The Ford EcoSport has never been priced higher, but its four trim structure makes the higher variants seem more valuable than they actually are, as there is plenty of value for money that Ford isn’t necessarily charging a premium on. Starting at $19,995, the 2021 Ford EcoSport can get slightly more expensive than $28,155 in the top-spec SES trim which can only be had with AWD and is priced slightly higher than the Titanium FWD.

Which trim should you buy?

Despite the name, the EcoSport isn’t the sportiest proposition out there in the automobile market today. Any inclination towards the rugged-looking SES trim should be waived in favor of the Titanium trim and FWD, due to the sheer lack of pace from both engine options. While the creature comforts offered in the SES are good, they can be had in the Titanium trim with additional packages, and won’t cost a bomb either.

There are two engine choices when it comes to buying the 2021 Ford EcoSport. There isn’t much to choose from between a 1.0L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine, or a 2.0L Ti-VCT four-pot. The latter option doesn’t sound half bad and is made to look a lot better with a three-cylinder option beside it, but the actual performance will leave you behind; not in the dust, but probably a bullock cart. The turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 123 horsepower and the inline-4 makes 166 horses.

The difference in horsepower barely makes up for the additional weight, and regardless of the engine, you’ll be doing 0-60 in a dismal 10.4 to 11.4 seconds.

The larger engine option in the 2021 Ford EcoSport looks good on paper, especially in comparison to the competition, offering segment-leading torque by a whole pound-foot more than the 148 lb-ft in the Chevy Trax. The Honda HR-V does offer a stronger engine, but the CVT hinders its acceleration capabilities. It is still a whole lot quicker than the EcoSport, as is the Mazda CX-3. The Honda HR-V is also quickest to finish a standing quarter-mile, followed by the Mazda and then the EcoSport, leaving the Chevrolet for last. 

How well does the 2021 Ford EcoSport handle?

There is plenty about the EcoSport that simply disappoints, especially with regards to the powertrain. However, it gets worse when you combine an out-of-breath engine with an extremely capable suspension. It only feels like there’s more power to be had from the EcoSport, as it handles so sportily for a high-riding crossover. Quick maneuvers are as easy as the smooth ones, and the body-roll is controlled very well. It can get pronounced during dangerous bits of driving, but take it as the 2021 Ford EcoSport’s way of letting you know its limits.

Offering a choice between AWD and FWD, the Ford EcoSport is a flawed vehicle. With so much weight over the driving wheels in FWD form, it doesn’t make any sense to drop FE levels and increase weight, just for that additional power sent to the rear wheels for course correction. That being said, you would know your weather conditions better than us, and should you believe that traction is hard to come by where you live, there is an AWD option to help. Nevertheless, you need not go for it unless absolutely necessary, because there isn’t much to gain from the AWD.

2021 Ford EcoSport Braking Performance

We can’t imagine the folks over at the Blue Oval care too much for the braking prowess of the 2021 EcoSport, especially when it takes its own sweet time to get up to highway speeds. Regardless, the EcoSport has disc brakes on all fours that help it halt from 60 miles an hour over a distance of 129 feet. The braking is as laid-back as the acceleration, and there is no urgency shown by the Ford EcoSport, except in its suspension setup.

All the subcompact crossovers in comparison are closely related to one another in terms of curb weight and braking performance alike. All of them take between 120 to 130 feet to come to a total stop from a speed of 60 miles per hour. While the brake rotor dimensions of the Chevrolet Trax are unknown, it matches the lighter HR-V when braking from 60 to 0, suggesting it houses larger brakes than the Honda. The 2021 Ford EcoSport exhibits the worst braking performance, although not by much at all. 

No matter how much we try and avoid it, the 2021 Ford EcoSport seems to keep calling us back to its unimpressive powertrains in search of a compliment. Unfortunately for the car, we refuse to give it one despite offering decent fuel economy as compared to the other cars on the market. Both its engines are tuned towards efficiency, but the revy nature of the turbocharged 3-cylinder only ensures that it can’t beat too many four-cylinder engines out there, while the 2.0L engine offers average fuel economy for its displacement. 

The revvy 3-pot manages a combined 28 mpg, while the Honda HR-V’s turbocharged four-cylinder offers the same. Ford has clearly failed to make good with the 3-cylinder engine, but I’m afraid any less oomph from the engine and we’d classify the EcoSport as a wheelbarrow. 

The Mazda CX-3 has a well-engineered powertrain that allows it to extract 34 miles per gallon out on the highway, despite its naturally aspirated setup that displaces as much as the EcoSport’s larger engine. The other two engines are smaller than the 2.0L Ti-VCT in the Ford, but fail to capitalize on that difference to make a difference in FE figures like Mazda has with the CX-3.

The interior of the 2021 Ford EcoSport is designed very practically. Spot-on ergonomics make the driver's seat a comfortable place to be in, with easy access to every function on the neatly put-together dashboard. There is enough tech on offer to make it feel like a vehicle designed in 2021, and the hard plastics aren’t too much of an eyesore when you consider their durability. 

Nevertheless, the cabin quality remains the same as you go up the trims, making the interior of the SES and Titanium variants look out of place with a mixed bag of materials, ranging from quality leatherette seats to poorly fashioned dashboard panels. The higher trims don’t give you a great sense of belonging, as they don’t feel right for the price you pay. 

Right off the bat, the Ford EcoSport offers segment-leading front legroom, and it is a front seat inclined vehicle altogether. It isn’t the smartest option for rear-seat travelers, simply because the suspension is strung for a better driving experience, although the EcoSport can be comfortable at times. The Chevrolet Trax offers class-leading headroom across both seating rows, but compromises on cargo space, where the Honda HR-V shines. Standout interior features in the 2021 Ford EcoSport include:

• 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (SES trim)
• Electronic automatic temperature control
• Leatherette upholstery
• Leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel
• Heated steering wheel and front seats

How is the infotainment in the 2021 Ford EcoSport?

Ford has always shown an affinity for technology in its cars and has provided the best of in-car tech in recent years, at least at the price ranges they operate in. The infotainment system is superbly refined and very easy to use, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as well. The floating display in the center is visible from both driver and passenger seats due to its viewing angles and comes connected to a 6-speaker audio system that can be upgraded to a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup.

Highlights of the infotainment include:

• 8” touchscreen with navigation capabilities
• 2 USB ports
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - SYNC3 
• Amazon Alexa Voice Control
• 10-speaker B&O sound system

The Ford EcoSport has some funky outer styling, owing to a funny-looking box-like shape. It is sold in other markets around the world with a full-size spare tire mounted to the rear, which gives it a much more rugged look. Without it, the EcoSport looks even funkier than it should. Obnoxious front styling takes your mind away from the prospect of buying the EcoSport further sometimes, although it might be to the liking of some. Overall, the exterior of the EcoSport has a youthful aspect to it.

Even for a subcompact crossover, the 2021 EcoSport has some cramped dimensions. When we say it isn’t a very good vehicle for those who prefer the rear seat, it is due to the shorter than 100” wheelbase, combined with the 7.0” ground clearance that makes for a wobbly experience. While the EcoSport is also the least wide of the lot, it can't be considered due to the lack of difference between the cars when it comes to width. Standout exterior features of the 2021 Ford EcoSport:

• Power Moonroof with Sunshade
• Black Roof Rails
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rearview camera
• Easy Fuel capless fuel filler

The 2021 Ford Ecosport gets a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A front crash rating of 4-stars, a side crash rating of 5-stars, and a rollover risk rating of 3-stars contribute to this overall score. The AWD variant gets 4-stars for its rollover risk, as it shows more stability over its FWD companion. Apart from decent crash test scores, the EcoSport offers Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver assistance programs. Noteworthy safety features include:

• Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• 8 Airbags
• Hill Start Assist

2021 Ford EcoSport vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The Japanese subcompact crossover outclasses the EcoSport with regards to practicality, offering better interior room and cargo storage capacity, along with a more balanced powertrain setup that provides a good balance between efficiency and acceleration. The Ford EcoSport doesn’t measure up to the HR-V in too many ways, although you may appreciate its sportier driving characteristics.

2021 Ford EcoSport vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The Ford and Chevy crossovers offer similar propositions, as seen in their engine options and interior dimensions. Nevertheless, the Trax is a seemingly better option on paper when compared to the EcoSport, offering better acceleration and braking. It also trades off cargo space for more interior room, making it the better choice for those who prefer the rear seat. 

2021 Ford EcoSport vs 2021 Mazda CX-3

The CX-3 is probably the peppiest crossover being compared here. Quirky but elegant styling combined with an agile chassis that you wouldn’t expect in a crossover makes for a fun driving experience, and the higher trims offer a premiumness worthy of the luxury tag. The EcoSport falters against the Mazda CX-3 in higher trims, but the competition is rather balanced in the lower trim levels.

There isn’t much information that we can provide to support a yes to that question. The Ford EcoSport is a decent proposition that offers plenty of value for money but fails to register against any of its competition. Rivals in the segment beat the Ford crossover when it comes to performance, interior quality, and space, not to mention fuel efficiency as well. It does offer a good package of technology that the rivals fail to match, although it isn’t something to be too interested in.