2021 Ford EcoSport review
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
(no current inventory)
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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
What is new for the 2021 Ford EcoSport?
- EcoSport trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment this year.
- Automated Cruise Control and Running Boards features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SES trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
2021 Ford EcoSport trims
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:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Leatherette Seats
- Leatherette & Cloth
- View our Ford EcoSport SES inventory
Titanium:
- Includes all features available on the SES
- Leather Seats
- Bang & Olufsen Audio
- View our Ford EcoSport Titanium inventory
Ford EcoSport photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Ford EcoSport
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
Ford EcoSport features and specs
S 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Sync System
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automated Cruise Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
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
P205/60HR16
Rear tires
P205/60HR16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
140/1400 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Ford EcoSport FAQ
The 2021 Ford EcoSport is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- S: 27 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- SE: 27 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- Titanium: 27 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
- SES: 23 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The 2021 Ford EcoSport has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Ford EcoSport, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Ford EcoSport Reviews.
The 2021 Ford EcoSport has a maximum towing capacity of between 1400 and 2000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Ford EcoSport:
- Leatherette Seats
- Automated Cruise Control
- Running Boards
- Navigation System
- Cloth Seats
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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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