Ford introduces the incredible shrinking utility vehicle
Ford has done a pretty good job of covering the bases with all manner and size of utility vehicles, with one exception: something really small. You can finally check that off the list. For 2018, the new Ford EcoSport joins, in ascending order of size, the Escape, the Edge, the Explorer and the Expedition. Whether you out the Flex on that list depends on your idea of a utility vehicle.
The subcompact EcoSport (pronounced Echo Sport, not Eeko Sport) is new to theNorth American market, but it’s a familiar name in Ford markets in South America, Asia and Europe, dating back as far as 2003. In fact the version sold here, which is based on the Ford Fiesta platform, is being shipped to us from the Ford plant in India.
From the front, the EcoSport’s looks clearly displays commonality with the Escape and Edge. From the sides, however, the wraparound-style rear window (actually a clever illusion) is reminiscent of what you’ll find on the larger Explorer. Note that access to the stowage area is through a side-hinged back door rather than a traditional liftgate.
Because of the high roofline and short distance between the front and rear wheels, the EcoSport appears somewhat top heavy, but that means sufficient head and leg room for adult passengers and it helps provide a reasonable amount of cargo capacity. Naturally, that capacity is nowhere near what the one-size-larger Escape offers, but it’s slightly better than what you’ll find in the tiny Chevrolet Trax, despite that model being slightly longer than the EcoSport.
The dashboard and control panel are more utilitarian than fancy, but the knob-controlled climate and audio functions should be easily mastered, as will the few switches found on the steering wheel.
A basic 4.2-inch display is standard, but dominating the dashboard are optional 6.0- and 8.0-inch tablet-style touchscreens.
The EcoSport’s engine choices consist of a turbocharged 1.0-liter three cylinder that puts out 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a non-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet.
Instead of taking the price-leader approach and installing manual transmissions in base EcoSports, all models come with six-speed automatics. Trailer weight is limited to 2,000 pounds.
As for fuel economy, the turbo threecylinder shines, earning a 28-mpg rating in combined city and highway driving, compared to 25 mpg for the fourcylinder. Both engines get a stop/start function that shuts down their operation when the EcoSport isn’t moving.
All-wheel-drive is available, which is a feature that can’t be had in a couple of competing small and tall wagons. To get it in the EcoSport, you also need to get the optional four-cylinder engine.
Base EcoSport S pricing begins at $21,000, with destination charges. That includes much of what you would expect in a modern vehicle, economy or otherwise, including air conditioning, basic power-operated functions, two USB ports and 16-inch aluminum wheels (not steel wheels with covers, as you might expect).
A full-size spare tire can be mounted to the back door of the S trim for $185.
The SE adds a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Sync3 infotainment system, roof rails and backup warning system. The Titanium includes leather-trimmed seats, navigation, premium audio and 17-inch wheels.
Atop the pecking order, the SES comes with the four-cylinder/allwheel-drive combo, blacked-out wheels and trim, and sport-tuned (firmer) suspension. There’s also blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic backup alert. Choosing the full-load SES will take a $27,700 bite out of your transportation budget, at which point you might want to consider a roomier Ford Escape with a bit less content, but at a lower price.
But if around-town and country back-road nimbleness are considerations, the EcoSport fills the bill and should also let you fill your tank less frequently.