2020 Ford EcoSport Review: Budget-Beating Crossover
The crossover hype is at an all-time high in the USA and manufacturers haven't hesitated in jumping on board the bandwagon, with a prime example being the Ford EcoSport SUV. Taking full advantage of the fanfare, every brand offers a number of crossovers of various shapes and sizes. As the smallest crossover from the automaker, it occupies the subcompact segment where it faces rivalry from top competition like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. It does so in a unique manner, though, with a 1.0-liter turbo triple engine an anomaly in a world of downsized four-cylinders, while upper trims get an engine with double the displacement from four cylinders but without a turbo. Front and all-wheel-drive are offered and a six-speed automatic does the shifting - par for the course. However, while a three-cylinder engine makes the EcoSport unique, low-rent construction and forgettable driving dynamics strongly detract from the experience.
What's the Price of the 2020 Ford EcoSport?
The new Ford EcoSport is one of the more affordable options for sale within the class, but just how much do they cost? The base-spec S trim has a starting MSRP of $19,995. The SE breaks the 20k barrier by coming in at $23,450, while the Titanium is technically the top-specced model and carries a cost of $26,265. The SES is more of a specialty sports model and is priced only a little more expensive than the Titanium with a tag of $27,380. The four-cylinder engine is optional at $1,450 for the models that come equipped with the turbo-three as standard, this will also install the AWD system. All prices are excluding Ford's destination charge of $1,095, acquisition fee of $645, as well as any tax, registration, or licensing fees.
2020 EcoSport Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 161.3 in | 99.2 in | 64.8 in | 69.5 in | 59.8 in | 59.7 in | 3,020.0 lbs |
2020 EcoSport Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Ford EcoSport is no Fiesta ST, though it has inherited some of the hot hatch's fun and capable driving dynamics - all best exhibited at lower speeds only, however. The suspension feels springy and the turn-in is sharp, although the steering itself is vague and not quite weighted enough. In tight inner-city streets, the EcoSport feels lithe, but the moment the tarmac becomes broken, things fall apart. Rough surfaces permeate the cabin, and the soft shocks result in an uneven ride and unpredictable levels of cushioning over changing surfaces. The tall body means that when cornering, there's a substantial amount of body roll, also not helped by the soft suspension, although larger bumps are effectively cushioned as a result. Noise makes its way in as well, and the thrum and vibration of the three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is overbearing at times.
The one true redeeming trait is the brakes, with decent pedal feel and responses that feel more Fiesta in nature. It's nothing spectacular, though, and even average rivals are more than a match, which the Hyundai Kona will absolutely leave the EcoSport for dead in the handling stakes.
2020 EcoSport Interior
2020 EcoSport Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Ford EcoSport A Good car?
In a competitive sphere where manufacturers are throwing the latest tech into subcompact crossovers, the Ford EcoSport is a dismal offering that reflects badly on Ford. From a brand with some of the best safety and infotainment systems, the EcoSport feels under endowed, while the cheap build and tacky plastics feel like they belong in a third-world offering. A standard slew of ten airbags is impressive, but subpar crash safety ratings are cause for concern. The problems are amplified by poor handling dynamics and a pair of weak engines that aren't even particularly frugal. Decent trunk capacity is really all that the EcoSport brings to the table, but in our books, that's hardly enough for it to show dominance over competitors like the Kia Soul and Hyundai Kona - both of which are far better in almost every possible aspect.
What Ford EcoSport Model Should I Buy?
In terms of value, the mid-spec EcoSport SE is the model we'd go for as it comes standard with a whole lot more than the entry-level S model with its base specifications, and at a price well below that of the two top-spec models. We don't really recommend adding the optional 2.0-liter four-pot mill as it doesn't significantly improve performance, but it does hamper gas mileage. Keep the FWD system as well, and add the Convenience Package for the navigation, blind spot monitoring, and seven-speaker sound system.
2020 Ford EcoSport Comparisons
2020 Ford EcoSport vs Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is essentially the bigger, better, and more expensive version of the EcoSport. It classifies as a compact crossover SUV so this does make sense, the question though, is whether it's worth the extra clams? Our answer, hell yes! A far more definitive and contemporary exterior already sets the Escape apart, while a modern design is carried through to the cabin as well, along with a vastly greater selection of high-end features and functions. It's also equipped with driver-assist technologies including a few collision prevention measures absent on the EcoSport. The Escape's powertrain options are more competent and more refined than the EcoSport's, delivering better acceleration and fuel-efficiency. At the end of the day, the EcoSport carries appeal in its affordability, but apart from that, it has nothing more on the Escape which is naturally the better all-rounder and worth the $5,000 difference in price between base trims.
2020 Ford EcoSport vs Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax is a very similar subcompact crossover to the EcoSport overall, also equipped with an underpowered engine and delivering very low levels of performance, but the turbo 1.4 ensures it's slightly quicker and slightly more economical than the EcoSport. The EcoSport offers more cargo room in the trunk than the Trax's 18.7 cubes, with 20.9 on offer, as well as greater maximum tow capacity with the Trax not rated at all. The EcoSport boasts a better infotainment system and may get a better consignment of features in general, but there are more driver-assist features available for the Trax including a forward collision alert system. Furthermore, the Trax received exceptional safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, rendering it the safer package. Both are affordable, but the Trax packs more in for what you pay, and while neither is particularly brilliant, the Trax is the lesser of two evils.