX-3 in the burgeoning subcompact SUV field.
Fuel economy and acceleration are neither eco nor sport. Even with the larger of the two available engines, the EcoSport gas mileage of 24 mpg overall is unimpressive for the class and it has to work hard to merge into traffic.
The wee powerplant makes the most of the engine’s modest 166 hp with prompt downshifts, but the transmission is not very smooth. The base 123-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo engine is responsive around town but short on reserve power.
The ride suffers from some jitter, but it’s tolerable. Noise levels are on par for the segment. Beyond the buzzy engine, road noise is also pronounced.
With its upright stance, getting in and out of the EcoSport is a snap. The front seats are comfortable, though they could use more lumbar support. The rear seats are tight and legroom is very limited.
Controls are easy to use. All but the base S models get Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with an eight-inch screen and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone integration capability. All models come standard with FordPass Connect telematics, which adds various remote functions using a smartphone app and WiFi hotspot capability.
Cargo space is limited, and the back door swings awkwardly to the side (as opposed to a liftgate that swings up). Drivers need to leave extra space behind to open that door. This uncommon arrangement takes some getting used to. It doesn’t shield owners from the rain when loading or unloading, either.
Blind spot warning with rear cross traffic warning comes on higher trims, but neither forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking is available. That’s a shame and might be a deterrent for parents considering the EcoSport for their kids.
Another hindrance may be the price, which tends to run higher than just about any competitor, bumping the EcoSport into the Ford Escape territory, but that’s a larger, more substantial vehicle.