Cheapest New Ford SUV Model Isn’t Worth Your Money or Time
2022 Ford EcoSport SUV model Article Highlights:
- The 2022 Ford EcoSport starts at about $23,335 for the entry-level S trim. However, the range-topping Titanium trim pushes the price up to nearly $30,000.
- All EcoSport trims pack all-wheel drive (AWD), which some competitors do not.
- While the Ford model is affordable, it’s less efficient than some rivals, less powerful than others, and offers a shorter warranty than the Hyundai Venue or Kia Soul.
The 2022 Ford EcoSport is likely the model’s last year, but it’s still the most affordable offering in the Blue Oval’s stable. Still, while the EcoSport’s diminutive ask appeals to potential owners’ sensibilities and wallets, the Ford SUV model leaves much to be desired. For instance, the EcoSport is less powerful and economic than a comparable Mazda CX-30.
What is Ford’s cheapest SUV?
Ford’s cheapest SUV is the EcoSport, which the Blue Oval is discontinuing before the 2023 model year. The base-model EcoSport S starts at around $23,335, and more posh SE starts at around $26,805. Both vehicles pack Ford’s 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine.
At the higher end of the trim lineup, the SES and Titanium start at about $29,500 and $29,690, respectively. According to TrueCar, the SES is the “sporty” variant of the EcoSport, with a sport-tuned suspension. However, the Titanium is the best-equipped trim, adding a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system to the SES’ features like remote start, rain-sensing wipers, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While that might seem like quite a bargain for a teeny-tiny SUV with smart AWD, the competition includes roomier, more efficient models like the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Honda HR-V. For instance, the EcoSport’s 20.5 cubic feet of storage capacity is tighter than the Trailblazer’s 25.3 and the HR-V’s 24.4. Moreover, the Chevrolet model gets as much as six additional combined mpg compared to the Ford SUV.
What is the issue with the Ford EcoSport?
Despite its underwhelming fuel economy and cargo capacity compared to some of its direct competitors, the Ford EcoSport has few consumer-reported issues compared to other economy vehicles on the market. For instance, RepairPal shows that the 2022 Ford EcoSport has zero reported problems.
Furthermore, the NHTSA says that the EcoSport has no safety recalls. As a result, the small fry SUV is a reliable choice among subcompact SUVs. However, the comparable Honda HR-V gets a perfect 5.0 rating from RepairPal in terms of reliability. So, while the EcoSport is reliable, its competitor earned the top spot in the subcompact SUV category.
Why is Ford discontinuing the EcoSport?
Ford says it is discontinuing the EcoSport subcompact SUV because it was “never a big seller.” As a result, Ford is focusing on its more profitable and progressive alternative energy models, like the Escape Hybrid and Mustang Mach-E.
What models of SUV does Ford make?
After the EcoSports are gone, Ford will continue to produce an Escape, Bronco Sport, Bronco, Explorer, Edge, and Edge in its SUV lineup. Additionally, the fully-electric Mustang Mach-E will continue into the 2023 model year.
However, the Honda HR-V or Chevrolet Trailblazer is a much better option for potential owners who want practical cargo volume. Furthermore, the larger Escape and Escape Hybrid have as much as 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, almost twice as much as the EcoSport. Also, many of the Ford model’s competitors offer better fuel economy.
