Valu Ford and Chrysler

Sep 11, 2020

The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV from Ford that first hit the auto market for the 2018 model year as the smallest SUV in Ford’s lineup. Since then, the EcoSport has primarily stayed out of the spotlight. However, it has remained a part of Ford’s collection, and Ford has already debuted an updated EcoSport model for the 2021 model year. The 2021 Ford EcoSport performance is durable and reliable. It’s a subcompact SUV that is ultra-efficient and user-friendly for drivers of a wide range of lifestyles and driving habits. 

So what can drivers expect from the newest Ford EcoSport when it finally hits the market near the end of 2020? What defines the Ford EcoSport? How does its performance compare to that of other subcompact crossover SUVs within its vehicle class? If you’re in the market for your next vehicle and are considering choosing the Ford EcoSport, here are 5 things you need to know about the performance of this subcompact SUV before you make your purchase. 

  1. Multiple-Engine Options 

The Ford EcoSport is available with multiple engine options. Its base engine is a 1.0-L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine performs well on the road, but a second available engine for the 2021 EcoSport is even more powerful. 

This second available engine option for the 2021 Ford EcoSport is a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine that offers 166 horsepower and 149 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard front-wheel drive comes standard for all Ford EcoSport models, but all-wheel drive is also available for the 2021 EcoSport. 

Regardless of which engine option you choose for your Ford EcoSport, every 2021 EcoSport model is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that ensures a smooth ride on the road. 

  1. User-Friendly Handling 

The 2021 Ford EcoSport is ideal for everyday driving. Its steering and brake systems are very responsive, making the EcoSport easy to handle on the road.

The EcoSport offers a quiet and comfortable ride for drivers and passengers alike. It is agile on the road, and—unlike many other SUVs—it doesn’t feel bulky when you drive it. 

  1. Spacious Cabin 

One of the best features of the Ford EcoSport is its interior. This subcompact crossover SUV sports a spacious, comfortable cabin that is stylish and feels welcoming. 

The 2021 EcoSport—which seats 5 people at one time—offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. In fact, it offers more open storage space than almost any other subcompact crossover SUV within its vehicle class. The cargo capacity of the 2021 EcoSport is 50 cubic feet when the SUV’s split-folding rear seats are folded and 20.9 cubic feet when the rear row of seats are upright. 

  1. Bolder Exterior Styling 

The Ford EcoSport is definitely not the flashiest or trendiest SUV on the mainstream auto market. There’s nothing off-putting or tacky about the appearance of this subcompact SUV, but the EcoSport also doesn’t particularly stand out on the road. 

This precedent has changed for the 2021 model year, though. For 2021, the Ford EcoSport features bolder exterior styling options that help it stand out on the road in all the right ways. 

Two new exterior paint options—Blue and Luxe Yellow—were added to the EcoSport for 2021. The 2021 EcoSport is also available with new wheel options, including 17-inch black aluminum wheels and 17-inch shadow silver aluminum wheels. These new options make the exterior of the 2021 EcoSport a little flashier without detracting from its classy, unassuming style. 

  1. Solid Safety 

In terms of safety and security features, the 2021 Ford EcoSport definitely keeps up with other SUVs within its vehicle class. Every Ford EcoSport comes equipped with Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety features—which includes many advanced and high-tech safety and driver-assistance features. 

Advanced safety features that come standard or as optional add-on features for the 2021 EcoSport include automatic headlights, hill start assist, a blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, and a reverse sensing system.