2021 Ford EcoSport

The 2021 EcoSport has four unique trim options: the S, SE, SES, and Titanium. The Ford EcoSport S features 16-inch alloy wheels and power windows. The EcoSport SE adds a sunroof. The EcoSport Titanium gets 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome exterior accents, while the SES gets heated exterior mirrors and unique black wheels.

The EcoSport offers your choice of two engines. The first is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that gets 123 horsepower. It comes standard on the S, SE, and Titanium trims and sends power to the front wheels. The SES comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gets 166 horsepower and sends power to all four wheels. This setup is an available option on the other three trims. Both engines are mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 EcoSport maneuvers well in tight city streets. Even with its compact stature that easily fits into the smallest parking spaces, the Ford EcoSport tows upwards of 2,000 pounds using its four-cylinder engine. The lighter three-cylinder pulls up to 1,400 pounds. The EcoSport provides satisfying feedback, reliable handling, and a quiet ride. Its advanced braking system feels firm and consistently stops promptly.

The base engine has an EPA-estimated fuel-efficiency rating of 27 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the second engine has a rating of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The EcoSport is well known for its functionality, but that doesn't mean it lacks fashion. Its spacious front and rear seats create a relaxing yet engaged driving position. In addition, there's much-needed legroom for passengers. Ford's designers went with supple leather on the steering wheel for a soft yet controllable grip. The seats are a combination of cloth and leather for ease of cleaning and comfort.

The EcoSport's competitive cargo space and storage options are its calling card. It's a useful yet compact travel companion with a few tricks up its sleeve. It holds several carry-on suitcases with its high-capacity rear storage area. The EcoSport offers many standard interior storage compartments and a large glovebox. A sealable vent sits just behind the glove box to provide a nicely climate-controlled space.

The Ford EcoSport S has a Ford SYNC infotainment system displayed on a 4.2-inch LCD, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a six-speaker audio system. The SE upgrades the 4.2-inch LCD into an 8-inch touch-screen display. For a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker stereo system with HD radio, check out the Titanium trim.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Ford EcoSport a four-star crash-test rating. It earned four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test. The new Ford is equipped with several driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear parking sensors, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.