Ford EcoSport review (2014-2023)
Ford’s fun-sized EcoSport SUV made its debut way back in 2014, as SUVs began their seemingly unstoppable rise in popularity. Its latest version features a number of changes that have ensured it’s kept up-to-date and competitive with its rivals in the tricky small SUV market. Learn what it's like to drive in our road-tested Ford EcoSport review.
)
Pros
- Essentially a larger Fiesta
- Easy to drive
- Cheap to run
Cons
- A bit gutless
- Not the smoothest automaric gearbox
- Most are better off with a Fiesta
Interior
Our rating: 6/10
The latest EcoSport’s interior is a definite step up from previous versions.
Driving position
Considering it’s a narrow car, there’s enough head and legroom for both you and your passengers, and you’ll all get a good view out due to that elevated driving position.
Seats are comfortable, with manual lumbar support adjustment for the front seats as standard across the range.
The front and rear pillars are quite thick, but thanks to large door mirrors and a standard reversing camera, any parking and backing-up manoeuvres shouldn’t present much of a problem.
Tech and features
Cabin quality is good, with pleasingly soft-touch materials on top of the dashboard and the door armrests.
The EcoSport features Ford's SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment system, which offers all models an eight-inch screen that controls DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
Titanium and ST-line models also feature a built-in sat-nav, with the screen taking on display duties for the rear-view camera.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
The EcoSport’s raised driving position gives you a better view out than you’d get from a Fiesta, but naturally, that's the only way that it bests its cousin.
Handling and ride comfort
Sadly, you won’t get all the benefits of the Fiesta’s spirited driving experience.
The EcoSport’s grippy tyres allow you to safely channel your inner Lewis Hamilton (sort of) thanks to it cornering surprisingly well at speed – but there’s a fair amount of lean due to its height, which is standard behaviour for all SUVs.
Light steering and controls make for a good town and city car, and its petrol and diesel engines provide solid performance and refinement when you’re on the motorway.
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
Boot space
Boot space isn’t class-leading – the SEAT Arona trumps it there.
There’s still plenty of room for a long weekend away with a sizeable picnic to top it off.
There’s a flat floor with a minimal load lip, so getting stuff into the boot is less of a task, and even more space is available when you drop the 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
The only downside is that the side-opening rear door can make access difficult if other cars are parked close behind.
Thankfully, the previous version’s large rear-door mounted spare wheel is absent from the latest model.
Running costs
Our rating: 7/10
The EcoSport faces some strong competition – especially from the Volkswagen T-Roc – though it still has a few aces up its sleeve when it comes to value.
Fuel economy
Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are good for its class, and its Fiesta underpinnings mean it won’t cost you that much to insure.
Maintenance and parts should be cheap and easily available, too.
The verdict
Interior
6/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
7/10
If you’re after a Ford Fiesta with higher ground clearance and more interior space, then look no further than the Ford EcoSport.
It’s practical, compact and good-looking. It’s also safe, with the latest versions featuring automatic emergency braking (AEB).
Similar to the review
