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By Rob Nestora
Updated July 31, 2022
Subcompact SUVs are the most affordable way to get the elevated seating position, cargo versatility and available all-wheel drive that are pushing SUV popularity to unprecedented heights.
For only a few thousand dollars more, today’s compact SUVs typically offer much more room and refinement than their subcompact SUV stablemates.
The Ford EcoSport is an all-new addition to the Ford lineup for 2018.
Slotting beneath the Ford Escape compact SUV in size and price, the new 2018 Ford EcoSport (echo-sport) is the latest entry in the fast-growing subcompact SUV segment that includes the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-3, top-selling Honda HR-V and others. We gave it a thorough inspection at its official unveiling, and Ford has released enough specs, features and prices for us to provide this “preview review” ahead of our first drive.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors, but here's a general idea of what buyers are currently paying for used 2018 Ford EcoSport models when purchasing from a dealership.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$20,990 | $9,329 | |||
$23,995 | $11,533 | |||
$26,875 | $11,603 | |||
$27,875 | $12,645 |
For reference, the 2018 Ford EcoSport originally had a starting sticker price of $20,990, with the range-topping EcoSport SES Sport Utility 4D starting at $27,875.
The 2018 Ford EcoSport is one of the few subcompact SUVs to offer a choice of engines. Based on power-to-weight ratios, it’s a safe bet EcoSport models with the smaller, 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine will be among the slower entries in the segment. And those fitted with the 166-horsepower 4-cylinder engine should be among the quicker entries. Fuel economy for the smaller engine is about average at 28 mpg combined, while the larger engine’s 25 mpg combined places it in the bottom half of the segment. Power always has its price.
Even in subcompact form, cargo flexibility is among an SUV’s key strengths. The Honda HR-V is among the segment’s roomiest entries, the Mazda CX-3 is among the smallest, and the Ford falls closer to the middle, offering about as much passenger and cargo volume as the Chevy Trax. These vehicles are all appreciably smaller than their compact SUV counterparts, so consider all your cargo and passenger needs when weighing your options.
Unmistakable as the little brother of the Ford Escape, the 2018 Ford EcoSport has one of the segment’s smallest footprints, measuring just over 161 inches in length. Outward-facing notables include a capless fuel filler and a swinging tailgate that’s hinged on the side instead of opening upward. Practically speaking the unique tailgate’s shortcomings will likely outweigh the advantages for most owners in most situations, but the novelty factor holds some appeal.
SYNC 3 INFOTAINMENT
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are staff favorites, and they’re integrated here into Ford’s latest Sync infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring swipe and pinch-to-zoom control.
SYNC CONNECT AND FORDPASS
Lock, unlock or start your vehicle remotely, right from your smartphone. You can also track it down in a parking lot or check your fuel level.
The entry-level 2018 Ford EcoSport S starts at $20,990 (including destination charges) and includes a 123-horsepower 3-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, rearview camera, auto headlights, 2 USB ports and a lower-tier Sync infotainment system.
A fully loaded 2018 Ford EcoSport can stretch into the high-$20,000 range with features like a moonroof, leather seats, Sync 3 infotainment system, remote-sensing keyless entry and pushbutton start, reverse sensing, 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, premium audio and built-in Wi-Fi.
The 2018 Ford EcoSport’s base engine is matched with front-wheel drive, while the upgraded powertrain is all-wheel drive exclusively. Opt for the larger engine and you’ll have one of the quickest subcompact SUVs on the road. Towing capacity tops out at 2,000 pounds.
1.0-liter turbocharged (EcoBoost) 3-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 123 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 125 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 27/29/28 mpg
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 166 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 149 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 23/29/25 mpg
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Curb Weight | 3020 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 91.1 cu.ft. | ||
EPA Total Interior | 112.0 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 13.6 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 39.6 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 42.9 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Overall Length | 161.3 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 53.3 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 1400 lbs. | ||
Wheel Base | 99.2 inches | ||
Width with mirrors | 81.0 inches |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Number of Doors | 4 doors |
City | 27 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 29 mpg | ||
Combined | 28 mpg |
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
6 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 123 @ 6000 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 125 @ 3500 rpm | ||
Engine | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0L |
Basic | 3 years / 36000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
Used 2018 Ford EcoSport | Used 2018 Nissan Kicks | Used 2018 Chevrolet Trax | Used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $9,654 | $11,108 | $11,440 | $11,176 | |
KBB.com Rating | 3.9 | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.1 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 4.6 | |
Fuel Economy | City 27/Hwy 29/Comb 28 MPG | City 31/Hwy 36/Comb 33 MPG | City 25/Hwy 33/Comb 28 MPG | City 24/Hwy 30/Comb 27 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | 4.0 | N/A | 5.0 | 4.0 | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | |
Horsepower | 123 @ 6000 RPM | 125 @ 5800 RPM | 138 @ 4900 RPM | 148 @ 6000 RPM | |
Engine | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0L | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC Turbo, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | 2WD |
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