The 2021 Ford EcoSport's name suggests a harmonic vision of performance and efficiency. Alas, there's nothing very sporty or economical about its wheezy three-cylinder engine. We're also disappointed with the choppy ride quality and lack of advanced safety features. A large cargo area makes it a compelling choice for active lifestyles, however.
The 2021 EcoSport is the smallest vehicle — car, truck or SUV — currently available from Ford. It's smaller than the Ford Escape even, but in return has a lower price and a still reasonable amount of space and utility. Unfortunately, there are some significant deficiencies elsewhere, such as a lack of advanced driver aids, a choppy ride and disappointing fuel economy.
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (27 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: MAJ3S2KEXMC412285 Stock: 7VTTXF Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 11-28-2023
There are plenty of options for an extra-small crossover SUV. Some of Edmunds' favorites include the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Soul. All of those feel more upscale and refined than the EcoSport. They also provide more of the latest advanced driver aids and higher fuel economy. But if you're set on this pint-sized Ford, check out our Expert Rating below for a full breakdown of the EcoSport's hits and misses.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Below Average
6.8
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Ford EcoSport on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
6/10
How does the EcoSport drive? The three-cylinder engine is woefully underpowered. Even with the turbocharger spooled up, it takes a long time to bring the EcoSport up to highway speeds. In Edmunds' testing, 0-60 mph took 11.4 seconds — one of the slowest paces in the segment. Further slowing things down is the automatic transmission's indecisive nature.
The EcoSport doesn't exhibit much body roll when going around turns, though ultimate handling grip is modest due to the economy-oriented tires. Steering feel is abysmal — it feels as though the steering wheel is connected to the tires with ony a large rubber band. It's a strange sensation that's hard to get accustomed to. A firm push on the brake pedal is required for stopping power.
Comfort
7/10
How comfortable is the EcoSport? Though the side bolsters aren't very wide, they manage to secure front passengers in fast turns. The seat bottoms are firm and comfy, but the seatbacks feel flat as boards. The rear seats are similarly flat and shapeless. Ride comfort isn't much better. The EcoSport's ride is choppy and bumpy on most surfaces. It handles road undulations well, but it still gets bounced around by the sharper impacts of bad pavement.
More positively, the automatic climate control works well and the seat heaters get hot quickly. Road and wind noise is hushed, but you do get a little bit of engine noise, though the three-cylinder sounds surprisingly good.
Interior
7/10
How’s the interior? The EcoSport's cabin is just roomy enough, but smarter packaging would open it up even more. For example, the deep dashboard gobbles valuable real estate. Thick front and rear roof pillars create significant blind spots. Most controls are easy to reach, though some labels are cryptic, and some virtual buttons on the vertically oriented touchscreen are hard to hit.
It's easy to find an agreeable position in the driver's seat. It's easy to get into the front, but the raised "stadium-style" rear seats make it tricky to gracefully enter and exit.
Technology
7/10
How’s the tech? We highly recommend selecting a trim level with the Sync 3 infotainment system — it's fast and easy to use, and it adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The high-definition screen provides a navigation display that is sharp and sophisticated. The optional B&O audio system exceeds expectations for the segment.
A rearview camera is standard, and a blind-spot monitor is optional. Though advanced safety sytems are becoming common even in this bargain-priced segment, they aren't available on the EcoSport. A Wi-Fi hotspot is a relatively exotic feature in this price class, however. The voice commands are highly structured; your smartphone's voice assistant is better.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? Like the larger Escape, the EcoSport suits active lifestyles. With 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row, the cargo area is roughly the same size as the Jeep Renegade's and a bit larger than the Mazda CX-3's. Folding the rear seats increases space to 50 cubic feet, but you'll have to manipulate the front seats and fold the rear headrests down to yield max space. The left-hinged tailgate opens to side for curbside cargo-loading.
In-cabin storage is sufficient, with a skinny but deep center console and useful door pocket storage. Installing car seats is tough — the car seat anchors are hidden behind stiff upholstery.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? We managed 25.9 mpg on our 115-mile mixed driving evaluation loop: decent but short of the EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined. Our result was actually closer to the optional all-wheel-drive model's rating. The EcoSport's sluggishness gave us high hopes for better fuel efficiency, but we were ultimately disappointed.
Value
6.5/10
Is the EcoSport a good value? At nearly $27,000 as tested, our Titanium test vehicle was quite pricey for a subcompact crossover. A larger Escape or other crossover delivers more for the same, or less, money. You either really need to like the EcoSport's diminutive size (understandable given its parking ease) or just like its style. Build quality is solid overall, but a persistent, unidentified rattle from the rear of our test vehicle's cabin was annoying.
Bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage is for three years/36,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. Roadside assistance is included for five years/60,000 miles (and includes towing to a nearby Ford dealer, battery jump and fuel delivery).
Wildcard
7/10
Depending how you define "sport," this small Ford could be a decent pick for a small SUV. It has decent cargo space and promises thrifty performance. But it really needs grippier tires, quicker acceleration, and a total overhaul of steering feel to be truly sporty. There are better choices for a fun-driving small crossover SUV.
2021 Ford EcoSport trim level differences
The 2021 Ford EcoSport is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SES and Titanium. EcoSport S, SE and Titanium models with front-wheel drive are powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (123 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque). All-wheel drive is optional on those trims and standard on the SES. Every all-wheel-drive model gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (166 hp, 149 lb-ft). Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Other feature highlights include:
Which EcoSport trim does Edmunds recommend?
Go for the mid-tier EcoSport SE to get the most value. It comes with more standard features than the base S and has silver-painted wheels and body-color door handles to class up the styling a little. It's also worth opting for all-wheel drive. Doing so gets you the EcoSport's more powerful engine, which is what you want.Compare 2021 Ford EcoSport trim levels
The 2021 Ford EcoSport has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
3 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
25V442000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25S72
Manufactured from:
2019-04-25 to
Number of vehicles affected:
200061
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Defect Consequence:
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 28, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Recall Number:
25V126000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
25S12
Manufactured from:
2021-04-01 to 2022-07-20
Number of vehicles affected:
18648
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 EcoSport vehicles. The front axle half shafts may disconnect from the transmission, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. In addition, a disconnected half shaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S12.
Recall Number:
23V905000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
23S64
Manufactured from:
2017-04-03 to 2021-10-12
Number of vehicles affected:
139730
Defect Description:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the oil pump tensioner assembly and oil pump drive belt, free of charge. If engine failure occurs due to a damaged oil pump belt and/or oil pump belt tensioner, Ford has authorized dealers to replace the engine assembly as an interim repair before the availability of remedy parts for the final repair. This repair will be free of charge (parts and labor). Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 20, 2024. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available, anticipated in 4th Quarter 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S64.
Economical...I easily hit 30mpg highway and smooth ride all the way. Pop into sport mode and it kicks up a notch too. Plenty of room for riders. I got just about all features and worth it. Handles nicely, no complaints.
Chef Sharon
5 out of 5 stars
Chef Sharon , 12/11/2020
2020 Ford EcoSport S 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
I bought a brand new 2020 SUV ecosport from Weber Ford and Granite City Illinois. I'm six foot tall and I have plenty of legroom I even had to move the seat up it's fantastic I love I'm surrounded by airbags in case somebody hits me or something does happen beautiful design lots of stuff on the interior I'm just so happy with this vehicle.
What a totally awesome little 4WD
5 out of 5 stars
tpk1962, 02/17/2021
2020 Ford EcoSport Titanium 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
If your like me you read every review 50 times before you pull the trigger. Rarely do these experts actually review from a consumers perspective just an artificial world of non comparables. Like many real consumers I'm in my late 50's and I've had at least 20 different cars in my life (probably more) and I can honestly say value for the dollar is superb. Nobody pays list, so take that … off the table, getting a 2020 Ecosport titanium with 4WD and the 2 liter engine for around $22K is a steal. This is a fun little peppy car, ready to park, just enough cargo, leather heated seats and steering wheel, bang and olufsen sound system... Dare I go on! Anything comparable in the Japanese realm will push you well into the $30's. The Ford apple car play or Android auto is seamless. Is it a jaguar, land rover, BMW, or mercedes... Nope but that's not the buyer, and to be completely honest, it won't eat you alive for service like those manufacturers. If you want a really good runabout that's fun, looks unique and is reasonable on gas... You just read about it!
Happy with my lil SUV
5 out of 5 stars
Fun sized SUV worth a look!, 12/07/2020
2020 Ford EcoSport SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
This vehicle gets terrible press and I don't get it. I have the Eco Sport with 2.0 and AWD SE. Love the heated seats, sunroof, and the infotainment is great. AWD is a must in the NW and it goes everywhere without issue. Handles great and fits anywhere you'd need to park. Turns on a dime and has great visibility. Super happy with this purchase and would buy one again in a heartbeat. With … all the discounts it was less expensive than most entry cars. I've been averaging 28 mpg with 50/50 split of hwy and city driving. No it won't win any races and it is not a luxury suv but it is totally worth a look and the money.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Ford EcoSport, so we've included reviews for other years of the EcoSport since its last redesign.
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