2021 Ford EcoSport: Review, Trims, Specs, Price, New Interior Features, Exterior Design, and Specifications

$20,395 - $28,345

Price Range (MSRP)

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2021 Ford EcoSport Review: Late To The Ball In A Hand-me-down Dress

by Aiden Eksteen

The 2021 Ford EcoSport forms part of the first-generation EcoSport, which was introduced to the USA in 2018. Built on Ford's global platform, the subcompact crossover was launched in the international market long before it came home to roost. Unfortunately, by the time Ford reached the US market with the EcoSport, it had impressive and far more contemporary compact crossovers such as the Kia Soul, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V to contend with.

Ford offers the EcoSport with two engines, a small-capacity turbocharged 3-cylinder, and a more familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder. With outputs of either 123- or 166 horsepower, the EcoSport feels dismally underpowered. Neither power plant is particularly frugal, either. Lackluster performance is met with an overly stiff suspension setup, cheap build quality, and little in the way of features. But, with its $20,395 starting price, the Ford EcoSport crossover may still find a few cash-strapped fans. It also gets a user-friendly infotainment system, a pragmatic trunk, and unfettered access to all-wheel-drive, but is this enough to ensure its survival alongside newer and more sophisticated competitors?

Read in this review:

Exterior Design 4 /10
Performance 4 /10
Fuel Economy 7 /10
Interior & Cargo 7 /10
Infotainment & Features 8 /10
Reliability 7 /10
Safety 7 /10
Value For Money 8 /10

6.5

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2021 Ford EcoSport Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2020 EcoSport?

The 2021 Ford EcoSport soldiers on with the same mechanics and lineup as last year, but with two new 17-inch wheel options and an Overlander Decal for the SE and Titanium trim. A laminate windshield replaces the acoustic unit, and two new paint colors have been added to the exterior palette, namely Blue Metallic and Luxe Yellow. These replace Blue Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Canyon Ridge.

There is also a new appearance package available for the SE trim, costing an additional $495. Previously, SES models could opt for a Black Appearance package, but this has now been made standard on the trim, as has six-way power adjustment on the driver's seat. Titanium trims now have access to faux leather upholstery. Finally, a cargo cover and package tray are now standard specifications on the SE trim and above.

Pros and Cons

Commanding driving position
User-friendly SYNC infotainment system
Above-average cargo room for the class
All models are available with AWD

Both engines are really underpowered
Unimpressive fuel economy returns
Firm suspension hinders ride quality
Rear seats are rather cramped
Questionable reliability standards
Below-average safety ratings

Best Deals on 2021 Ford EcoSport

2021 Ford EcoSport SES

$19,950

31,085 miles

2021 Ford EcoSport Titanium

$18,916

51,306 miles

Good Deal

$3,100 below

2021 Ford EcoSport Titanium

$23,990

41,556 miles

2021 Ford EcoSport S

$15,600

7,682 miles

See All EcoSport For Sale

2021 Ford EcoSport Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain	Price (MSRP)
S	1.0L Turbo Inline-3 Gas 2.0L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$20,395
SE	1.0L Turbo Inline-3 Gas 2.0L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$23,960
Titanium	1.0L Turbo Inline-3 Gas 2.0L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Front-Wheel Drive Four-Wheel Drive	$26,895
SES	2.0L Inline-4 Gas	6-Speed Automatic	Four-Wheel Drive	$28,155

See All 2021 Ford EcoSport Trims and Specs

2021 EcoSport Exterior

See All 2021 Ford EcoSport Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Length 161.3 in
Wheelbase 99.2 in
Height 64.8 in
Max Width 69.5 in
Front Width 59.8 in
Rear Width 59.7 in
Curb Weight 3,020.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat +$395
White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat +$595
Smoke Metallic
Lightning Blue Metallic
Luxe Yellow
Blue Metallic
Moondust Silver Metallic
Diamond White
Shadow Black
Race Red

2021 EcoSport Performance

Engine and Transmission

Engines

1.0L Turbo Inline-3 Gas, 2.0L Inline-4 Gas
Transmission

6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrains

4X4, FWD

2021 EcoSport Interior

See All 2021 Ford EcoSport Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Seating capacity

5-seater

Front Leg Room 42.9 in
Front Head Room 39.6 in
Rear Leg Room 36.7 in
Rear Head Room 37.5 in

2021 EcoSport Trunk and Cargo Space

2021 EcoSport Safety and Reliability

Warranty

Basic:
3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
Corrosion:
5 Years \ Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
5 Years \ 60,000 Miles

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Overall Rating
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Side Crash Rating
Rollover Rating

Verdict: Is the 2021 Ford EcoSport A Good SUV?

The 2021 Ford EcoSport is a solid crossover in that it will get a small family from one point to another dependably and safely. It also comes outfitted with a fair number of features beyond the entry-spec model, and it offers a good level of practicality. Unfortunately, with crossovers like the Kia Soul, Mazda CX-30, and Hyundai Kona turning heads left and right, the EcoSport doesn't offer nearly enough to impress. This is mostly due to the fact that the EcoSport was designed for the markets where small, basic, and affordable cars sell well. It was brought to the US purely for the fact that popularity for compact crossovers picked up significantly over recent years and it was Ford's only existing vehicle that could compete right away.

In comparison to other crossovers in its classification, the EcoSport is mundane to drive, it doesn't handle well, and it just feels cheap. Both the NHTSA and the IIHS's review of the Ford EcoSport crossover resulted in some subpar overall safety ratings. All in all, there are many compact crossovers that offer a whole lot more than the first-generation Ford EcoSport in performance and value.

What Ford EcoSport Model Should I Buy?

Creature comforts and conveniences are rather limited throughout the EcoSport line, so we'd recommend sticking with one of the lower-tier trim levels to maximize the value you get. In terms of which powertrain you choose, while the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is more powerful, the 1.0-liter turbo-three is more efficient. The extra power does make the 2.0L worth considering, though. The SE-spec EcoSport is a good pick in terms of the comforts, conveniences, and the tech it comes with, the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with full smartphone connectivity being the most notable. You also get LED headlights, a leather-clad steering wheel, and 17-inch alloy wheels. With this trim. you'll need to go with the 2.0-liter engine if you want to opt for the available AWD system. We suggest adding the optional SE Appearance Package to spruce up the cabin and the Convenience Package to further enhance the infotainment system and bolster the driver-assist suite with blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.