If you’re looking for a small SUV that’s great value and doesn’t cost much to run, the Ford EcoSport could be ideal. You get plenty of standard features and the engines can give you excellent fuel economy, especially the diesels. It’s enjoyable to drive and spacious enough for a young family. Oh, and the name is pronounced ‘echo-sport’, according to Ford, not ‘ee-co-sport’.
The EcoSport has been sold in the UK since 2014 when it was introduced as a brand-new model, filling the gap for a small SUV in Ford’s range. The model was updated in 2017 with a larger front grille and new lights. Inside, the dashboard was upgraded to one that’s all-but-identical to that of the latest Fiesta.
There’s a selection of petrol and diesel engines to choose from. They all give decent acceleration around town but models with more than 120bhp are the best option if you regularly do motorway journeys because they’re better able to maintain 70mph. The 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost and 1.5-litre petrol engines are available with an automatic gearbox and the 123bhp EcoBlue diesel has four-wheel drive.
There are plenty of trim levels to choose from including the entry-point Zetec, the upmarket Titanium, the sporty-looking ST-Line and the more rugged Active.
All EcoSport models have air con, Bluetooth, four electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors. The 2017 update brought a touchscreen-controlled infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Titanium and ST-Line models also have cruise control and – from 2017 – sat nav, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
According to official figures, petrol EcoSport models can give an average fuel economy of up to 44mpg in models with the 1.5-litre engine and up to 60mpg with the 1.0-litre ‘EcoBoost’ engine. Diesels can give as much as 68mpg. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are pretty low, so annual Vehicle Excise Duty (car tax) charges don’t cost much. In some cases, you’ll pay as little as £30. Insurance and servicing costs should also be very affordable.
Other small SUVs you might want to consider include the Dacia Duster, the Vauxhall Crossland, the Fiat 500X and the Nissan Juke. The Ford isn’t as spacious as the Dacia or the Vauxhall nor as distinctive as the Fiat or the Nissan. But the EcoSport comes well equipped, has low running costs and offers great value.
£15,498
Ford Ecosport
2023 - 1.0 EcoBoost 140 ST-Line [X Pack] 5dr
£14,798
Ford Ecosport
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line 5dr
£12,663
Ford Ecosport
2022 (22) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5dr Petrol Hatchback
£14,686
Ford Ecosport
2022 (72) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Active 5dr Petrol Hatchback
£9,999
Ford Ecosport
2019 - 1.0t Ecoboost Gpf Titanium Suv 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 125 Ps
£6,695
Ford Ecosport
2016 (66) - 1.5 Zetec 2WD Euro 5 5dr
£11,841
Ford Ecosport
2019 (19) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback
£12,495
Ford Ecosport
2019 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5dr Auto
£11,995
Ford Ecosport
2022 - 1.0t Ecoboost Gpf St Line Suv 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 125 Ps
£9,299
Ford Ecosport
2019 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Titanium 5dr
£13,399
Ford Ecosport
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Active 5dr
£12,995
Ford Ecosport
2022 - ECOSPORT ST-LINE 5-Door
£14,998
Ford Ecosport
2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost 140 ST-Line 5dr
£10,495
Ford Ecosport
2018 - 1.0t Ecoboost Gpf St Line Suv 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 s/s 125 Ps
£5,595
Ford Ecosport
2016 (16) - 1.5 TDCi Zetec SUV 5dr Diesel Manual 2WD Euro 6 (95 ps) FULL SERVICE HISTOR
£9,745
Ford Ecosport
2019 - 1.0T EcoBoost GPF ST-Line SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (140 ps)
£5,490
Ford Ecosport
2017 - 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr
£15,700
Ford Ecosport
2022 - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£11,099
Ford Ecosport
2020 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line 5dr