Ford EcoSport has been slotted below the Escape and will be going fighting with the prominent subcompact crossovers like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and the Chevy Trax. Under the hood, you get a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrain options. Both the engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission under front wheel drive configuration. While the 2.0-liter engine is also available with all-wheel drive.
The 2018 Ford EcoSport slots below the Escape from the carmakers SUV lineup. The 2018 EcoSport is available in four trims: S, SE, Titanium, and SES. The EcoSport S is well equipped, with available basic amenities and all-wheel drive. The SE turns out to be quite costlier, but it certainly offers an array of features.
The sport-theme based EcoSport SES trim adds an upgraded engine along with the standard all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the luxurious Titanium trim comes with leather upholstery and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. All the trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The all-wheel-drive system is optional for trims slotted below SES. Both the engine options are mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.
| Trims |
S |
SE |
Titanium |
SES |
| MSRP (FWD) |
$19,995 |
$22,905 |
$25,740 |
N/A |
| MSRP (AWD) |
$21,495 |
$24,405 |
$27,240 |
$26,740 |
| Features |
- 1.0L EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
- SYNC
- AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control)
- Cloth Front Row Bucket Seats
|
- S basic features, plus these and more:
- SYNC 3
- Power Moonroof with Sunshade
- Reverse Sensing System
- Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)
|
- SE basic features, plus these and more:
- B&O PLAY Premium Audio System by HARMAN
- Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
- Leather-Trimmed Seats with Perforation
- 17" Premium Dark Stainless-Painted Machined Aluminum Wheels
|
- SE basic features, plus these and more:
- 2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
|
Ford has come up with two powertrain options with the 2018 Ford EcoSport. The first one is a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine with a front wheel drive. The engine churns out a maximum power of 123 hp @ 6000 rpm and 125 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. You may also choose the 2.0-liter engine that comes with Ford’s Intelligent 4WD system, and all-wheel drive configuration. This engine propels 166 hp @ 6500 rpm and 149 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm of torque.
Ford has gone to work on the updated EcoSport, dragging it from a blot on its record to a class contender- Topgear
Engine and Transmission
The engine choices include two powertrains: a 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-3 engine mated with front-wheel drive and a naturally anticipated 2.0-liter four cylinder with all-wheel drive. Both the engines ate mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output through the 2.0-liter engine is highest among the other counterparts.
On the other hand, Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 are priced lesser than the base Ford EcoSport model. While the Chevy Trax comes at a slightly costlier price.
| Models |
Ford EcoSport S |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| MSRP |
$21,495 |
$19,570 |
$21,995 |
$20,110 |
| Engine |
2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4
engine
|
1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4 engine |
ECOTEC 1.4L turbocharged |
2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder |
| Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
6 speed Manual |
6-speed Automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
| Power |
166 hp @ 6500 rpm
|
141 hp @ 6500 rpm |
138 hp @ 4900 rpm |
146 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque |
149 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm |
127 ft-lbs. @ 4300 rpm |
148 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm |
146 ft-lbs. @ 2800 rpm |
Acceleration
The 2018 EcoSport manages to sprint 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Meanwhile, Honda HR-V does the same at 9.3 seconds. Mazda CX-3 turns out to be the winner by sprinting at 8.6 seconds. On the emission front, the Mazda CX-3 is just impressive while the EcoSport emits 7.0 Tons of C02 per year.
| Models |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| 0-60 MPH |
8.8 sec |
9.3 sec |
9.0 sec |
8.6 sec |
| Quarter mile |
16.5 sec @ 84 mph |
16.8 sec @ 80.9 mph |
16.8 sec @ 80.9 mph |
16.3 sec @ 83.3 mph |
| Engine |
2.0L Ti-VCT GDI I-4
|
1.8-liter SOHC i-VTEC I4 |
ECOTEC 1.4L turbocharged |
2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder |
|
Emission
Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year
|
7.0 |
6.3 |
6.3 |
5.7 |
Braking and Handling
Ford EcoSport has come up with a more reliable suspension that improves the ride quality and you can easily take your car through narrow corners. The Titanium and SES trims gets larger 17-inch wheels and the lower variants wear 16-inch wheels. The steering is also sharp than before. The effect is more linear while cornering.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| Brake Front(in) |
11.8 |
11.5 |
11.8 |
11.0
|
| Brake Rear(in) |
12.2 |
11.1 |
11.0 |
11.1 |
| Curb weight(lbs) |
3060 |
2888 |
2805 |
2809 |
| 60-0 MPH (ft.) |
125 |
127 |
121 |
117 |
Towing Capacity
2018 Ford EcoSport offers a maximum towing capacity of 2000 lbs, which is similar to the rivals like Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V. Meanwhile, Mazda CX-3 offers the maximum towing capacity of 2645 lbs which is highest among these competitors.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| Weight (lbs) |
2000 |
2000 |
2000 |
2645 |
| Drive Train |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
| Engine |
2.0L |
2.0L |
1.4L |
2.5L |
Ford EcoSport review: better-looking, better-equipped and better to drive than before - TopGear
The powertrains are very economical. The new 2018 Ford EcoSport offers an impressive fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 29 mpg in highway and 28 mpg in combined. The Mazda CX-3 offers better mileage figures at 29 mpg in the city, 34 mpg in the highway, and 31 mpg combined. While the Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V return mediocre fuel economy at 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg in the highway and 28 mpg combined.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| MPG (city) |
27 |
25 |
25 |
29 |
| MPG (highway) |
29 |
33 |
33 |
34 |
| MPG (combined) |
28 |
28 |
28 |
31 |
Once you enter into the 2018 EcoSport, you’ll notice a floating display panel comprising of 8-inch touchscreen that engages Ford’s latest Sync 3 multimedia system. This feature is standard on the Titanium and SES models. The lower trims get either a 4-inch or 6-inch screen mounted on the center console with Sync3 as an option. Ford has also offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along the way. The B&O Play is standard on the Titanium model, a 675-watt premium audio system, including 10 speakers and a subwoofer.
Interior Seating and Comfort
The 2018 EcoSport interior has been designed with versatility, offering 30 cubbies, storage bins, and hooks throughout the cabin. The second-row seats can be folded in case you need more cargo space for storing large items. On the other hand, the SES trim features some special interior fitments, with unique copper colored trim pieces and sport seats.
The top trims feature two USB ports along with a 12-volt socket, also there’s an optional 110-volt household outlet and a 12-volt socket for the rear seat.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Passenger Volume(ft cube) |
91.1 |
100.1 |
93.0 |
86.3 |
|
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
(In.)
|
36.6/53.3/42.9 |
39.5/56.8/41.2 |
39.6/54.1/40.8 |
37.6/53.5/41.7 |
|
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)
(In.)
|
37.5/55.1/38.2 |
38.3/54.5/39.3 |
38.8/52.8/35.7 |
37.2/50.4/35 |
Infotainment
Ford EcoSport has certainly come up with an updated Sync3 infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Ford has been working hard for quite a couple of years to make the EcoSport more gadget-friendly. Ford EcoSport gets two USB ports and one 12-volt outlet in the front. The Titanium models, however, boasts a 675-watt B&O Play audio system with 10 speakers.
Cargo Space
Even in the subcompact attire, Ford EcoSport generous cargo space. Honda HR-V is among the segment’s spacious entries, the Mazda CX-3 is the smallest, and the Ford EcoSport falls closer alongside the Chevy Trax.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| Behind Second Row(cube ft.) |
20.9 |
24.3 |
18.7 |
12.4 |
| Second Row Folded (cube ft.) |
50.0 |
58.8 |
48.4 |
44.5 |
The 2018 Ford EcoSport has been revised thoroughly as the latest upmarket model. The front grille has been moved up, looks bolder than before. Ford’s iconic blue oval is located in the center now. The headlamp unit comprises of projector beams and redesigned LED daytime running lights. The big and round fog lamps now ass more visual mass. Overall, the new EcoSport gets a more SUV-esque stance.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| curb weight(lbs) |
3060 |
2888 |
2805 |
2809 |
| Length(in) |
161.3 |
169.1 |
167.2 |
168.3 |
| Width(in) |
69.5 |
69.8 |
69.9 |
60 |
| Height(in) |
64.8 |
63.2 |
64.9 |
60.7 |
| Ground clearance(in) |
7.0 |
7.1 |
6.2 |
6.2 |
| Wheel base(in) |
99.2 |
102.8 |
100.6 |
101.2 |
| Track width(in) F/R |
60/60 |
60.4/60.6 |
60.6/60.6 |
60/59.9 |
Moving to the rear, you will notice spare wheels still mounted on the tailgate. Ford believes that consumers like the placement of spare wheel on the rear gate as it adds to the sporty SUV-like appeal. You can say that there is no much change in the rear part and the rear looks very similar to the old model.
Design and Styling
The 2018 EcoSport shares design and styling cues from the Ford Escape and Fiesta. The SUV’s footprint matches the Fiesta hatchback, but certainly, it gets more ground clearance with a bold look. The rear gate swings horizontally with the spare wheel.
Wheels
EcoSport comes with wheels made up of complete Aluminum that provide ultimate traction along narrow corners. The upper trims also offer 18-inch wheels that are good for highway driving. Even Mazda CX-3 offer bigger and better wheels, giving tough competition to the EcoSport.
| Model |
Ford EcoSport |
Honda HR-V |
Chevrolet Trax |
Mazda CX-3 |
| Size F/R (in.) |
16*6.5/16*6.5 |
17*6.5/17*6.5 |
16*7.5/16*7.5 |
18*7/18*7 |
| Quality |
Aluminum |
Aluminum |
Steel |
Aluminum |
| Wheel type |
Alloy |
Alloy |
w/o Alloy |
Alloy |
The India-assembled 2018 Ford EcoSport has not been crash tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It is believed to follow the international standards as far as the safety is concerned.
Safety Features
Ford has added an array of safety features with the 2018 EcoSport. Some of the standard safety features include:
- Dual Front Advanced Airbags
- Dual Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
- Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
- Driver's Side Knee Airbag
- 3-Point Seat Belts for All Seating Positions
- Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/ Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
Honda HR-V VS Ford EcoSport
It all depends on your own personal preference when it comes choosing between the 2018 Ford Ecosport and the 2018 Honda HR-V. There are many points where the Ecosport offers a strong stand against the HR-V. First;y, in the Ecosport, you can connect up to 10 devices as part of SYNC Connect Wi-Fi hotspot. Which is not offered by the HR-V. In addition, EcoSport’s 6-speed automatic transmission manages to provide better ride quality and responsive handling.
Chevrolet Trax VS Ford EcoSport
The Chevy Trax comes out on top in this head-to-head comparison with the Ford EcoSport. Though it may be costlier than the EcoSport, but it justifies its ratings through the more spacious interior, high-tech features, and better power output. But, it doesn’t mean that the EcoSport lags behind completely, for starters, it looks sportier than the Trax and has an easy to access spare tire. However, both these vehicles share too many similarities, but EcoSport adds some little extra touches that make the driving experience more dynamic and enjoyable.
Mazda CX-3 VS Ford EcoSport
The all-new 2018 EcoSport comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with updated Sync3 infotainment system, while the Mazda CX-3 misses out this cool stuff. EcoSport drivers shall be getting easy access to apps native to their smartphone operating systems.
Unlike the Mazda CX-3, which gets a traditional liftgate, the 2018 Ford EcoSport features a unique side-hinge gate. The EcoSport also offers agile handling and ride. The CX-3 is a good compact car in its own right but might fall behind the EcoSport in terms of ride quality and agile handling.
The Fiesta-based crossover, Ford EcoSport is a neither exceptionally economical, nor very sporty subcompact, which impresses with its practicality and feature-rich interior, if one overlooks the vertically challenged rear seating. Optioning it with the 2.0L engine gives the best bang-for-the-buck balance between performance and features. Alternatively, you could skip the EcoSport and spend a bit more on the Chevrolet Trax which outclasses the ford in most of the aspects.
