Introduction

The 2021 Ford EcoSport is the American brand's smallest SUV, and its least expensive, too. 

Changes are few for 2021. A new optional appearance package is now available, and the leather upholstery that was previously standard on the top trim has been ditched in favor of synthetic leather. 

All front-wheel-drive EcoSports are powered by a turbo-3 that makes 123 horsepower and pairs up to a 6-speed automatic. A larger turbo-4 with 166 horsepower comes on models equipped with all-wheel drive. 

The base EcoSport earns EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 29 highway, 28 combined. Upgrading to the turbo-4 drops those figures to 23/29/25 mpg. 

Blind-spot monitors are offered on some trims, but the EcoSport doesn't offer automatic emergency braking. The NHTSA gives the SUV a four-star overall rating. 

Lineup

All prices reflect a $1,245 destination charge and front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel drive adds $1,500 to any trim. 

The EcoSport begins with the $21,240 S. Standard features include a 4.2-inch infotainment display, cloth upholstery, five-speaker audio, and 16-inch wheels. 

Moving into the $24,695 SE tacks on numerous worthwhile features, such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a power moonroof. 

The Titanium costs $27,510 with front-wheel drive, making it the second-priciest EcoSport; the all-wheel-drive version takes the top spot. It gets 17-inch wheels, leatherette, a power driver's seat, and a Bang & Olufsen stereo. 

The $28,820 SES is only offered with all-wheel drive and the turbo-4. Standard features include rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitors. 

Walkaround

The EcoSport has a plain, prosaic look that's more inoffensive than anything. It's short, tall, and wider than many hatchbacks. A big Ford grille generates most of the interest. 

Interior

The EcoSport's interior isn't up to snuff. The cloth interior feels inexpensive, the dash has many cutlines and types of plastic, and the switchgear feels insubstantial. Ford dropped features from the cabin this year, too. 

If there's any redemption for the EcoSport, it comes in its space efficiency. The cargo area behind the rear seats is a large 20.9 cubic feet, which expands to 50 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. 

Driving Impression

The EcoSport's 123-horsepower turbo-3 pushes to move the SUV's 3,000 pounds of curb weight. Its transmission does its best, but 0-60 mph times still take about 10 seconds. 

The optional 166-hp inline-4 sounds happier, but it carries another 300 pounds with it, so performance doesn't make much of a gain. Traction does improve with its all-wheel drive, though handling is mostly suited for city driving. 

Ford says the EcoSport can tow 1,400 pounds with the turbo-3 and 2,000 pounds with the inline-4. 

Summary

The 2021 Ford EcoSport is meant for a very specific kind of buyer. It's relatively inexpensive and small, so parking size is a virtue-and its back seat has good space, too. Safety equipment is lacking, though. If you must buy one, get an EcoSport SE. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.