Overview

What's New for 2020

You can get the Ford EcoSport in four different trim levels: S, SE, SES, and Titanium.

The standard equipment for the EcoSport S is impressive. Starting around $20,000, the S includes blind-spot mirrors integrated into the side mirrors, halogen quad-beam reflector headlights, a capless fuel filler, auto stop/start, hill start assist, a rearview camera, an acoustic windshield, and mud flaps for all four tires. The interior features an adjustable shelf for the cargo area, four tie-down points, a retractable cargo cover, Ice Blue interior lighting, outside temperature display, a digital compass, cruise control, two 12V power outlets, WiFi, two smart charging USB ports, automatic headlights, and the Sync infotainment system.

You get even more with the SE trim. For roughly $23,500, the SUV gains power-folding side mirrors with integrated signal indicators, LED signature lighting for the headlights, fog lights, black roof rails, rear privacy glass, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power moonroof, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Sync 3 infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen.

The SES, which retails for around $27,500, improves on that with crossbars for the roof rack, blind-spot/ rear-traffic monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient interior lighting, and navigation. The front seats also gain some leather accents, combined with a unique cloth.

Finally, the EcoSport Titanium adds luxurious touches, taking the SE’s feature set and applying silver roof rails, a sliding armrest, and a B&O Play premium audio system with nine speakers and a subwoofer. The upholstery is perforated leather, and pricing starts at about $26,500.

You can get several options for most trims, like a heated steering wheel, all-weather floor mats, and a protector for the cargo area. Some options come in packages, like the Cargo Management Package or Interior Protection Package.

All but the SES trim come with a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine standard, which combines turbocharging and direct injection for decent power and extreme fuel savings. It makes 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimates the 1.0-liter engine with front-wheel-drive should return 28 mpg combined.

You can also get a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on the SES, and optional elsewhere, which is the only way to get the four-wheel-drive. Otherwise, front-wheel-drive is standard. The bigger engine is naturally aspirated and makes 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimates this engine should get 25 mpg combined.

Both engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission, which can be shifted by the driver if preferred. The SES adds paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

The Ford EcoSport’s interior features either a black color scheme, with some chrome and silver highlights, or grey seats. The SES features sporty orange accents on the seats, dash, and center console.

Overall, the EcoSport interior is like most modern Fords. There are few physical controls, and those that exist are large and easy to locate. Most vehicle functions are accessible via the infotainment touchscreen. The Sync 3 is much quicker and easier to navigate than the base Sync system, plus the voice controls don’t require you to use exact phrasing, which is a huge plus.

Materials are decent for an entry-level vehicle, but there is some road and wind noise at highway speeds. The front seats are suitable enough for long trips. Kids and shorter adults will find the backseat to be big enough, but taller adults won’t want to sit back there for anything more than a short drive. The cargo area is on par with most other subcompact SUVs.