Ford Downsizes its Crossovers With the New EcoSportv

Ford EcoSport (Credit: © Ford )

Going small is the current big thing in the crossover segment. We’ve already seen the likes of the FIAT 500X, the Mazda CX-3, the Honda HR-V, and more. Now, it’s time for Ford to get in on the fun. Fortunately for Ford, it already had a small crossover in production – it just needed to refresh it and get it up to U.S. standard. Meet the India-built, U.S.-spec Ford EcoSport.

This tiny people hauler will sit just under the Escape in Ford’s crossover lineup in both size and price. Unfortunately, Ford did not reveal the dimensions of this new model, but if we take the previous-generation Euro-spec model’s size into consideration, I think “tiny” is an understatement. The European model checks in at just 158.1 inches long, 81 inches wide, and 65 inches tall. This tiny body rides on a 99.2-inch wheelbase and weighs as little as 2,948 pounds.

Ford EcoSport (Credit: © Ford )

Unlike the last-gen European model, the U.S.-spec model will take on all the family styling cues of the Ford crossover family. These cues will include the grille design, the wide headlights, and the sharp body lines. Sure, it’s disproportionately short rear overhang is a little off-putting, but that’s the nature of the beast in this segment.

Inside, the EcoSport will feature a nice array of available premium amenities. These include Sync 3, a B&O Play audio system with 10 speakers and 675 watts, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, an 8-inch “floating” touchscreen, a 110-volt outlet, and more. It’ll also have 30 storage pockets to catch all the trinkets that you’d normally tuck in your pockets or in the glove box.

Ford EcoSport (Credit: © Ford )

The available powerplants will be a standard 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder and an optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Ford didn’t release ratings on either engine, but if I figure the 1.0-liter will have the same 123 horsepower of the Fiesta and Focus, and the 2.0-liter will deliver roughly the same 160 horsepower as the Focus’ base engine. The 1.0-liter engine will only come with front-wheel drive and the 2.0-liter will have all-wheel drive. Both engines will mate to a six-speed auto transmission.

More details will come as we near the EcoSport’s official launch in early 2018. Stay tuned for updates.