Introduction

The compact 2020 Ford Ecosport is the smallest member of the company's expanding crossover SUV lineup. Its city-friendly size is its best asset. 

The Ecosport went on sale in the U.S. as a 2019 model. For the 2020 model year, the Ecosport sees no major changes. All models gain a wi-fi hotspot. Four trim levels are offered: S, SE, SES, and Titanium.

Either a turbo-3 or an inline-4 engine may be installed. The standard 1.0-liter turbo-3 engine makes a modest 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful, naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4, developing 166 hp and 149 pound-feet, is standard in the Ecosport SES.

Both engines mate with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but each trim level can have all-wheel drive as an option. AWD is standard on SES trim. Ford's simple all-wheel-drive system varies torque from the front to the rear wheels.

The NHTSA gave the Ecosport a four-star rating overall and for frontal impact, but five stars for side impact. The IIHS has not crash-tested the Ecosport.

No active-safety features are available on the Ecosport. Outward vision is generally good, helped by a high driving position, but rearward views are constrained. Blind-spot monitors, available on SE trim and up, should help.. 

Lineup

Prices include $1,245 destination charge.

The Ecosport S ($21,240 with front-drive, $22,835 with all-wheel drive) comes with cruise control, power features, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, and five-speaker audio with Bluetooth streaming and two USB ports. A spare-tire carrier is optional.

The SE ($24,695 with FWD, $26,195 with AWD) adds a moonroof, automatic climate control, keyless ignition, rear parking sensors, steering-wheel controls, acoustic glass, and a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. Navigation, blind-spot monitors, and 17-inch wheels are available.

The SES ($28,625) comes only with all-wheel drive and includes a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, 17-inch wheels, navigation, seven-speaker audio, and blind-spot monitors.

The Titanium ($27,510 with FWD, $28,960 with AWD) includes 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a bigger (8.0-inch) touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and 675-watt seven-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio.. 

Walkaround

The 2020 Ford Ecosport's humble origins show in its tall stance. It has a blunt front end that looks choppy. Its raised ride height, short overhangs and relatively narrow body aren't as balanced as that of its main rivals.

Measuring a mere 161.3 inches long overall, on a 99.2-inch wheelbase, the Ecosport is city-friendly in size. . 

Interior

In the Ecosport's neatly-organized cabin, the materials and fit and finish are mediocre. Its cloth-upholstered base seats are minimally bolstered, and trail the competition in comfort.

Despite its small size, the Ecosport offers ample passenger space, especially in the back seat. Rear head and leg room reach beyond satisfactory. Front-seat space also is decent.

In each Ecosport, a high driving position provides good forward vision. In contrast, small windows and large, upturned rear pillars yield big blind spots to the rear.

Cargo space totals 20.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50 cubic feet if rear seatbacks are folded. The high load floor and odd side-opening tailgate impede the Ecosport's hauling capability.. 

Driving Impression

Despite decent power for a vehicle of its size, the Ecosport's acceleration is sluggish. A hefty curb weight-topping 3,000 pounds-is the culprit. 

Ride comfort and handling ability rank no higher than average. Its steering has minimal feel-a common trait of crossover SUVs-but the Ecosport's brakes feel sufficiently strong, and noise levels are low.

The 8-speed transmission offers fairly quick shifts. Sport mode is available, but has little impact. Front-drive models can tow 1,400 pounds, while all-wheel-drive versions can tow up to 2,000 pounds. 

Front-wheel-drive models with the 1.0-liter turbo-3 are EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 29 highway, 28 combined. All-wheel drive with the 4-cylinder engine sinks the EPA rating to 23/29/25 mpg. . 

Summary

In base S trim, the 2020 Ford Ecosport offers some basic standard features, but the equipment list is more decent in upper models. The Ecosport SE provides the best blend of features, drivetrain, and price-especially if optional blind-spot monitors are added. 

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.