Quick Facts:

Pros:

• Affordably priced subcompact SUV.
• Generous amount of cargo space.
• The right balance of practicality and style.

Cons:

• Disappointing base powertrain.
• Gas mileage needs to improve.
• Drivetrain options are a little lackluster.

Would we buy one? No; there are just too many better choices on the market.

Vehicle Type: Four-door subcompact crossover SUV with seating for up to five people.

Price Range: The 2020 EcoSport base S trim starts at $19,995 MSRP going to $27,380 MSRP. Pricing is before options. A $1,245 destination charge is included.

Powertrain: Two powertrains are available: A 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine making 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine making 166 horsepower and 149 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with all-wheel drive available.

Competitors: Toyota C-HR, Nissan Kicks, Mazda CX-3, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, and Jeep Renegade.

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Overall Score: 5.9/10

Safety Features: 4/10

Ford offers a basic amount of safety features for the 2020 EcoSport, and it feels sparse compared to some segment rivals. Automatic headlights, a rearview camera, blind-spot mirrors, and cruise control come standard with the base S trim. The EcoSport SE trim gets a Convenience package with advanced safety equipment like rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Ford EcoSport an overall four out of five stars in crash tests. The IIHS has not yet tested the EcoSport.

Value: 6/10

The Ford EcoSport is a newer entry in the subcompact crossover SUV segment. Affordable and city-oriented, it has gained some ground on established rivals. There are four trim levels for the 2020 Ford EcoSport that are the EcoSport S, SE, Titanium, and the Ford EcoSport SES.

Pricing for the EcoSport S starts at $19,995 MSRP, and the SE starts at $23,450 MSRP. The EcoSport Titanium starts at $26,265 MSRP, with the top-tier EcoSport SES rounding out the lineup at $27,380 MSRP.

If we were going to get an EcoSport, it would be the performance-geared SES trim. The sport-tuned suspension and exterior stylings, coupled with the more powerful 2.0-liter engine, make this our choice for the money.

Tech Features: 7/10

The infotainment system and tech features are on par with segment competition for the 2020 EcoSport model year. Infotainment features starting with the EcoSport S trim include a 4.2-inch display, SYNC infotainment, a six-speaker audio system, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

Stepping up to the SE trim adds SYNC 3 infotainment, a larger 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Heated front seats, a six-way power driver's seat, and automatic climate control come standard.

The EcoSport Titanium trim gets a few fancy amenities, like voice-navigation, push-button start, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. The EcoSport SES adds rain-sensing windshield wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Practicality: 6/10

Outward visibility is fair. Both rows of seating have a suitable amount of headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity is a generous 50 cubic feet with the rear seats down, though competitors like the Honda HR-V offer more.

We liked the side-swinging rear door on the EcoSport, giving access to the cargo area differently than competitors' upward-swinging liftgates. This can make it harder to access the cargo area in tight situations.

Styling & Design: 5/10

Some find the 2020 EcoSport to be a fun-looking SUV with a sporty body style that is still finding its legs in a growing segment; others think it's awkwardly proportioned.

Inside, the EcoSport is hampered by ultra-cheap materials and construction that can't match the quality or comfort of nearly any of its rivals.

The good news is the SES trim gets upgraded ActiveX seating, which we like because it is durable and easy to clean. A rear spoiler, moonroof, and bold black exterior details give the SES a slightly more aggressive look.

For more luxurious comforts like leather upholstery, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and chrome exterior touches, the EcoSport Titanium is worth considering.

Driving Experience: 7/10

The base 1.0-liter three-cylinder isn't powerful enough for many jobs aside from commutes and daily city driving, which is fine for what the EcoSport is; an economical subcompact crossover SUV. While the three-cylinder lacks power, the bigger 2.0-liter engine which is available delivers more satisfying performance.

Maneuvering the Ford EcoSport is a breeze thanks to its compact design and advanced safety features, which aid visibility. The available AWD is a bonus for an SUV this size. It adds traction and improved performance over several segment competitors like the Toyota C-HR or Nissan Kicks that lack this option.

Fuel Efficiency: 6/10

Fuel economy is not the Ford EcoSport's strong suit, and there is room to improve. Competitors in the segment like the Nissan Kicks and Buick Encore GX offer better gas mileage for fuel-conscious shoppers. Some rivals offer a hybrid option as well, whereas the EcoSport has only gas powertrain options.

The 1.0-liter engine with the FWD gets 27/29/28 MPG city/hwy/combined according to EPA estimates. For the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the AWD setup, expect 23/29/25 MPG city/hwy/combined.

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