2018 Ford EcoSport: Pint-Sized SUV Aimed At City-Dwelling Millennials

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is one more entry into the subcompact SUV segment. These tiny utility vehicles are the next hot thing in the ongoing SUV craze that has taken hold of the entire vehicle market worldwide. Built atop the platforms of subcompact economy cars like the Ford Fiesta, they are loved by consumers for their carrying capacity and ease of parking in urban settings. Even more important, they are loved by manufacturers and dealers for their many extra thousands of dollars of built-in profit, compared to the humble sedans they are based on. It’s a win-win!

EcoSport Has Been Around, But Took A While To Get Here

The Ford EcoSport was first introduced as a 2004 model and quickly became a best-seller in Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, and Mexico. The second generation model has been around since the 2013 model year and was lightly facelifted for 2017, featuring revised front and rear end designs. Inside, it receives a redesigned dashboard. This is the EcoSport that will go on sale in the US in early 2018. It will be built at Ford’s Chennai, India plant.

Designed For Maximum Utility

The 2018 EcoSport comes with as many as 30 stowage pockets, bins, and hooks, to make efficient use of every interior inch. A cargo management system at the rear features a movable floorboard. Fold-away second-row seats provide a flat area for moving furniture and other large items. The EcoSport’s unique side-hinged, swing-style tailgate gives you easy access to gear, and eliminates clearance problems caused by low garage ceilings.

Four EcoSport Trim Levels

The 2018 Ford EcoSport is available in four different trim levels: S, SE, SES and Titanium. Ten exterior color choices and seven ambient light options are offered.

The extroverted SES trim level offers intelligent four-wheel drive, sport-tuned suspension and steering, plus unique styling cues inside and out, featuring bold copper accents in the interior and on the sport seats.

Choices Of Engines & Drive Systems

The 2018 EcoSport will be available with two engine options, a 1.0L three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine, or a 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Choosing the 2.0L will get you Ford’s intelligent four-wheel drive as standard. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and both come with auto stop-start technology.

Packed With Technology & Connectivity

The 2018 EcoSport showcases its SYNC 3 system, with high-resolution 8” floating touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. SYNC 3 easily integrates your smartphone and keeps you connected to friends and family while on the move. Faster, more intuitive and easier to use, the system provides improved voice recognition and response to driver commands.

EcoSport also features available HD Radio technology, SiriusXM satellite radio and a dual FM radio antenna. Two USB charging ports and a 12-volt power outlet in the front are standard, while a 110-volt outlet and a rear USB port are available.

EcoSport’s available premium B&O PLAY audio system is standard on EcoSport Titanium. This 675-watt system brings your music to life. It features ten speakers, including B&O PLAY-branded tweeters and woofers in the front doors, and a subwoofer in the back.

The FordPass mobile app lets drivers start, lock, unlock and locate their 2018 EcoSport from almost anywhere using available SYNC Connect. It also lets you check the fuel level and odometer reading when you are not in the vehicle.

The 2018 Ford EcoSport Packs A Lot Into A Subcompact Vehicle

The 2018 Ford EcoSport offers an appealing combination of small size, large utility, and state-of-the-art connectivity and technology. As an entry-level SUV that will be available at the thousands of Ford dealers nationwide, it should be as successful for Ford in the US as it has been in so many other countries around the world.