Overview
The EcoSport is a bid to provide customers who buy crossovers what they need: a tall seat height, a useful towing capacity, and a myriad of options. The name suggests also its ability to be both economical (Eco) as well as sporty (Sport). Ergo, EcoSport! Unfortunately, this sporty compact isn’t among its most cost-effective or most effective driving choices within its category. It does have attractive features like top infotainment and entertainment options, as well as higher ground clearance than conventional hatchbacks. The basic interior is great for smaller models, but it isn’t as good on higher-priced models in particular when compared to other competitors such as the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Soul. Its tinier back seat as well as its mediocre efficiency in fuel consumption can also be a hindrance to its appeal. The EcoSport has two engines which can be used with either all-wheel or front-wheel drive, but be aware that neither can move the tiny vehicle with confidence. Instead, it is geared toward those with active lifestyles who do not want to shell out big dollars for more powerful alternatives.
What’s New for 2019?
The 2019 EcoSport is largely unchanged. Its lineup is still comprised of four trim levels as well as the same engines and transmissions. However, the handy spare-tire carrier which could be attached to the swing gate at the rear is no longer in use. It was only available on the base model we considered it to be a great feature. This Sync Connect system has been replaced with FordPass Connect, which allows users to gain access to live traffic data and use an 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot. The most expensive SES model comes with a brand updated Black Appearance package that includes black-painted roof as well as a black decals on the hood. But, it must be combined by Diamond White, Moondust Silver and Lightning Blue paint colors. Inside the SES switches orange accents to gray accents.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We believe that the SE model offers the best combination of features and cost. In comparison to Ford’s base model, the SE has an electric sunroof as well as rear parking sensors as well as a 6.5-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We’d also recommend choosing the all-wheel-drive system, which comes with the turbocharged engine option , which costs $1500. This is a great price because of their higher towing capacity and increased efficiency in fuel consumption. In actual fact, this setup was able to achieve 2 mpg better on the highway during our tests than the smaller engine that had front-wheel drive.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
It’s either the turbocharged three-cylinder with 123 horsepower or the more powerful four-cylinder with 166 horsepower The EcoSport is not speedy. Both engines share a dutiful six-speed automatic transmission and–surprisingly–can tow more than most rivals. In our testing of these engines and confirmed straight line acceleration isn’t an advantage. However, both engines were lively when leaving stoplights or at highway speeds. The vehicle can pull up to 2500 pounds with a four-cylinder engine. Even the three-cylinder model can carry up to 1400 pounds.
Despite its shaky dynamics, even with its shaky dynamics, the EcoSport offers redeeming characteristics that can be described as amusing at times. For clarity, it is more efficient when it is at a slower speed. It was athletic and fast (enough) in the midst of busy streets, however its erratic steering and loud ride made it less enjoyable. Although its ride was not completely isolated from rough terrain however, the softly spring suspension of our Titanium test car effectively dispersed the impact. It also didn’t bounce off bumpy surfaces. It’s a shame that the spongy shocks and a top-heavy attitude resulted in unruly body movements. These effects were amplified by higher speeds. Our front drive brakes on the Titanium model did not feel firm however, it provided regular feedback.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
People who think that eco-friendly “Eco” in EcoSport stands for economic are going to find themselves disappointed. The two engine options are inefficient in themselves, but they do fall over the other engines in EPA estimates and in actual highway fuel efficiency. It’s surprising that the four-cylinder model was more efficient in our tests in real-world conditions as compared to the 3 cylinder. We saw 30 mpg for the four-cylinder model and 28 mpg for the three-cylinder. But neither was more efficient than the Hyundai Kona or Nissan Rogue Sport we tested.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
Its EcoSport interior is practical rather than fashionable and we’re able to appreciate this in the lower-end versions. The cabin’s design is mediocre on the top trims , which cost close to $30,000. There’s plenty of room for passengers in the front, however, not much the rear. When compared to the elegant rooms of Kona as well as Kia Soul, the Kona’s interior is dated. Kia Soul, the tiny Ford’s interior is a disappointment. The steering wheel made of leather was hard and spongy, while the majority parts of the surfaces made from plastic were solid and hollow. The SES model dresses things up by incorporating exclusive leather-and-cloth seats and trimming pieces.
The EcoSport comes with three levels of informationtainment including the top two models that support Ford’s advanced Sync 3 system and touchscreens are packed with features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Basic models feature a simple display that does not have connectivity to smartphones. The trim levels with higher trims all come with touchscreens and top features including an LTE 4G mobile hotspot, as well as an 110-volt outlet located in the back seat area.
Despite its small size, it is a compact vehicle that EcoSport is a spacious cargo vehicle with plenty of space and storage. The majority of the test results were average however it proved to be useful, even though it was a small traveling companion with some useful tricks. It was able to hold fewer carry-on luggage as compared to it did the Rogue Sport and the Honda HR-V however it had more capacity than other comparable models. The EcoSport offers a variety of storage options inside but none are big. The venting that is sealable inside the glovebox is connected to the car’s air conditioner and creates a controlled climate area.