The 2021 Ford EcoSport is the American brand’s smallest SUV, and too.
There are few adjustments for 2021. A new optional appearance package is now available, and the leather upholstery that was once popular in more practical finishes has been ditched in favour of artificial leather.
All front-wheel-drive EcoPorts are powered by a 123-horsepower turbo-3 and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive-equipped models feature a larger turbo-4, with 166 horsepower.
The base EcoSport gets EPA ratings of 27 mpg city, 29 highway and 28 combined. Upgrading to the turbo-4 brings the numbers down 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 an overall four-star rating.
It all costs a destination payment of $1,245 and the front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel drive adds $1,500 to any trim.
The EcoSport starts with the $21,240 S model. Standard features include a 4. 2-inch infotainment screen, cloth upholstery, a five-speaker audio system and 16-inch wheels.
Moving the SE to $24,695, it offers wonderful features, such as an 8. 0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a forced sunroof.
The Titanium costs $27,510 with front-wheel drive, making it the most expensive EcoSport at the moment; The all-wheel-drive edition takes the top spot. It comes with 17-inch wheels, artificial leather, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a Bang stereo.
The $28,820 SES is only available with all-wheel drive and turbo-4. Standard features include rain-sensing windshield wipers and blind-spot monitors.
The EcoSport has a simple, prosaic look that’s more risk-free than anything else. It’s low, tall, and wider than many hatchbacks. It’s a great Ford grille that’s attracting the most interest.
The EcoSport’s interior isn’t up to the task. The fabric interior looks inexpensive, the board has a lot of cutting lines and plastic types, and the equipment looks insignificant. Ford also got rid of elements of the cabin this year.
If there’s one redemption for the EcoSport, it’s its spatial efficiency. The rear seat shipping area measures 20. 9 cubic feet, which expands to 50 cubic feet once the backrests are folded down.
The EcoSport’s 123-horsepower turbo-3 pushes to move the SUV’s 3,000 pounds of curb weight. Its transmission does the best it can: 0-60 mph times still take about 10 seconds.
The optional 166-horsepower inline-4 engine seems happier, but it supports an extra 300 pounds, so functionality doesn’t generate much gain. Traction is improved thanks to its all-wheel drive, handling is usually more suitable for city driving.
Ford claims the EcoSport can tow 1,400 with the turbo-3 and 2,000 with the inline-4.
The 2021 Ford EcoSport is aimed at a very express type of buyer. It’s affordable and small, so the length of the parking lot is a plus, and its rear seat also provides smart space. However, protective equipment is lacking. If you want to buy one, get an EcoSport SE.
-by Anthony Sophinos, with impressions from The Car Connection.