Used 2019 Ford EcoSport

The 2019 Ford EcoSport joins the swelling ranks of subcompact-crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-3, Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V. To make its smallest SUV seen, Ford has endowed the EcoSport with bold styling, a modern interior and lots of high-tech goodies. The base 1.0-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine is lacking in power, but its fuel economy is certainly appealing, as is the sub-$21,000 price tag. There is an optional 2.0-liter engine offering a bit more power, but it is offered only with the all-wheel-drive option. On the plus side, the EcoSport’s side-hinged rear gate allows for easier loading from a city sidewalk. On the downside, the EcoSport’s complete lack of advanced driver assists and collision-avoidance systems seems a glaring omission.

The 2019 Ford EcoSport is one of the few subcompact SUVs to offer a choice of engines. Based on power-to-weight ratios, it’s understandable why EcoSport models with the smaller, 3-cylinder EcoBoost are among the slower entries in the segment. There is noticeable turbo lag upon acceleration from a stop, and power doesn’t really come on strong until the revs pass 2,000 rpm. Models fitted with the 166-horsepower 4-cylinder engine have a bit more power on hand, but fuel economy suffers greatly. Fuel economy for the smaller engine is about average at 28 mpg combined, while the larger engine’s 25 mpg combined places it in the bottom half of the segment. Where the EcoSport shines brightest is on twisting roads. The suspension and steering deliver a performance on par with the Mazda CX-3, making this one of the best-handling subcompacts on the market. The ride, however, can get a bit choppy over rough pavement, and interior noise levels are also quite noticeable.

The 2019 Ford EcoSport’s interior is a bit of a mixed bag. We love the big cargo area and configurable load floor, but the rear seat isn’t all that accommodating and requires the rear-seat bottom to be flipped up to create a flat cargo floor. The overall interior looks nice, with comfortable seats that sit up high, but there are far too many hard-plastic surfaces covering the doors, center console and dash. We like the big infotainment screen, which is easy to view and operate, but are less enamored with the EcoSport’s thick A-pillars and narrow rear window.

Looking like a squashed version of the larger Ford Escape, the 2019 EcoSport is an attractive vehicle, imparting a more rugged SUV look than the Hyundai Kona or Toyota C-HR. The EcoSport rides high, giving drivers a commanding view of the road, yet its swing-out rear door and low liftover height make it easy to load gear or groceries. Speaking of that swing-out door, we found it made loading the vehicle from a curb or sidewalk much easier, but proved difficult when space directly behind the vehicle was limited by another car.

SYNC 3 INFOTAINMENT
The EcoSport’s optional infotainment setup includes a greatly improved Sync 3 system that brings with it an 8-inch touch screen with pinch-to-zoom and swipe controls, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa and Waze navigation.

RESPONSIVE STEERING
While most compact-crossover SUVs offer good ride and handling, the EcoSport’s driving experience can be downright fun, thanks in no small part to its responsive steering. Turn-in is nearly instantaneous and it only takes minor input to execute quick maneuvers.

The entry-level 2019 Ford EcoSport S includes a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, a rearview camera, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM/MP3 Sync audio with six speakers, 16-inch painted wheels, MyKey and a rear wiper/washer. The SE trim adds a power moonroof, Sync 3, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power-driver’s seat and the Reverse Sensing System, while the Titanium brings the B&O premium audio system, navigation, rain-sensing wipers, leather seating surfaces plus heated mirrors and steering wheel. The SES includes the 2.0-liter engine, all-wheel drive, blind-spot warning and a sport-tuned suspension.

Optional on all models is all-wheel drive, which also brings the 2.0-liter engine (standard on SES) with auto stop/start. Most other options are bundled into trim-specific packages and include an 8-inch touch screen, voice-activated navigation, blind-spot warning, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry pad and a portable rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

The 2019 Ford EcoSport’s base engine is a 1.3-liter 3-cylinder turbo producing 123 horsepower. This engine is offered only with front-wheel drive (FWD). Opting for all-wheel drive (AWD) brings a larger, normally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with auto stop/start technology. Rated at 166 horsepower, the 2.0-liter is probably better equipped to deal with the EcoSport’s weight, plus it provides a 2,000-pound tow rating.

1.0-liter turbocharged (EcoBoost) inline-3 (FWD)
123 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
125 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/29 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4 (AWD)
166 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
149 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg