The Ford brand is dominated by utility vehicles and trucks, therefore it is a bit surprising that its smallest crossover is going away. Indeed, the 2022 Ford EcoSport is the final model year for this subcompact model, an import from India that has struggled to stand out in the market.
That lack of attention is one reason the EcoSport goes away. Also, Ford has the Maverick pickup truck, a model that effectively replaces the EcoSport. Certainly, there are some differences between the two, but the Ford Maverick more than makes up for the soon-canceled EcoSport.
Ford EcoSport History
Ford began importing the EcoSport from its Chennai, India manufacturing plant in 2018. The factory had the capacity to expand exports, thus the decision to send it to America. Further, India’s low labor costs made the EcoSport a tantalizing model in a segment with razor-thin profit levels. Doubtlessly, it would have been difficult for Ford to replicate building the EcoSport in a nearby market such as Mexico without incurring substantial costs for retooling.
The EcoSport also served as a replacement for Ford’s discontinued hatchbacks, particularly the Fiesta and later the Focus. Both the Fiesta and Focus are offered in other markets, but not in the U.S.
For its fifth and final year, the EcoSport lost its base turbocharged engine. Also, for 2022, all-wheel drive is now standard. The latter is unusual for this segment where front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Only the somewhat larger Subaru Crosstrek comes with standard all-wheel drive.
Ford EcoSport Overview
Ford offers the 2022 EcoSport in S ($22,040), SE ($25,510), SES ($28,205), and Titanium ($28,395) grades. Add $1,295 for the destination charge. Thus, a fully loaded model will cost about $30,000, although a base model can be had for under $25,000.
Every grade comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to all four wheels utilizing a 6-speed automatic transmission. This model earns 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, for a combined 25 mpg.
Key Features
Besides the powertrain and standard all-wheel drive, the Ford EcoSport offers a variety of equipment levels. The standard arrangement includes halogen lighting, painted 16-inch wheel covers, and a side pivoting swing gate rear door.
All trims come with full power accessories, climate control, and eight cup holders. Cloth seating surfaces are standard.
Move up through the trim range and LED lighting appears. You’ll also find 17-inch aluminum wheels, a power driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Some trims add a heated steering wheel, a 110-volt power outlet, and a cargo management package.
On the tech front, a 7-inch touchscreen display, six speakers, and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Some models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A 7-speaker B&O audio system is available. Blind-spot monitoring is available, but this model lacks the usual advanced driver-assist tech.
Your Choice
Given that the EcoSport is an import and sold in small numbers, customers should consider parts availability for the long haul. Of course, Ford will continue to support this model for many years and its powertrain is widely found in other models.
2022 Ford EcoSport Specifications
| Ford | 2022 EcoSport |
|---|---|
| Segment | Subcompact Crossover SUV |
| Price Range | $22,040 to $28,205 |
| Destination Charge | $1,295 |
| Standard Engine | 2.0-liter, I4 |
| Horsepower | 166 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 149 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,300 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 122.0 |
| Length (inches) | 99.2 |
| Width (inches) | 69.5 |
| Height (inches) | 65.1 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.6 / 42.9 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 42.9 / 37.5 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 53.3 / 51.3 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 51.6 / 50.9 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 20.5 / 50.0 |
| Gross combined weight rating (pounds) | N/A |
| Towing (pounds) | 2,000 |
| Payload (pounds) | N/A |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 13.8 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Chennai, INDIA |
Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also — First Look: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company.
