2018 Ford EcoSport

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is an all-new model for the United States. For the year 2018, the EcoSport has been updated inside-out. The US specced EcoSport is assembled in India. As standard, the Ecosport comes with a 1.0L I-3 turbocharged engine that outputs 123 hp and has a torque output of 125 lb-ft. This engine comes coupled with a 6-speed automatic and gets an FWD configuration. An optional 2.0L engine is also available, and so is AWD configuration. The EcoSport is not a very good handler, but it is relatively easy to park and maneuver around in tight spots. The EcoSport's interior is decent, with good enough rear space and above-average cargo capacity.

 However, the EcoSport's interior is still cramped, and there's not much feedback from the steering as well. The base engine is sluggish and struggles to accelerate with a packed interior and cargo capacity. The EcoSport also lacks the advanced safety features that are at least optional for its rivals. Priced at $19,995, the EcoSport goes up against the 2018 Chevrolet Trax, the 2018 Honda HR-V, and the 2018 Mazda CX-3.

The 2018 Ford EcoSport comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SES, and Titanium. The pricing for these trims starts at $19,995, and goes up to $27,330 for the loaded top trim. The SES trim stands out from the other three trims, due to its sporty cosmetics. All trims come with FWD as standard, and get AWD as optional for a premium of $1,500. The SES trim gets AWD as standard. All trims come equipped with alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, full power accessories, rearview camera, driver information display, height-adjustable front seats, cargo cover, and front floor mats.

The SE trim gets a Convenience package that adds some interior features, safety features, and a few infotainment features for a price of $1,795. A Cold Weather package is also available on all trims except the base trim for a price of $500.

We Recommend

The 2018 Ford EcoSport SE trim does make a lot of sense, but there will be a lot of customers who will get the Convenience Package, and hence we recommend the SES trim. It gets all features of the SE+ Convenience package, has a better suspension setup, a lot of interior features, and is not very expensive as well at $26,880. 

"The 2018 Ford EcoSport skims rough roads rather well, but its sluggish." -TheCarConnection

2018 Ford EcoSport Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Ford EcoSport uses a turbocharged 1.0L I-3 engine as standard, with a six-speed automatic gearbox and FWD configuration. This engine outputs a maximum power of 123 hp @ 6000 rpm and has a torque output of 125 ft-lbs @ 3500 rpm. This engine is standard on the S, SE, and Titanium trim. There is an optional 2.0L engine as well, which comes standard on the SES trim and is optional on the other trims. This engine outputs 166 hp @ 6500 rpm and 149 ft-lbs @ 4500 rpm of torque and comes with AWD as standard.

The base engine is rather sluggish, and it feels overstrained with a loaded cabin and cargo space. There's no difference between the optional driving modes as well, and the heavyweight of over 3,000 lbs delays the already slow acceleration as well. The 2.0 engine is better overall, but it also adds around 300 lbs of weight as well that does not improve the experience much. The AWD is recommended over the FWD for better power distribution and handling. The 6-speed transmission has tall gear ratios, and though it's refined, it's slow and does not help with the slow EcoSport.

The EcoSport gets the smallest engine, makes the least power and torque among the four cars. The peak torque kicking in at 3500 rpm makes matter worse for the EcoSport. On the HR-V, the cheapest car in this comparison we get a 6-speed manual with the second least torque output of 127 lb-ft. The CX-3 has the biggest engine and the most power output of 146 hp. The Trax has the best torque output of 148  lb-ft. The Trax is also the most expensive car in this lot.

2018 Ford EcoSport Acceleration

The 2018 Ford EcoSport with the base engine and FWD sprints from 0-60 mph in 10.4 seconds, with the quarter-mile coming up in 17.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 111 mph. With the 2.0L engine and AWD, the 0-60 mph time improves by around 0.6 seconds to 9.8 seconds. The quarter-mile also sees an improvement of 0.4 seconds to 17.5 seconds. Top speed goes up to 117 mph, an improvement of 6 mph. 

The EcoSport is the slowest of the lot, with its underpowered 1.0L engine and heavyweight of 3020 lbs. The CX-3 has the best 0-60 mph time of 9 seconds, with the quickest quarter-mile time as well at 16.5 seconds. This decent performance is thanks to the powerful engine, responsive gearbox, and excellent weight management. The Honda HR-V has a 0-60 mph time of 9.3 seconds, whereas the Trax has a slower time of 9.6 seconds. In the quarter-mile, the Trax is quicker than the HR-V by 0.1 seconds. The HR-V has the highest top speed, whereas the EcoSport has the least at 111 mph. 

2018 Ford EcoSport Steering and Handling

The 2018 Ford EcoSport isn't the best at handling, but it's not the worst as well. The weight distribution is the main reason for the mediocre handling of the EcoSport (its front-heavy, which causes the rear to turn out). Around turns, the EcoSport can carry some decent amount of speed, without too much body roll. However, this car is not made for cutting corners and that is quite evident. The AWD is a must, as it does help the car's handling characteristics. The suspension setup of strut and torsion beam at the front and rear respectively do manage the body weight in turns and provide a stable ride overall.

On straights, the ride quality is smooth, with most undulations and bumps are taken care of by the suspension itself. The steering does not inspire confidence, as it lacks the necessary feedback that can help go faster. It's quite accurate in turns and goes wherever the steering is rotated. The electric steering is not heavy to operate, and the EcooSPort has a turning diameter f 35 feet. The tires have a decent grip, but more grippy tires will improve the overall feel. The 17-inch alloy wheels do not hinder the ride quality much.

2018 Ford EcoSport Braking

Braking duties on the 2018 Ford EcoSport are taken care of by an 11.8-inch front brake rotor and a 12.2-inch rear brake rotor setup. This setup helps the EcoSport stop from 60-0 mph within a distance of 125 feet, which is not bad for a weighing around 3000 lbs. There's evidence of nose-dive under hard braking, but it's not too much.

The brake pedal has no feel under slight modulation, but a firm application will deliver decent braking power, with progressive braking offering a stable slowing down. The 2.0L EcoSport also gets the same braking setup.

The Mazda CX-3 stops the quickest at 117 feet from 60-0 mph. The Trax comes second, with a stopping distance of 121 feet. The HR-V takes the most distance to stop at 127 feet. The largest front brake rotor is on the EcoSport and the Trax, whereas the EcoSport gets the largest rear brake rotor at 12.2 inches.

2018 Ford EcoSport Towing Capacity

The 2018 Ford EcoSport has a maximum towing capacity of 1400 lbs with the FWD setup, whereas the AWD models can tow up to 2,000 lbs. The payload capacity on the EcoSport stands at 1570 lbs.

The CX-3 has the most towing capacity at 2645 lbs, whereas the HR-V and the Trax offer a similar capacity of 2000 lbs.

The 2018 Ford EcoSport with the 1.0L I-3 engine and FWD returns 27 mpg in the city, 29 mpg in highway and 28 mpg in combined. With the 2.0L AWD setup, this mileage drops to 23 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. Fuel capacity on the EcoSport stands at 13.6 gallons. This gives the 1.0L EcoSport a range of 367.2 miles in the city, and 394.4 miles on the highway. The AWD model has a city range of 312.8 miles.

The CX-3 is the most economical car with a mileage of 31 mpg combined. The other three offer the same combined mileage. The Trax and the HR-V have the most highway mileage, whereas the EcoSport has the most city mileage at 27 mpg. The most city range of 368.3 miles is offered by the CX-3. despite having the smallest fuel tank. The most highway range is offered by the Trax at 462 miles.

"The EcoSport can fir four adults in comfort, but cargo space is slim and interior quallity is low." -TheCarConnection

2018 Ford EcoSport Interior Seating and Comfort

The interiors on the Ford EcoSport are not the most well-done in this class, and there are a lot of bits that won't appeal to the customer in this solid interior. The interior fit and finish levels are not up to the mark, a sign of cost-cutting; and the hard plastic surfaces also feel cheap and inferior. There are no panel gaps, but there are sounds from around the cabin. The higher trims are better finished, with the leather upholstery and the different trim finishes doing their work to feel and look attractive. We find the SES trim's interior the most attractive, thanks to the sport seats and copper-colored trim inserts. The controls are well-laid out and are mostly easy to read and within reach for the driver. The adjustable steering opens up a better seating position.

The EcoSport can seat up to five passengers inside. The front seats are nice, with sufficient cushioning and decent bolstering. Back support is on point. With the leather seats, the seat comfort is better. In the rear, the seats are flat and have enough space to fit tall passengers comfortably. These seats have decent comfort and good levels of support as well. The tall height of the EcoSport offers a good view of the world outside, but the thick front and rear pillars and a narrow rear window obstruct a complete view. Getting in and out of the EcoSPort is also very easy, thanks to the not-too-taller step-up height.

The CX-3 has the least interior volume, whereas the HR-V's interior is massive. The HR-V benefits from a longer wheelbase that gives it a roomy interior. In the front, the Chevy Trax has the most headroom at 39.6 inches, whereas the EcoSport has the most legroom at 42.9 inches. In the rear, the Trax again has the most headroom of 38.8 inches, whereas the HR-V has the most legroom of 39.3 inches. The CX-3's rear legroom is the tightest at 35 inches. Some interior features on the EcoSport are:

• Cruise Control
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Six-way power-adjustable driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Ambient lighting

2018 Ford EcoSport Infotainment

The 2018 Ford EcoSport comes with a basic Sync infotainment system on the base trim. Higher trim levels get the Sync 3 infotainment system. This system is quite fast to inputs, with no lag of any sort. The interface is quite fluid and simple, with an easy-to-understand system, and navigating through the menu is an easy task. The base model gets a 4.2-inch display, whereas the SE trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

The higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen that is brisk and quite large in a car like the EcoSport. Standard features on all trims include AM/FM stereo, two USB ports, an antenna, auxiliary audio input, and a six-speaker audio system. Other infotainment features include:

• Satellite radio
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• HD Radio
• SYNC 3 interface
• Ten-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system

2018 Ford EcoSport Cargo Space

The 2018 Ford EcoSport packs in an above-average standard cargo capacity of 20.9 cu-ft as standard. This is quite a lot of space, suited for weekend getaways, but a segment upgrade to the Escape might be a better choice. Maximum cargo capacity offered stands at 50 cu-ft.

The loading height of the EcoSport is tall, which can be a hindrance to load heavier cargo inside. Also, the side opening door is a benefit and a problem as well, depending on where and how you access the cargo hold.

The Mazda offers the least standard cargo space at 12.4 cu-ft. The Trax also offers a low 18.7 cu-ft, whereas the HR-V offers the most standard capacity at 24. cu-ft. The maximum cargo space is the most on the HR-V as well, at 58.8 cu-ft. The Trax and the CX-3 offer a maximum cargo capacity of less than 50 cu-ft at 48.4 cu-ft and 44.5 cu-ft.

"Glance at the side of the EcoSport and one is reminded of Ronald Reagan's sole memorable movie line,  from King's Row: 'Where's the rest of me?'" -TheCarConnection

2018 Ford EcoSport Styling and Dimensions

The 2018 Ford EcoSport's exterior takes a few design cues from the Ford Escape and the Ford Fiesta, although heavily from the Fiesta. The wheelbase is the same as the Fiesta's. The EcoSport has a very SUV-type exterior. It has a different design: The front end is quite proportional, but the rear of the car ends abruptly just behind the wheel. At the front, a grille design seen on other Ford cars is found on the EcoSport, and the sharp oval headlamps with big fog lamps and a wide bumper give the EcoSport a bigger look than what it actually is.

An upswept beltline and a sharp thick line that runs from just above the front wheel to the rear give the side some detailing. The alloy wheels look pretty, and very well proportional to the car's dimension. The rear is simple, with big taillights and the Ford lettering in the middle.

The most attractive part of this car is the side-opening cargo door. It is something different in this class, but it can be quite troublesome in tight spaces. There is an option of adding the spare wheel to the tailgate, as it gives the EcoSport a more rugged SUV look. The SES trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, and black exterior styling elements, which gives the EcoSport a sporty look it. Dimensionally, the EcoSport weighs 3020 lbs and has a wheelbase of 99.2 inches. The car sits 7 inches off the ground. It has a length of 161.3 inches, with a width of 69.5 inches and a height of 64.8 inches. 

The EcoSPort is the heaviest car in this comparison, whereas the Trax is the highest. The HR-V has the most length, whereas the most width is on the Trax. The Trax is the tallest car in this lot, whereas the HR-V has the most ground clearance. The HR-V again has the longest wheelbase. This shows that the EcoSport is quite compact against rival cars. Some exterior features on the EcoSport are:

• Roof Rails
• Sunroof
• Alloy wheels
• Foglights
• Heated side mirrors
• Automatic headlamps

The 2018 Ford EcoSport has received top ratings from the NHTSA, with an overall rating of four stars. The car got a rollover rating of 4-stars as well, with a rollover risk of 19.10%. The IIHS rated the EcoSport with an overall rating of 'Good'. The EcoSport is based on the Ford Global B-car platform, made for subcompact SUVs in a joint partnership between Ford and Mazda. As standard, all EcoSports come equipped with airbags, engine immobilizer, stability control, Post-Collision safety system, and ABS.

Some other safety features include:

• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Blindspot Monitoring system
• Rearview camera
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front Seat-Belt Pretensioners
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

2018 Ford EcoSport vs 2018 Chevrolet Trax

The 2018 Chevrolet Trax is the closest competitor to the Ford EcoSport. The Trax has had a good response, with buyers having a positive response towards its easy pricing and small dimensions. Both the Trax and the EcoSport are similar in two ways: these are not fast cars but are reasonably efficient. It gets a 1.4L turbocharged engine, and makes a little more power than the EcoSport. The Trax also has better performance than the base EcoSport, with a higher top speed as well. It also stops earlier than the EcoSport. Both the cars have the same combined fuel economy, but the EcoSpoort is more efficient in the city, whereas the Trax, on the highway. Coming to handling, both the cars have similar handling but we prefer the Trax.

On the inside, the EcoSport has more front and rear legroom on offer, whereas the Trax's interior is wider and more stylish. The cargo space on the Trax is less than the EcoSPort's. In terms of dimensions, the EcoSport is easier to maneuver and has a higher ground clearance. The Trax's exterior is more appealing, and the longer wheelbase gives a smoother ride quality. The Trax has better safety ratings and also gets more advanced safety features on higher trim levels. The Trax is around $1,100 more than the  EcoSport, in terms of pricing. However, the Trax is a better car to buy, overall. 

2018 Ford EcoSport vs 2018 Mazda CX-3

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is the better option than the EcoSport in many ways. First off, the CX-3 has a larger engine, with more output than the EcoSport, and this engine is more refined as well. The CX-3 also has better performance run times than the Ford EcoSport. All this performance is then matched with a strong braking setup that helps the CX-3 to stop quicker than the EcoSport. In terms of driving dynamics, the CX-3 has sporty handling, precise steering control, and great stability due to its equal weight distribution. The CX-3 also has a superior fuel economy and a slightly longer range.

The towing capacity is more on the CX-3. The interior on the EcoSport is better in the higher trims, whereas the CX-3's interior has better fit and finish levels throughout. Where the EcoSport excels is the infotainment system, which is easier to use and more fluid as well. The EcoSport also has more cargo capacity on offer. The Mazda CX-3, however, benefits with better safety ratings and a more advanced safety package. At a price of $20,110, the CX-3 is expensive compared to the EcoSport, but a better package overall.

The Ford EcoSport is a part of the global cars sold by Ford and now enters the North American market in this 2018 avatar. The EcoSport gets two low-powered engine options, and it does not have excellent handling nor does it offer strong braking performance. The fuel efficiency on the EcoSport is not the best in this class, and its interiors do not offer the quality levels the competition does. The EcoSport however, does get a roomy front and rear legroom, with above-average cargo capacity on offer. The EcoSport also lacks the necessary safety features, making the rivals much better options than the EcoSport.

Also Read:

• A premium compact SUV: the Buick Encore
• A better alternative to the Ford EcoSport: The Ford Edge

2018 Ford EcoSport FAQs

How much does the Ford EcoSport cost?

The 2018 Ford EcoSport starts just under the $20,000 mark for the base variant.

Is the 218 Ford EcoSport reliable?

The 2018 Ford EcoSport has an overall rating of 78/100 for the 2018 Ford EcoSport, which is average.

Which engine is better on the Ford EcoSport?

The 1.0L engine lacks acceleration and is slow. The 2.0L engine adds more weight, but has better driving dynamics than the 1.0L and is the engine to go for.

How safe is the 2018 Ford EcoSport?

The 2018 Ford EcoSport has an overall rating of 4-stars from the NHTSA, and an overall rating of 'Good' from the IIHS.

Is the 2018 Ford EcoSport economical?

With a city/highway mileage of 27/29 mpg, the Ford EcoSport is not the most economical car in the subcompact segment. The Mazda CX-3 has a better economy with its city/highway mileage of 29/34 mpg.