2018 Ford EcoSport took a long to land into the U.S. Shores. The crossover created a buzz after being previewed at the 2016 LA Auto Show. 2018 Ecosport is completely redesigned and available in two engine options.

The United States might be waiting for the much-anticipated arrival of Ford EcoSport, but the basic design went into production in mid-2012 in Brazil. Ford's Brazilian operations successfully introduced the first generation EcoSport in several markets except for the U.S. The 2018 Ford EcoSport is all-new for the U.S market, tweaked inside-out. The Fiesta-based crossover has been on sale in different global markets since 2003, and now the 2018 EcoSport gets a complete makeover.

Ford EcoSport has been slotted below the Escape and will be going up against the prominent subcompact crossovers like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and the Chevy Trax. Under the hood, you get an option of either a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder or a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powertrain. Both the engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a front-wheel-drive configuration. While the 2.0-liter engine is also available with all-wheel drive as a configuration for an added price.

We would recommend you to go with the second-best Titanium trim from the lineup. Titanium trim of EcoSport brings majorly all the comforts which reside with the top-end SES trim. The only thing we want you to get is the AWD setup, which will boost your car’s performance for a better driving experience.

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

SES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Earlier Price: $14,576 (13 Nov 2024)

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

SES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Earlier Price: $14,900 (19 Nov 2024)

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

SES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

SES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Stan McNabb Chevrolet Cadillac of Columbia

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

SES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Earlier Price: $10,417 (14 Nov 2024)

McGrath Highway Chevrolet Buick GMC

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

SES 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Earlier Price: $12,521 (12 Nov 2024)

#1 Cochran Mazda of North Hills

2018 Ford EcoSport User Reviews

Overall Rating: 3.0 (1 Reviews)

Jennifer Lopez

2018 Ford EcoSport

••3.0

Posted On: May 19, 2024

The 2018 Ford EcoSport offers a blend of affordability

Pros
Its small dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments., The EcoSport is generally priced lower than many competitors in the subcompact SUV segment, offering good value for moneyRead more

Cons
The engines, particularly the base 1.0-liter three-cylinder, can feel underpowered, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or driving on highways., The ride can be rough and less refined comparedRead more

The 2018 Ford EcoSport offers a blend of affordability, practicality, and city-friendly maneuverability, making it an attractive option for urban drivers. Its compact size ensures ease of parking and navigating tight streets, while the high driving position provides excellent visibility. The EcoSport often comes equipped with a suite of modern features, including the user-friendly SYNC 3 infotain... Read more

2018 Ford EcoSport Review

Pros

Superior Interior Material
Ample Headroom
Sync3 System

Cons

Small Cargo Area
Side Hinged Rear Swing Gate

Overview

Pricing and Features
7.0/10

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 a four-wheel-drive. The SE turns out to be quite costlier, but it certainly offers an added 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 except SES are powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-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	S basic features, plus these and more:	SE basic features, plus these and more:	SE basic features, plus these and more:
	SYNC	SYNC 3	B&O PLAY Premium Audio System by HARMAN	2.0L Ti-VCT I-4 Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology
	AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control)	Power Moonroof with Sunshade	Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System	Sport-Tuned Suspension
	Cloth Front Row Bucket Seats	Reverse Sensing System	Leather-Trimmed Seats with Perforation	Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System
		Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC)	17" Premium Dark Stainless-Painted Machined Aluminum Wheels	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 @ 6,000 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 an all-wheel-drive configuration. This engine propels 166 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 149 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm of torque

Buying Advice

Engine and Performance
6.5/10

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 are 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. In comparison with the competitors in the segment, the performance figures of the new EcoSport stand strong to give hefty competition to the established names in the segment.

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

The 2.0L engine of this car manages to outperform the others in the power department by offering the best in class figures of 166hp. In comparison, Mazda’s offering CX-3 comes the closest in power figure, measuring 146hp. But in the torque area, 148lb-ft of torque produced by Chevrolet Trax stands like a shadow to EcoSport’s 149lb-ft.

Acceleration

The 2018 Ford EcoSport with its generous 2.0L GDi Inline-4 engine comes mated to a swift 6-speed automatic transmission for a quick changing driving experience. This quick and swift working of the engine in tandem with the transmission shows its wonder as EcoSport manages to take the second spot in both 0-60mph and quarter-mile.

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

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.

Braking and Handling

The 2018 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 get 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

Ford has worn its car with the biggest brake rotors on the table with 11.8 inches in the front and 12.2 inches at the rear. These work with each other nicely to provide decent braking performance in the segment. Despite having a smaller brake setup, the 2018 Mazda CX-3 takes the least distance of 117ft to reach a standstill from 60mph, whereas EcoSport goes on to take around 125ft to do the same.

Towing Capacity

The 2018 Ford EcoSport offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, which is similar to the rivals like Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V. Meanwhile, Mazda CX-3 offers the maximum towing capacity of 2,645 lbs, which is the highest among the 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

Fuel Economy
7.9/10

Since we are talking about the subcompact SUV market, we expect generous mpg figures from them. The powertrains are very economical. The 2.0L engine of the new EcoSport is not so much of a gas-guzzler as it manages to offer an impressive fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on 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

The Mazda CX-3 offers better mileage figures at 29 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on 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 on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.

Interior
7.0/10

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 material used throughout the interior feels premium for its price. The driver seat in the car is offered with a six-way power adjustability for a collective and comfortable position is always available for the driver to enjoy driving. The high seating position of the rear seat in the EcoSport keeps the passenger at ease while attending a long journey inside.

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

Every vehicle on the table except Ford comes with a similar seating space for the passengers inside. The space provided by Ford with its newcomer falls short in comparison. The best headroom in both rows is provided by Chevrolet Trax, whereas the legroom is controlled by EcoSport in the first row and HR-V in the rear row.

Infotainment

Once you enter into the 2018 EcoSport, you'll notice a floating display panel consisting of an 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. Some important features include-

Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Sync3 System
8-Inch Touchscreen(Titanium and SES Trim)
675-Watt B&O 10-Speaker Premium Sound System

Cargo Space

The biggest advantage of buying an SUV is the practicality it brings to the table. The newly introduced Ford EcoSport sticks to its roots and brings a decent cargo space for the consumers’ use. Even in the subcompact attire, Ford EcoSport generous cargo space of 20.9 cu-ft. After folding down the second row seats, the space expands up to 50 cu-ft.

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

Honda HR-V is among the segment's most spacious entries with an overall cargo space of 58.8 cu-ft., followed by EcoSport’s 50 cu-ft. The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is the smallest on the table as it only provides 12.4 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row. The offering by Chevrolet takes the third spot with an overall cargo space of 48.4 cu-ft.

Exterior
5.5/10

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 projector beams and redesigned LED daytime running lights. The big and round fog lamps now have more visual mass. Overall, the new EcoSport gets a more SUVesque stance.

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. EcoSport comes with wheels made up of complete Aluminum that provide ultimate traction along with narrow corners. The upper trims also offer 18-inch wheels that are good for highway driving. Even Mazda CX-3 offers bigger and better wheels, giving tough competition to the EcoSport.

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
Wheelbase(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 the spare wheel on the rear gate as it adds to the sporty SUV-like appeal. You can say that there is not much change in the rear part and the rear looks very similar to the old model.

Safety
8.0/10

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 safety is concerned.For the safety of the passengers inside, 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)

Competition
9.0/10

Honda HR-V VS Ford EcoSport

It all depends on your personal preference when it comes to 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 the 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, 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 the 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 an updated Sync3 infotainment system, while the Mazda CX-3 misses out on 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-hinged 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.

Final Verdict

The Fiesta-based crossover, Ford EcoSport is a neither exceptionally economical nor very sporty subcompact, which impresses us 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

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport User Reviews

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

Certified 2019 Ford EcoSport SES

About 2018 Ford EcoSport

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2019 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport SES

2018 Ford EcoSport User Reviews

The 2018 Ford EcoSport offers a blend of affordability

ProsIts small dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments., The EcoSport is generally priced lower than many competitors in the subcompact SUV segment, offering good value for moneyRead more

Cons The engines, particularly the base 1.0-liter three-cylinder, can feel underpowered, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or driving on highways., The ride can be rough and less refined comparedRead more

2018 Ford EcoSport Review

Pros

Cons

Overview

Pricing and Features7.0/10

Buying Advice

Engine and Performance6.5/10

Acceleration

Braking and Handling

Towing Capacity

Fuel Economy7.9/10

Interior7.0/10

Infotainment

Cargo Space

Exterior5.5/10

Safety8.0/10

Competition9.0/10

Honda HR-V VS Ford EcoSport

Chevrolet Trax VS Ford EcoSport

Mazda CX-3 VS Ford EcoSport

Final Verdict

Pros
Its small dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments., The EcoSport is generally priced lower than many competitors in the subcompact SUV segment, offering good value for moneyRead more

Cons
The engines, particularly the base 1.0-liter three-cylinder, can feel underpowered, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or driving on highways., The ride can be rough and less refined comparedRead more

Pricing and Features
7.0/10

Engine and Performance
6.5/10

Fuel Economy
7.9/10

Interior
7.0/10

Exterior
5.5/10

Safety
8.0/10

Competition
9.0/10