Used Ford Ecosport 2014-present review

The truly international Ford Ecosport is a compact SUV designed in Brazil and built in India and sold worldwide by what is essentially an American company.

It stands out in a class of heavily stylised cars by being shorter and taller than the norm, with tonka-toy looks and a side-hinged rear tailgate with an external covered spare wheel only adding to its rugged appeal. The car received a major redesign in 2018, incorporating a new nose and grille similar to the firm’s larger SUVs, the Kuga and the Edge.

Underneath is more conventional fare, with similar engines and mechanicals to the Fiesta, B-Max and Tourneo Connect cars. The engine line-up is usefully simple, with four options to choose from: a 113bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, an 89bhp (bo0sted to 94bhp in 2015) 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel and the UK-designed 123bhp 1.0-litre, three-pot EcoBoost engine. To complete the range, and only available with the Titanium S trim, is a 138bhp 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine. The facelifted model keeps the 123bhp and 138bhp 1.0-litre Ecoboost engines and adds 99bhp and 123bhp version of the 1.5-litre TDCi diesel to the range.

Trim levels start with the entry-level Zetec, which comes with a long list of standard equipment, including a DAB radio, two USB sockets, 16in alloy wheels, air-con and electric front and rear windows. Next-level Titanium models get 17in alloys, built-in sat-nav, a rear-view camera, partial leather seats, keyless start, climate and cruise control, as well as automatic headlights and wipers. Meanwhile, the range-topping ST-Line gets sports suspension and various sports-inspired styling.

On the road, the Ecosport is not a sparkling performer with any of the engine options. The 1.0-litre engines never feel quick and the diesel option adds unwanted noise and not much more in the way of grunt. However, given that we found the braking to be surprisingly poor, that shortage of straight-line speed is perhaps just as well.

After the engines, the car’s ride is its most disappointing aspect, with the Ecosport thumping into potholes and bouncing over road irregularities, all the while proving fidgety and unsettled over most of the UK’s roads. The Ecosport handles well at lower speeds, but feels a little insecure at higher ones. It’s safe, but remarkably uninspiring.

Inside, the driving position is commanding, and the quality of the later cars seems to have improved on that of the earlier ones. The dashboard is based on the latest Fiesta’s, and most of the major controls are easy to use on the move. A 6.5in colour touchscreen is standard, while the smarter Titanium and ST-Line models get an 8.0in version. Both respond quickly and come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, although one or two rivals on-screen graphics are slightly sharper.

Up front there’s enough space, but the Ecosport is a narrow car, and that hinders three people seating abreast in the rear for any length of time. Even more irritating is the small boot, accessed via a side-hinged tailgate.

If you're interested in finding a used Ecosport, or any of the other small SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

To join the Ecosport club you’ll need around £6000, at the time of writing. This will buy you an early car with an average mileage for the year and a full service history, bought from an independent dealer or a trader. Up the money to around £8000 and you’ll net a good 2016 car that satisfies the same criteria. Expect to pay £11,000 for a facelifted example from late 2018.

Check the value of a used Ford Ecosport with What Car? Valuations

MPG

The latest post-facelift version of the 1.5 TDCi diesel is the most economical engine, with a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 64.2mpg. Choose one of the 1.0 Ecoboost engines and the best-performing can claim an average figure of 52.3mpg. Early versions fitted with an automatic gearbox came exclusively with a 1.5-litre petrol that only manages 44.8mpg.

CO2 emissions

Go for a 95bhp 1.5 diesel and you'll have an Ecosport with the lowest CO2 emissions of 115g/km; the earlier 89bhp model puts out 120g/km. The best petrol is the 1.0 Ecoboost with 125g/km, while the worst performer is the 1.5 petrol because it emits 149g/km.

Car tax (VED)

Cars registered before the tax changes of April 2017 will be relatively cheap in VED road tax, while those registered after will all be charged at the new unified rate. You can find out more about road tax costs here.

Servicing costs

A Ford service plan for the Ecosport includes three services over three years and 60,000 miles, as well as the Ford Assistance breakdown plan. Payments can be budgeted by direct debit. Alternatively, examples that are outside of the manufacturer's warranty period can qualify for cheaper Ford Essential servicing that starts from £169 per visit.

Engine

On the whole, the petrol engines are smoother and more refined than the diesel option, so unless you do lots of miles we’d try to seek out the 1.0 Ecoboost engine, preferably the 123bhp version.

Specification

Zetec trim is well equipped as standard, and is the one we’d look out for. We'd recommend going for a 2018 example though because a number of improvements were made that makes the Ecosport a more pleasant ownership prospect.

Our favourite Ford Ecosport: 1.0 Ecoboost 125 Zetec

The Nissan Qashqai is the iconic SUV that kickstarted the revolution. It’s still great today, with its chunky looks, raised driving position, practical and classy interior, comfortable ride, excellent refinement and low running costs.

The Suzuki Vitara is another highly competent small SUV that shows the Ecosport how it’s done when it comes to driving. It’s also got a practical interior and is well equipped, and used examples are looking good value.

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