1 of the Cheapest New SUVs Was Just Killed
The majority of vehicles sold in America are SUVs, as consumers are drawn to their spaciousness, high ride height, comfort, and utility. However, a drawback of many models in the segment is they are not affordable for many automotive shoppers. And one of the cheapest new SUVs was just killed: the Ford EcoSport subcompact. It’s now only available as a used model.
Ford EcoSport was 1 of the new cheapest SUVs
The 2022 Ford EcoSport was one of the new cheapest SUVs before its discontinuation. It has a starting price of $22,040 MSRP. With supply chain shortages resulting in record-high prices for new cars, the EcoSport is an affordable option. It’s not too harsh on the bank accounts of drivers.
There are only three new SUVs currently available that have a lower price than the 2022 EcoSport. As far as the cheapest new SUV, that title goes to the 2023 Hyundai Venue, which starts at $19,650 MSRP. The other two more affordable models are the 2023 Kia Soul ($19,890 MSRP) and the 2023 Nissan Kicks ($20,440 MSRP).
Additional budget-friendly new models include the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer ($22,100 MSRP), 2023 Hyundai Kona ($22,140 MSRP), 2023 Mazda CX-30 ($22,950 MSRP), 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ($22,995 MSRP), 2023 Kia Seltos ($23,340 MSRP), 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross ($23,610 MSRP), and 2023 Honda HR-V: $23,800 MSRP. Like the EcoSport, they are all subcompact SUVs.
Ford discontinued the EcoSport
Subcompact SUVs are very popular — due in part to their financial accessibility. With this in mind, it’s somewhat surprising that Ford killed the EcoSport. It was not only one of the cheapest new SUVs, but it was also the most affordable model in the Ford SUV lineup. Also, a redesigned next-generation model was planned, but Ford didn’t follow through with it.
However, with the discontinuation, the 2022 model year was the last year of production, per the Car Connection. There isn’t a new EcoSport model for 2023. So, if drivers want to get behind the wheel of the subcompact, then they’ll have to go the used route.
The primary reason why Ford discontinued the EcoSport was it closed its production facility in Chennai, India. All of the EcoSport models for America, as well as for some international markets, were produced in India. Unfortunately, this plant and another one in Gujarat, India, were a financial liability for Ford, so they shuttered them, resulting in Ford killing the affordable SUV.
There are other reasons for the discontinuation. The EcoSport couldn’t compete with other popular subcompact SUVs, such as the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Kia Seltos, and Mazda CX-30. Also, it didn’t offer as many features as its rivals. Plus, it has reliability issues, and its performance is fairly weak.
Does Ford offer any affordable SUVs in 2023?
After the discontinuation of the EcoSport, the most affordable new SUV in the Ford lineup is the 2023 Ford Escape compact, which starts at $28,000 MSRP. Given the Escape’s high sales total, it’s not going away anytime soon. The next most affordable Ford SUVs are the 2023 Bronco Sport ($29,215 MSRP), 2023 Bronco ($32,295 MSRP), and 2023 Explorer ($33,760 MSRP).
As far as the cheapest new Ford for all model types, that title goes to the 2023 Maverick compact pickup truck. It starts at $22,995 MSRP.
The Ford EcoSport, one of the new cheapest SUVs, was killed. We’ll have to see if Ford will eventually replace it with another affordable subcompact SUV.
