Flash Drive

2018 Ford EcoSport

July 18, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Ford EcoSport Titanium 4WD

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is a new compact crossover SUV that is the junior member of Ford’s great SUV lineup.

Engine:2.0-liter I-4, 166 horsepower, 149 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 29-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined

Base Price: $27,240

As Tested: $26,420

All Ford EcoSport models feature swing-gate-style tailgate which make access to the relatively small cargo area easy.

Performance:

Easy to park

Minimal overhangs

Excellent approach/departure angles for off-roading

No 4×4 controls—everything is automatic

Good fuel economy—our best was 29.3 highway

Blind spot monitor

Auto stop/start

Comfort:

Power driver’s seat with power lumbar

The EcoSport front seats are comfy and supportive with generous legroom. The infotainment screen is well placed.

Almost stretch-out driver legroom

Comfy seats

Very good headroom

Seating position a little upright (van-like)

Stretch-out front passenger legroom

Thick, nicely contoured, heated steering wheel

Lots of wheelwell intrusion for rear door access

Tight back seats unless front seats are moved up

Seatback recesses for added second row knee room

Soft, padded rear armrest

Excellent shoe room under front seats

Excellent rear headroom

Medium tall rear floor hump

Utility:

Smallish cargo area behind seats

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is nearly a foot-and-a-half shorter than Ford Escape.

Unique side-hinged fifth door

Door opens 90-degrees

Hinged on left for curbside loading

No lift-over for cargo area access

Removable cargo deck for extra storage

Split, folding rear seats

Lower cushions have to be flipped forward to get flat cargo deck

Small sunroof

Grab handle for front passenger

Small, deep center console bin

Medium door bins with bottle notches

Small, non-locking glovebox

Big infotainment screen on top of dash

Small, vinyl seatback storage pouches

Rear door bins are only bottle notches

WOW Factors:

Ideal size for urban driving/parking

The 2018 Ford EcoSport can be equipped with either an award-winning, 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost® engine or 2.0-liter four-cylinder with Intelligent 4WDl.

Heated steering wheel

Great front passenger legroom

Whines:

Front seats have to be forward for rear seats to fold down

Stubby styling takes getting used to

Where’s the sport in EcoSport?

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is the newest, smallest addition to Ford’s SUV lineup. It’s a well-built subcompact crossover that does OK in the Eco department, but is sporty in name only.