New Model Review: The 2018 Ford EcoSport

If you walked around the new 2018 Ford EcoSport at the auto show and thought “that’s just a downsized Escape.” Think again! Based on consumer reactions after driving the EcoSport, Ford has a winner in the new mid-sized Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) class.

At the North American International Auto Show, I spotted the EcoSport. However, with the new Bullitt Mustang and Ford Ranger on-hand, my attention was distracted. Yes, I admit to being enamored with those products and overlooking the EcoSport. When I received the invitation to drive the new Ford SUV model I made a beeline to Lasco Ford.

Performance

The first thing you notice, power and performance. The available 2.0L Ti-VCT (GDI) engine is enhanced with Intelligent 4WD. Quick off the line and sporty in the turns. The low center of gravity gives the EcoSport the feel of a performance sedan instead of a bulky SUV. The standard 1.0L is no slouch either. Performance plus exceptional fuel economy. The 1.0L is outfitted with a turbocharger and direct injection. Again you have to drive it to appreciate the responsiveness.

Interior Room

You are not going to put a dozen suitcases in the back and hit the road with four adults. The passenger cab is roomy, my frame is 6 ft. plus. Patty, our car model, is just under that. The rear 60/40 bench seat folds down for additional space to carry loads. Two adults and three kids is the ideal seating arrangement. Four adults ride comfortably with plenty of rear-seat legroom. Headroom is not an issue. The pull-out rear luggage floor offers additional storage options and hidden security.

1 of 4

Styling

Exterior lines are clean and smooth. Interior design wastes no space and offers a sedan-like feel with standard appointments. 2018 Ford EcoSport configurations include four models, the “S”, “SE”, “SES”, and “Titanium.” Each provides design qualities for almost any taste and budget. The best design feature? The swing open rear door. It makes perfect sense, loading the rear of the vehicle is a breeze. Ford design engineers incorporated the rear door handle into the right rear tail lamp. So cool.

Technology

The 2018 Ford Ecosport is not short on high tech. Ford’s BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System), SYNC® 3 with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are available. Enhanced voice-recognition and an available 8-inch color LCD touchscreen make the driver’s interface easy and simple.

SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, on-screen navigation, SYNC® Connect and FordPass™ are all popular options to choose from. Convenient USB ports and a 110V outlet keep your devices charged and ready. Intelligent Access lets you can keep your fob in your pocket or purse. It’s cool to enter and start your EcoSport without a key. It even locks it behind you when you get out.

Lasco Ford’s Rent to Own Program Offers a Try it Before You Buy it Option

The new Ford EcoSport is a part of Lasco Ford’s rental car fleet. Rent one for a week and experience everything the new model has to offer. Cash in on special incentives for off-fleet vehicles.

Vice President Matt Lasco is excited about this new product. “We can now offer our customers an affordable step-up from the popular Focus. The EcoSport price point falls between the Focus and Fusion models. It is an ideal product for growing families. As well as seniors looking to down-size a little without giving up the styling and comforts of the Sedan or SUV models.”

Check out this video that details EcoSports features and benefits. Then head on down to the dealership and give one a go.  You can view the entire inventory of 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles currently in stock at Lasco Ford here.