2019 FORD ECOSPORT

With a name like EcoSport, you might assume Ford’s newest crossover offers a high-octane driving experience with an eye toward efficiency. In reality, it doesn’t deliver on either front. Fuel economy is just so-so, and acceleration doesn’t reach the modest bar set by the rest of the class. But a large, flexible cargo area and an intuitive technology interface make the 2019 Ford EcoSport a viable choice for shoppers.

Even though the Ford EcoSport’s been on sale in other countries for the better part of a decade, its interior feels remarkably new. The cabin design is similar to what you’ll find in other small Fords, and the materials quality is appropriate for the price. Four adults should fit without issue — provided they aren’t exceptionally tall — and the cargo area is one of the largest in the class. We also like the Sync 3 infotainment system. With an intuitive interface and quick reactions to user inputs, we think it’s one of the best systems out there.

That isn’t to say the EcoSport is without faults. Aside from the slow acceleration and middling fuel economy, the ride is rougher compared to rivals, the throttle is jumpy, and thick pillars impact outward visibility. And while the touchscreen interface is better than most, the lack of advanced driving aids might deter some tech-savvy shoppers.

In a broader sense, the EcoSport doesn’t offer anything unique. Buyers looking for a fun-to-drive crossover might consider the Mazda CX-3 or the Toyota C-HR. The Honda HR-V has more passenger and cargo space, while the Subaru Crosstrek and the Jeep Renegade both offer rugged off-road ability.

The 2019 Ford EcoSport is a five-passenger subcompact crossover that slots below the Escape in Ford’s SUV lineup. The EcoSport S is pretty well equipped, with available all-wheel drive and most basic amenities you’ll want from a modern car. The SE is quite a bit pricier, but its list of added features is extensive. From there, buyers can go in one of two ways: the sport-themed SES — adding the EcoSport’s upgraded engine and standard all-wheel drive — or the luxurious Titanium, with leather upholstery and a B&O Play premium sound system.

EcoSport S, SE and Titanium models with front-wheel drive are powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (123 horsepower, 125 pound-feet of torque). Optional for those models and standard on the SES is all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (166 hp, 149 lb-ft). Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The short list of standard equipment on the base S model is indicative of its modest price. Features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats, 60/40-split rear seats, a cargo cover, a removable cargo floor panel, Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch central display screen, and a six-speaker audio system with two USB ports.

Upgrading to the SE equips the EcoSport with LED running lights, foglights, a windshield wiper de-icer, body-colored exterior accents, roof rails, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, an upgraded driver information display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, upgraded cloth upholstery, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 interface, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The SE’s optional Convenience package further adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, interior ambient lighting, a navigation system, an 8-inch touchscreen, a seven-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 110-volt household-style power outlet.

The SES is the somewhat sporty variant. It has the contents of the Convenience package and the 2.0-liter engine/AWD combo, along with 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, black exterior styling elements, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles, and leather upholstery with cloth inserts. The new Black Appearance package adds a black roof and hood decal.

The luxe Titanium builds off the contents of the SE with the Convenience package, further adding 17-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, body-colored bumpers, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker B&O Play premium audio system with HD radio.

A keyless entry keypad and remote engine start are stand-alone options on every trim level.