Performance and Driving Impressions

From Car and Driver

Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:

Despite its flawed dynamics, the EcoSport has redemptive qualities that even qualify as fun-at times. To be clear, it drives much better at slower speeds. The Ford felt athletic and quick (enough) slicing through busy streets, but its vague steering and noisy ride diminished the experience.

Acceleration

Having driven the front-drive (123-hp turbo three-cylinder) and all-wheel-drive (166-hp inline-four) EcoSports, we’ve confirmed that straight-line acceleration is not a strong point. Still, both engines felt peppy leaving stoplights and at city speeds. There are certainly quicker methods for highway travel, but at least the six-speed automatic transmission avoided the annoying drone found on competitors equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Test Results: Acceleration

Ride, Handling, and Steering

While its ride wasn’t isolated from noisy surfaces, the softly sprung suspension on our Titanium test vehicle effectively isolated the impacts. Likewise, it didn’t bounce on bumpy surfaces. Too bad the spongy shocks and top-heavy demeanor led to unruly body motions. These effects were amplified at higher speeds, but they were not bothersome in busy streets, where the EcoSport had lively handling. In our maximum-cornering test, the front- and all-wheel-drive versions produced nearly identical results. But the Hyundai Kona was the most impressive of the bunch, at 0.88 g. The EcoSport also suffers from numb steering that is neither accurate nor direct. This decreases the driver engagement but doesn’t make the pint-size crossover uncomfortable or uncontrollable.

Test Results: Maximum Cornering Capability

Braking

The brake pedal on our front-drive EcoSport Titanium never felt firm, but it had consistent feedback. It needed 174 feet to stop in our emergency-braking test, which was merely average. The heavier all-wheel-drive version had the longest stopping distance among these rivals at 182 feet.

Test Results: Maximum Braking Capability

Test Results: Curb Weight and Weight Distribution

You Might Also Like

• Unclogging Streets Could Help City Dwellers Save 125 Hours a Year

• The 10 Cheapest New Cars of 2018

• Get Out Early, Get In Late: What to Know About Auto Lease Transfers