Ford EcoSport Review 2026

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Ford EcoSport Verdict

3/5

+Practical, spacious Fiesta based small SUV. Impressive 1.0 EcoBoost engine. Good quality ride. Low lip to rear load area.

-Tailgate opens wrong way for right hand drive. Handling not up to usual Ford standards. Spare wheel on rear door optional from September 2015.

Find out more about the Ford EcoSport

New prices start from £20,745
Insurance Groups are between 9–15
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

With small SUVs becoming ever more popular it's no surprise to see Ford getting in on the act with the new EcoSport. A rival to the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, the EcoSport is based on the Fiesta and is the same length, yet it's impressively spacious inside with plenty of storage, practical seats and a raised driving position.

The EcoSport name isn't actually new – a first generation model, based on the Fusion, was launched in Brazil in 2003 and this all-new car was designed and engineered in Brazil with models for the UK being built in India. Only two-wheel drive models will be sold here with a straightforward engine line-up of a 1.5-litre petrol, a 1.5 TDCi diesel and the three-cylinder 1.0 EcoBoost engine which offers the most sprightly performance.

It's fair to say it's not Ford's most adventurous design, but it does look good from the front with a strong mini-SUV look. We're far less convinced by the rear though. That spare wheel stuck on the back is reminiscent of an old Toyota RAV4 and looks dated. It also means the EcoSport has a side hinged tailgate door which is awkward to open in tight spaces. Hardly ideal for a car designed for urban use.

It's better inside with a good quality interior and a neat layout that follows the Fiesta. There's an impressive amount of stowage and it's practical too with rear seats that fold and flip up along with a good sized boot and only a small boot lip. Rear passenger space is generous too with good leg and headroom, even for those six foot plus.

The other area where the EcoSport impresses is equipment. All UK models are Titanium trim and come with plenty of kit including 16-inch alloys, climate control, keyless entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel and electric windows all round. For another £1000 you can add the Titanium X pack which includes leather seats, cruise control and 17-inch alloys.

Ford EcoSport handling and engines

On the road the EcoSport is comfortable and easy to drive with forgiving suspension and good all round visibility. That said the bonnet does drop away quickly so it's not that easy to gauge where the front of the car is. Rear parking sensors are a £200 option and with that big spare wheel plonked on the back we'd say they're a worthwhile investment.

Given the reputation Ford has for handling, the EcoSport isn't up to the usual high standards we've come to expect. The steering lacks feel and there's not as much front end grip as you'd expect. True, few cars in the small SUV class are especially good to drive, but of all the mainstream manufacturers Ford has always lead the way in handling so maybe the expectation is higher.

It certainly doesn't give you the confidence in corners of other Ford models and although body roll is kept well in check, there's not the agility or sharpness of a Fiesta. However, it's good on the motorway with little wind or road noise and a relaxed nature. Here the impressively forgiving ride really shines through.

The engine line-up is simple: there's an entry-level 1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine with 112PS, a 1.5 TDCi diesel with 90PS and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol. The 1.5 Ti-VCT isn't great on paper with relatively high CO2 emissions of 149g/km; however, it is the only model available with an automatic gearbox instead of the five-speed manual that's standard on all models.

The standard manual is a good gearbox with positive changes but the actual gear lever is situated quite low down for what is a car with a raised driving position. It would benefit from being moved up the central console. That aside the driving position is good with plenty of adjustment in the seat and both reach and height movement in the steering column.

If most of your driving is in town or over short distances then the 1.0 EcoBoost is your best choice. The three-cylinder engine with 125PS is sprightly enough at low speeds thanks to its turbocharger, but it does lack in-gear pulling power and with a full load on board you will have to work both the engine and the gearbox to get meaningful performance.

It's reasonably quiet though unless you really push the revs up and economy is admirable at 53.3mpg according to the official figures. Going for the TDCi diesel will cost another £500 which is a very reasonable increase compared to the usual diesel premium.

It may have less power with a modest 90PS but it has more torque with 205Nm so on motorways and dual carriageways it's more effortless. The 1.5 TDCi isn't the quietest though and there's noticeable clatter when it's under stress - the EcoSport would benefit from more engine soundproofing to help the overall refinement. Economy is good though at 61.1mpg.

Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Ford EcoSport review

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.0T EcoBoost 100 53 mpg 11.9 s 127 g/km
1.0T EcoBoost 125 46–53 mpg 11.0–12.7 s 119–137 g/km
1.0T EcoBoost 140 53 mpg 10.2–11.8 s 119 g/km
1.5 45 mpg 13.3 s 149 g/km
1.5 PowerShift 45 mpg 14.1 s 149 g/km
1.5 TDCi 61–64 mpg 14.0 s 115–120 g/km
1.5 TDCi 100 67 mpg 13.6–14.0 s 107 g/km
1.5 TDCi 125 59–64 mpg 10.7–11.3 s 116–119 g/km
1.5 TDCi 90 61 mpg 14.0 s 120 g/km
1.5 TDCi 95 64 mpg 14.0 s 115 g/km

Real MPG average for the Ford EcoSport

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

31–58 mpg

MPGs submitted

134

Ford EcoSport interior

Dimensions
Length 4017–4235 mm
Width 2057 mm
Height 1648–1665 mm
Wheelbase 2519–2520 mm

Full specifications

The interior of the EcoSport is impressively spacious for a car that is only four metres long. Even with the front seats slid all the way back, you can still sit relatively comfortably in the back with good legroom and plenty of head room too. And as a family car the EcoSport is also usefully practical.

The rear doors open wide so getting in and out is easy while the rear seats flip up and fold forward to increase the overall boot space.

That said we don't think the side hinged tailgate is a great piece of design. It seems very old fashioned now (think Daihatsu Terios and Suzuki Jimny) and with that big spare wheel on the back looks ugly too.

Considering the EcoSport is designed for urban driving it's hardy ideal to have a tailgate that requires several feet to open. If you're in a multi storey or tight supermarket car park it will be a pain and equally so if you've managed to park in a small parallel space.

On the plus side there's plenty of storage, which includes large door pockets that can carry a 1.5-litre bottle along with a good sized glovebox and a tray under the passenger seat. Touches like the 12v sockets in the back - ideal for kids who want to charge their iPhones - add to the practical feel.

The fact that the EcoSport is built in India rather than Europe may concern some, but quality doesn't seem to be an issue. The interior follows the same design as the Fiesta and feels as well built, with good fit and finish. As the EcoSport only comes in Titanium trim there's a high specification with a gloss black finish on the air vents and around the stereo plus a multi-function leather steering wheel. Extras like hill hold assist are also included.

Ford's voice-activated SYNC system is also available as a £250 option and includes a new AppLink function. This lets you transfer certain apps from your phone onto the in-car system. At the moment there are only a handful of apps, but it does include Spotify, so if you're a subscriber you can listen to music on the move. More apps will be launched over time.

Ford EcoSport models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4017–4235 mm
Width 2057 mm
Height 1648–1665 mm
Wheelbase 2519–2520 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1137–1423 kg
Boot Space 20–1238 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 10000–12500 miles
Costs
List Price £20,745
Insurance Groups 9–15
Road Tax Bands B–F
Official MPG 44.8–67.3 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 4

Currently on sale

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST Line 5dr - 53.3 mpg 12.7 s
1.0 EcoBoost 140 ST Line 5dr - 53.3 mpg 11.8 s
1.0T EcoBoost 125 Titanium Lux Pack 5dr £20,745 53.3 mpg 11.0 s
Active T EcoBoost 125 Start/Stop 5dr - - 11.0 s

On sale until December 2020

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 EcoBoost 125 St/N Blk/Ylrf 5dr £21,495 - 11.0 s
1.0 EcoBoost 140 St/N Blk/Ylrf 5dr £21,895 - 10.2 s
1.0T EcoBoost 100 Zetec Navigation 5dr £17,595 53.3 mpg 11.9 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue 100 Titanium Lux Pack 5dr £22,795 67.3 mpg 13.6 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue 125 St/L 5dr - 64.2 mpg 10.7 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue St/L Blk/Ylrf 5dr £23,335 - 10.7 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue Zetec Navigation 5dr - 67.3 mpg -

On sale until April 2020

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 EcoBoost 100 ST-Line 5dr £20,895 53.3 mpg 11.9 s
1.0 EcoBoost 100 Titanium 5dr £20,095 53.3 mpg 11.9 s
1.0 EcoBoost 125 St/L Auto 5dr - 45.6 mpg 11.6 s
1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec 5dr £18,495 53.3 mpg 12.7 s
1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec Auto 5dr £19,795 45.6 mpg 11.6 s
1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Lux Pack Auto 5dr £22,045 45.6 mpg 11.6 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue 100 St/L 5dr - 67.3 mpg 14.0 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue 125 Titanium 5dr £22,300 64.2 mpg 10.7 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue St/L AWD 5dr - 58.9 mpg 10.9 s
1.5 TDCi Ecoblue Titanium Lux Pack AWD 5dr £24,650 58.9 mpg 11.3 s

On sale until March 2018

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0T EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5dr £17,945 52.3 mpg 12.7 s
1.0T EcoBoost 125 Titanium S 5dr £18,445 52.3 mpg -
1.0T EcoBoost 125 Zetec 5dr £16,645 52.3 mpg 12.7 s
1.0T EcoBoost 140 Titanium S 5dr £18,745 52.3 mpg 11.8 s
1.5 112 Titanium Powershift 5dr £18,445 44.8 mpg 14.1 s
1.5 112 Zetec 5dr £15,645 44.8 mpg 13.3 s
1.5 112 Zetec Powershift 5dr £17,145 44.8 mpg 14.1 s
1.5 TDCi 90 Titanium 5dr £17,045 61.4 mpg 14.0 s
1.5 TDCi 90 Zetec 5dr £15,745 61.4 mpg 14.0 s
1.5 TDCi 95 Titanium 5dr £18,695 64.2 mpg 14.0 s
1.5 TDCi 95 Titanium S 5dr £19,195 64.2 mpg -
1.5 TDCi 95 Zetec 5dr £17,395 64.2 mpg 14.0 s

On sale until April 2017

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0T EcoBoost 125 Titanium S 5dr £17,995 52.3 mpg -
1.5 TDCi 95 Titanium S 5dr £18,745 64.2 mpg -

On sale until October 2015

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Titanium 1.5 Duratec TDCi 90 5dr £17,045 61.4 mpg 14.0 s
Zetec 1.5 Duratec TDCi 90 5dr £15,745 61.4 mpg 14.0 s

On sale until December 2014

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Titanium 1.5 112 5dr £14,995 44.8 mpg 13.3 s

Model History

September 2012

EcoSport unveiled

The EcoSport is a small Fiesta size SUV 4,241mm long x 2,057mm wide (inc mirrors) x 1,696mm high, sheduled to arrive in Europe in late 2013 to compete against the Vauxhall Mokka and Renault Captur.

It comes in both 2WD and 4WD formats, but 2WD only in the UK. The 2WD shown at Geneva originally had a solid tubular rear axle (not a twist-beam). (By production, this had been changed to a coil sprung twist beam.) A full sized spare wheel is hung on the left-hinged side-opening rear door that opens via a handle incorporated into the rear light, but Europe may get a space-saver or tyre repair kit instead.

There is a slight but small lip into the rear load area. The dashboard is taken from the current model Fiesta.

Engine line-up in Brazil is:

1.0 litre Ecoboost petrol

1.5 litre Ti-VCT petrol

1.6 litre Flexifuel (allowing use of Brasil's alcohol based fuels)

2.0 litre chain cam petrol (as shown at Amsterdam)

1.5 litre diesel.

Transmissions are 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 6-speed dual clutch Powershift but not all of these powertrains will be used in Europe.

Though the EcoSport is or will be built in Brazil, China and India, cars for the UK will be built in Europe.

February 2013

Ford unveiled Europe-ready version of EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport engine range includes a 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, along with a 112PS 1.5-litre petrol and a 90PS 1.5-litre diesel. Ford is keen to promote the level of safety equipment the EcoSport boasts, including Ford SYNC – which will automatically connect the occupants of the vehicle with emergency services local to the area.

It’ll even send the car’s exact location to emergency services based on GPS data, and it will play an introductory message in the correct language for whatever region the car is in. The EcoSport also feature various apps including Spotify via its touch-screen infotainment system care of AppLink – something along the lines of the Apple App Store.

Now has similar coil-sprung twist-beam rear suspension to Fiesta and Courier rather than the plain beam seen originally. Measurements: 3,999mm long x 1,765mm wide x 1,708mm high. Wheelbase: 2,520mm. Front Track: 1,524mm. Ground Clearance: 200mm. Load Space: 346 litres, expanding to 705 litres to waist height with seats folded. Turning radius: 5.3 metres. Fule tank size: 52 litres.

Ford EcoSport Prices

Titanium 1.5 112PS 5-speed manual £14,995

Titanium 1.5 112PS 6-Speed 6-speed dry clutch Powershift £16,495

Titanium 1.0 EcoBoost 125PS 5-speed manual £15,995

Titanium 1.5TDCI 91PS 5-speed manual £16,495

Titanium X 1.5 112PS 5-speed manual £15,995

Titanium X 1.5 112PS 6-Speed 6-speed dry clutch Powershift £17,495

Titanium X 1.0 EcoBoost 125PS 5-speed manual £16,995

Titanium X 1.5TDCI 91PS 5-speed manual £17,495

Performance

1.5 112PS EU5 5-speed manual: 140Nm torque; 149g/km CO2; 44.8mpg combined; top speed 107mph; 0-62mph 13 seconds.

1.5 112PS EU5 6-speed PowerShift: 140Nm torque; 149g/km CO2; 44.8mpg combined; top speed 107mph; 0-62mph 13.8 seconds.

1.0 125PS EcoBoost EU5 5-speed manual: 170Nm torque; 125 g/km CO2; 53.3mpg combined; top speed 112mph; 0-62mph 12.4 seconds.

1.5 TDCI 90PS 5-speed manual: 204Nm torque; 120g/km CO2; 61.4mpg combined; top speed 99mph; 0-62mph 13.7 seconds.

July 2015

Updated Ford Ecosport goes on sale

The enhanced Ford EcoSport, offering styling upgrades, improved driving dynamics and new equipment is available to order for October delivery.

Customers can now specify the EcoSport without a rear-mounted spare wheel. Interior improvements include standard partial leather seats for Titanium models and additional chrome detailing.

Convenience and comfort are also enhanced with a Winter Pack – featuring heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats. EcoSport driving dynamics have been improved with revisions to the springs, dampers, rear torsion beam, Electronic Stability Programme, and Electronic Power Assisted Steering settings.

Prices for the enhanced EcoSport, available with Ford’s multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, 1.5-litre petrol engine or 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine, start from £14,245.

Ford EcoSport models specified without the rear-mounted spare wheel feature a tyre mobility kit as standard, while the rear swing-gate design for those vehicles also has been revised to allow easier access to the bootspace with partial opening. All models now feature a distinctive EcoSport badge on the rear.

Inside, partial leather seats are offered as standard on Titanium models, privacy glass is available for all EcoSport trim levels, while the Winter Pack also adds rear seat ventilation at floor level to improve comfort for rear passengers in cold weather.

The restyled interior has a charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards. The instrument cluster now features a light dimming function and chrome-surround rings to match the electric window switches.

All EcoSport models are equipped with Ford’s SYNC voice-controlled connectivity system feature a 4-inch colour display in the centre console.

Refinement has been enhanced with thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals. Engineand gearbox matching has been revised to offer more low speed torque and better drivability.

A stiffer rear torsion beam offers greater control of body roll, and revised spring and shock absorber rates improve damping. A 10mm reduction in ride height lowers the EcoSport’s centre of gravity for improved handling, and Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems also have been specifically tuned for European roads.

The 1.5-litre TDCi also now offers 95PS, a 5PS improvement, and delivers 64.2mpg and 115g/km. The 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 52.3mpg and 125g/km, while the 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine delivers 44.8mpg and 149g/km. All engines now meet Euro Stage 6 emissions standards.

September 2015

Ford EcoSport for 2016 now offered with option of no spare wheel on the side-hinged rear door.

The rear door design has been revised to allow easier access to the bootspace with partial opening. Inside, new part-leather seats are standard on Titanium models and privacy glass is available for all EcoSport trim levels. A new Winter Pack offers a heated windscreen, heated mirrors and heated front seats, as well as rear seat ventilation at floor level to improve comfort for rear passengers in cold weather.

The restyled interior delivers a contemporary, more upscale feel with new high quality leather for the steering wheel, and a charcoal black lower instrument panel, centre console and door boards. The instrument cluster now features a light dimming function and chrome-surround rings to match the electric window switches.

EcoSport models equipped with Ford’s SYNC voice-controlled connectivity system feature a 4‑inch colour display in the centre console. The handbrake lever positioning for all enhanced EcoSport models has been optimised to make it easier to reach and use.

Noise, vibration and harshness levels have been reduced with thicker sound deadening materials in the doors and dashboard, as well as tighter seals around the pedals, for a more refined interior environment and quieter journeys. Engine and gearbox matching has been revised to offer more low speed torque and better drivability.

Significant improvements to the EcoSport’s driving dynamics are delivered following development work at the Ford Lommel Proving Ground, Belgium, where 50 miles of test tracks include exact replicas of real road surfaces from around the world.

A stiffer rear torsion beam offers greater control of body roll, and revised spring and shock absorber rates improve damping. A 10mm reduction in ride height lowers the EcoSport’s centre of gravity for improved handling, and Electronic Stability Control and power steering systems also have been specifically tuned for European roads.

The 1.5-litre TDCi offers 95PS, delivers 64.2mpg and 115g/km while the 125PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers 52.3mpg and 125g/km CO2.

January 2018

Ford Ecosport heavily revised for 2018

Now built at Craiova in Romania. Price rise of an average £2000 (now £17,495 to £20,295) covers better quality plastics and plenty of tech including cruise control, a rearview camera and SYNC3. A 6.5-inch touchscreen comes as standard and grows to 8.5-inches for the range-topper. There’s also a fancy B&O Play stereo. ST-line brings more colours to choose from, bigger alloy wheels, a body kit and a sports suspension. The 'EcoBlue' 1.5-litre TDCi 125PS engine is more efficient with lower NOx. 1.0 Ecoboosts have 125PS or 140PS and, crucially, are now available with a 6- speed torque converter transmission instead of the 6-speed Powershift that tended to go through clutch packs every few years.

November 2020

Ford EcoSport Active announced

Features unique exterior and interior styling alongside increased ride height and additional body protection for greater rough road capability. Prices from £21,645.

What to watch out for

11-02-2016:

Steering lock stuck on new Ford EcoSport bought 5 days previously, preventing engine from starting.

10-05-2016:

Class action legal proceedings have been issued against Ford Australia by Banister Law over problems with Ford/Getrag Powershift automatic transmissions. Bannister Law claims that, while driving, its clients have experienced, without warning, “sudden acceleration, delay in downshifts, delayed acceleration and, in some circumstances, difficulty in stopping the vehicle whilst braking." The models fitted with Powershift transmissions include the Focus 1.6 and 2.0 models built between 2011 and 2014, the 1.6-litre Fiesta and 1.5-litre Fiesta produced between 2011 and 2014 and the 1.5-litre EcoSport crossover built from 2013 to 2014. (Thanks to Just-Auto.com for the report.)

26-04-2018:

Ford has been hit with record $10 million fine for unconscionable conduct over its handling of complaints about faulty Powershift automatic transmissions in more than 10,00 Australian cars. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched legal action against Ford in 2017 after receiving complaints about Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport vehicles fitted with the "PowerShift" transmission. Thousands of drivers complained that their cars shuddered and jerked when accelerating, suddenly lost power or made a lot of noise. "Despite knowing that shuddering was a symptom of the quality issues with the vehicles, Ford frequently told customers that shuddering was the result of the customer's driving style," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said. Ford knew that the symptoms of the quality issues with the vehicles were experienced intermittently, but required customers to demonstrate them on demand in the presence of a dealer in order for repairs to be undertaken." About 75,000 Ford vehicles sold in Australia between 2011 and 2016 were fitted with the "PowerShift" transmission. Complaints began to surface in late 2015, but the ACCC said in many cases Ford refused to offer a refund or replacement. Drivers who wanted a new car were required to make a significant payment towards their replacement vehicle. "Ford told consumers that refunds and replacement vehicles were not an option, when they may have been legally entitled to these remedies under the consumer guarantees," Mr Sims said. Ford has acknowledged it took too long to identify problems with the gearboxes, and vowed to make things right with its customers. Ford Australia chief executive Graeme Whickman said. "We were overwhelmed with the volume of complaints and, while it was not intended, over a 10-month period our processes were inadequate and information provided was either inaccurate or incomplete. We let our customers down and for that we are sorry." Under a deal struck by Ford and the ACCC — and approved by the Federal Court — the car maker will review complaints made by up to 10,500 customers between May 1, 2015 and November 1, 2016. An independent auditor will assess whether those drivers are entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle. The review process will commence in early July 2018 and run for 12 months. Affected customers can register their details to receive updates on the independent review process.

15-03-2019:

Report of gears sticking in 6-speed dry clutch Getrag Powershift of May216 Ford EcoSport. 1st and 2nd gears are freezing periodically and now more often. Happens more so as slowing in traffic till nearly stopping and then will not go into 1st and/or 2nd. Then reverse also seized. May be clutch pack. May be mechantronics.