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2021 Ford EcoSport review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Ford EcoSport highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Roomy cabin for passengers and cargo
  • Quiet cabin
  • User-friendly technology

Cons

  • Drivetrain lacks power and refinement
  • Fuel efficiency disappoints, despite low-power engines
  • Lacks standard and optional driver aids

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 29 highway, 25 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $14,998*

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2021 Ford EcoSport wrestles with low power and a lack of driver aids

The 2021 Ford EcoSport struggles to remain competitive due to its lack of power, low fuel efficiency, and minimal driver aids. While Ford's smallest SUV provides impressive passenger and cargo space, plus the effective SYNC® 3 technology interface on high trims, it doesn't measure up to class standards in other areas. The EcoSport comes in S, SE, and Titanium trims powered by a 123-horsepower three-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive and a 166-hp engine available in all three trims. The sporty SES model includes the more powerful engine and all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Fuel economy for the overtaxed small engine is a disappointing EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined, with the larger engine earning just 25 mpg. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.

Buyers may find the EcoSport's roomy interior and advanced SYNC 3 infotainment system (standard on SE and above trims) appealing, particularly on models equipped with the larger 8-inch touchscreen. But the EcoSport's weak drivetrains, meager estimated fuel economy, and lack of advanced driver aids put it at a disadvantage in this competitive segment.

All Ford EcoSport years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford EcoSport generation from 2018 to 2022

What is new for the 2021 Ford EcoSport?

  • Enhanced safety features now standard across all models, including advanced collision avoidance systems.
  • Introduction of a new infotainment system with improved connectivity options and user interface.
  • Increased fuel efficiency ratings for the base model, providing cost savings for consumers.
  • New premium trim option available, offering upgraded interior materials and additional tech features.
  • Removal of the manual transmission option from the lineup.

2021 Ford EcoSport trims

Curious how Ford EcoSport trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 123-hp, 125-lb-ft of torque 1.0L
  • 166-hp, 149-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Ford EcoSport S inventory

SE:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • Sunroofs
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Parking Sensors
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • View our Ford EcoSport SE inventory

SES:

Titanium:

Ford EcoSport photos

What We Like

Cargo space: The EcoSport provides more than 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seat, a figure that more than doubles to 50 cubic feet with that seat folded down. That gives the small Ford more space and flexibility than many competitors. Additional storage space comes in the form of a tall center console and functional door pockets.

Passenger comfort: Supportive seats and a quiet cabin should keep passengers happy, and the second-row seat is elevated to improve leg support and forward visibility. Passenger space is impressive for a subcompact SUV, but taller passengers will feel cramped in the second row.

Technology: The larger 6.5- and 8-inch displays use Ford's user-friendly SYNC 3 system and include a wide array of useful features for navigation, audio streaming, and connected services. Primary controls are intuitive and easy to use. Voice control is included for easier hands-free interaction. We suggest avoiding models with the 4.2-inch display screen, which also lack Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

What Needs Improvement

Driving: The EcoSport combines a lack of power with an indecisive transmission to fall behind the small SUV pack in terms of acceleration and refinement. That lack of power should at least provide a fuel efficiency advantage, but it doesn't. The EcoSport is also missing basic driver aids like forward collision warning and lane departure warning; they are neither standard nor optional. At least blind-spot warning is present, an important standard feature given the EcoSport's thick roof pillars.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

5 customer reviews

Ford EcoSport features and specs

Curious how Ford EcoSport trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Titanium 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Traction Control
  • Smart Key
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Cruise Control
  • Power Locks
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • ABS Brakes
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Side Airbags
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Sync System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Navigation System

Optional Features

  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch
  • Full Roof Rack

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.0L

Horsepower

123

Torque (ft-lbs)

125

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

13.8

Wheelbase

99.2"

Overall length

161.3"

Width

69.5"

Height

64.8"

Leg room

F 42.9"/R 36.7"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 37.5"

Front tires

P205/50HR17

Rear tires

P205/50HR17

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

140/1400 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Ford EcoSport FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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