Launched in the US in 2018, the EcoSport is a practical small crossover that’s built on the same platform as the Fiesta.
It’s maneuverable, has a competitive amount of cargo space and has the best towing ability in is class.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the EcoSport’s best & Worst Years…
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Ford EcoSport Are:
The best Ford EcoSport model years are 2022, 2021, and 2020. The worst model years of the EcoSport are 2019 and 2018. This is based on auto industry reviews, NHTSA statistics, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Ford EcoSport?
Despite a short production span, some EcoSport models are notably better than others, listed below are the best of the bunch.
2022 Ford EcoSport
The 2022 EcoSport is the final model year before being discontinued, it features agile handling, a lofty driving position and the most up-to-date tech.
For 2022 the lineup is slightly modified from the previous year.
First, the front-wheel-drive (which was originally paired with a turbocharged three-cylinder) is no longer offered.
Second, for the trims that remain, all-wheel-drive and a non-turbo four-cylinder engine come as standard.
- Edmunds: 5.0 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: NA
- JD Power: NA
2022 Ford EcoSport, Edmunds review:
“I needed a small commuter for work, but I live in the North West. AWD was a must-have. I’ve had great luck with Fords in the past. This fit the bill for me. Small. (5″a 5″ man and it has great visibility.) Easy to park. Averaging 28 mpg. (Mix Hwy and City) Fits everything I need for work in it. Has great features I actually use…”
2021 Ford EcoSport
The 2021 EcoSport is an affordable, compact and maneuverable option – and we’d advise the SE trim which is notably nicer than the very basic S trim.
There were a few exterior styling updates for this model year and blue and yellow paint colors were introduced.
A standard power driver’s seat was added to the SES and Titanium trims and modern-looking faux-leather seat coverings were also added to the Titanium trim.
- Edmunds: 3.5 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: NA
- JD Power: NA
2021 Ford EcoSport, Edmunds review:
“I love my eco sport. I have the 2021 in gray, exterior tan interior. Driving is easy and sporty. Great for in town, school, work, shopping. I have driven several 4 to 6 hour road trips, vehicle is very comfortable. Its drawback on highway driving is the engine power, it struggles through the mountains, but not enough to be a problem. This car is really made for town driving and has a lot of storage space for errands, etc. the seats fold down completely. Gas mileage is a bit low for such a small car. Loved the price (bought new), and driving it is just fun. Very satisfied with this car.”
2020 Ford EcoSport
When shopping for an EcoSport the 2020 model is another safe bet. AWD is available at every trim level and it even features a cooled glovebox.
This model year received minor changes and upgrades.
The touchscreen infotainment system was upgraded to 8 inches (from 6.5 inches) for the SE trim.
FordPass Connect, an application that improves Wi-Fi, hotspot, and improves app connectivity and compatibility with most smartphones was also introduced (but requires a monthly subscription fee).
- Edmunds: 3.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: NA
- JD Power: 79 / 100
2020 Ford EcoSport, Edmunds review:
“If you’re like me you read every review 50 times before you pull the trigger. Rarely do these experts actually review from a consumer’s perspective just an artificial world of non-comparables. Like many real consumers I’m in my late 50’s and I’ve had at least 20 different cars in my life (probably more) and I can honestly say value for the dollar is superb. Nobody pays list, so take that off the table, getting a 2020 Ecosport titanium with 4WD and the 2 liter engine for around $22K is a steal. This is a fun little peppy car, ready to park, just enough cargo, leather heated seats and steering wheel, bang and olufsen sound system… Dare I go on…”
Consumer Scores For Best Ford EcoSport Years
Below is a table that presents all the consumer ratings of the best Ford EcoSport model years from reputable vehicle websites:
| Model Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | Kelley Blue Book Consumer Rating | JD Power Consumer Rating |
| 2022 Ford EcoSport | 5.0 / 5.0 | NA | NA |
| 2021 Ford EcoSport | 3.5 / 5.0 | NA | NA |
| 2020 Ford EcoSport | 3.4 / 5.0 | NA | 79 / 100 |
Related: 9 Most Common Ford Ecosport Problems (Explained)
What Are The Worst Years For The Ford EcoSport?
The EcoSport has been on the receiving end of several complaints over the years.
Be cautious of the model years listed below.
2019 Ford EcoSport
The 2019 EcoSport racked up a number of engine-related complaints on the NHTSA website, these were mostly due to low oil pressure due a failed oil pump which left some owners needing a new engine after only 100,000 miles.
The 2019 Ecosport also had a total of 17 technical service bulletins, most of which were electronics-related such as issues with the HVAC (air conditioning) and Wi-Fi connectivity.
TSBs cover known problems and provide repair instructions for service technicians, under warranty they should be repaired free of charge by your dealer.
The 2019 EcoSport had a total of 2 complaints at CarComplaints.com, 20 complaints on the NHTSA website and 17 TSBs.
Common problems:
- Poor miles per gallon
- Low oil pressure
- Door opens after shutting
- Door opens while running
2018 Ford EcoSport
The 2018 EcoSport is without a doubt the worst model in its 5-year history. This should come as no surprise as it was the first model released and typically these are always the most problematic
Numerous owners complained about engine problems, which were caused by a defective fuel pump leading to low oil pressure warnings, timing belt failure, loss of power and engine failure.
Here’s one owner’s experience:
“I was driving down the road (after numerous issues that have been supposedly repaired) when the engine’s low oil pressure light came on and I pulled over. While waiting for the tow truck the engine seized. According to multiple sites and Ford’s own service bulletins- the engine malfunctions because of an engine defect. It doesn’t happen because of a number of miles on the vehicle, it can happen to a select group of 2018 ford Ecosport with a 1.0-liter engine which mine has. I am expected to pay $6000 to replace after I have spoken with ford over 15+ times about this car being a lemon.”
There were also a total of 26 recorded technical service bulletins, most of which were concerned with equipment and electrical features.
The 2018 EcoSport had a total of 11 complaints at CarComplaints.com, 75 complaints on the NHTSA website and 26 TSBs.
Common problems:
- Engine oil pressure warning indicator illuminated
- Doors would not lock during rainy weather
- Exhaust system corroded
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
The table below gives a better idea of why certain EcoSport models made our best and worst lists.
| Model Year Ford EcoSport | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Complaints (NHTSA) | TSB’s |
| 2022 | NA | 2 | NA |
| 2021 | NA | 3 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 | 10 | 9 |
| 2019 | 2 | 20 | 17 |
| 2018 | 11 | 75 | 26 |
What Problems Do Ford EcoSports Have?
- Engine oil pressure warning indicator illuminated
- Doors would not lock during rainy weather
- Shudders from stop
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Ford EcoSport?
The Ford EcoSport isn’t a favorite with auto critics – it secured the 18th spot, with a poor score of 6.4 out of 10.
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Hyundai Kona | 8.4 | $22,376 – $28,100 | City: 26 – 28 /Highway: 29 – 33 |
| Mazda CX-30 | 8.4 | $23,451 – $29,587 | City: 24 – 25 /Highway: 31 – 33 |
| Kia Soul | 8.3 | $19,370 – $26,435 | City: 25 – 27 /Highway: 31 – 33 |
| Mazda CX-3 | 8.0 | $23,655 – $25,066 | City: 27 – 29 /Highway: 32 – 34 |
| Buick Encore | 7.8 | $21,233 – $25,764 | City: 24 – 25 /Highway: 31 – 34 |
| Honda HR-V | 7.8 | $24,888 – $30,002 | City: 26 – 28 /Highway: 31 – 34 |
| Hyundai Venue | 7.7 | $20,003 – $23,186 | City: 27 – 30 /Highway: 34 – 35 |
| MINI Cooper Countryman | 7.7 | $29,272 – $42,067 | City: 23 – 26 /Highway: 30 – 33 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 7.7 | $25,566 – $30,657 | City: 22 – 27 /Highway: 29 – 33 |
| Buick Encore GX | 7.6 | $24,258 – $29,635 | City: 26 – 30 /Highway: 29 – 32 |
| Jeep Renegade | 7.5 | $23,275 – $27,796 | City: 21 – 24 /Highway: 27 – 32 |
| Nissan Kicks | 7.4 | $21,847 – $24,892 | City: 31 /Highway: 36 |
| Chevrolet Trax | 7.3 | $20,642 – $25,520 | City: 24 – 26 /Highway: 29 – 31 |
| Nissan Rogue Sport | 7.2 | $24,249 – $29,603 | City: 24 – 25 /Highway: 30 – 32 |
| Toyota CH-R | 6.9 | $26,135 – $28,886 | City: 27 /Highway: 31 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 6.7 | $22,168 – $25,205 | City: 23 – 24 /Highway: 28 – 30 |
| FIAT 500X | 6.6 | $22,275 – $27,568 | City: 24 /Highway: 30 |
| Ford EcoSport | 6.4 | $19,323 – $23,445 | City: NA /Highway: NA |
Source: cars.usnews.com
Related: Ford EcoSport Beeping? (6 Causes & Solutions)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/ecosport
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/ford/ecosport
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Ecosport/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/tsb/ford/ecosport/
https://www.edmunds.com/ford/ecosport/
https://www.kbb.com/ford/ecosport/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/ford/ecosport
