Used Ford EcoSport Buying Guide
Back before 2003, Ford set out to design an SUV that was both small and sporty. The result was the Ford EcoSport—the “eco” is short for economical—an affordable vehicle that deftly handles tight turns, narrow lanes, and small parallel parking spots while still offering plenty of cargo room. This five-seater has all the maneuverability of a sedan but with the looks and taller driver seat of a sport utility vehicle. In this used buying guide, we take a quick tour of the EcoSport throughout its 21st-century run.
2nd Generation (2013- present)
If you live in the USA and Canada, it might be surprising to hear that the EcoSport has been around since 2003. Because the EcoSport didn’t come to our shores until 2018. As a result, you’d be hard pressed to find an EcoSport older than that, so the bulk of this article focuses on just these few years.
When the EcoSport first came to the United States, drivers were surprised by its most distinctive feature: a hinged rear door that swung open to the side, instead of up like most SUVs or down like a truck tailgate. Be sure to leave room between you and the car behind you if you intend to grab anything out of the back.
Once you open that rear door, you find 20.9 cubic feet of cargo room that expands to 50 cubes with the 60/40 split seats. That’s impressive for any SUV this size, which is a plus for city-dwellers with lots to haul.
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We say city-dwellers because the EcoSport has urban sensibilities. It turns on a dime, parallel parks with ease, and is small enough to be easily maneuverable. Driver reports prove the Ford EcoSport to be a quality vehicle. There were few to no reported consumer complaints since the EcoSport came home to the USA.
And we would be absolutely remiss if we didn’t mention Ford’s excellent infotainment system: the SYNC 3. Intuitive, responsive, and innovative. We have exactly zero complaints. In addition, from 2020 forward, all EcoSport models come standard with WiFi hotspot.
If you do find something older than a 2018 EcoSport, which is unlikely, keep in mind that the 2017 was a mid-cycle refresh year that modified the front fascia while the dashboard was modified to create a space for a floating touchscreen infotainment system.
1st Generation (2003-2012)
Don’t expect to find a first-generation Ford EcoSport at home if you’re an American or Canadian. But on the off-chance you do, you’re looking at an SUV innovative for its time. The EcoSport came with one of five engine options (which narrowed to four in 2006). In 2007, there was a mid-cycle refresh, which improved the look front and back while also outfitting the interior with better materials.