Ford EcoSport Review: Features, Problems & Buying Guide

Introduction

The Ford EcoSport is a compact crossover that became the successor to the five-door Ford Fusion, which was produced from 2002 to 2012. The model appeared on the global market in 2012 and quickly gained popularity among fans of compact urban crossovers. Essentially, the EcoSport represents a raised version of the Fiesta, as evidenced directly by the Fiesta interior. The engines and transmissions are familiar from Focus and Mondeo models, which ensures good predictability in the behavior of the main components.

Design Features

The Ford EcoSport has an important design feature — the manufacturer increased the warranty against corrosion perforation from the global standard of six years to twelve years. This means that the car's body has a high degree of protection, which positively affects the durability and appearance of the vehicle throughout its entire service life.

The model is available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive version is equipped with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch, similar to that installed on the larger Ford Kuga crossover. For all-wheel drive versions, the rear suspension is designed with a multi-link scheme, while front-wheel drive versions are equipped with a conventional semi-independent suspension.

An interesting design element is the side-opening tailgate door, which is somewhat unusual for modern crossovers. This solution has both advantages (loading capability with limited space behind) and disadvantages (requires more space on the side for full opening).

Engines and Transmissions

1.6 Duratec Gasoline Engine (122 hp)

Most Ford EcoSports are equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 122 horsepower from the Duratec series. This sixteen-valve aluminum naturally aspirated engine with belt-driven timing and dual variable valve timing system is considered the leader among all Ford units in terms of reliability and unpretentiousness. Based on operating experience with other Ford models, this engine easily covers up to 300,000 km without major repairs, making it an excellent choice for long-term ownership.

Two types of transmissions can be installed with the 1.6 engine: a five-speed manual transmission and a six-speed PowerShift robot with two dry clutches. It's important to note that only front-wheel drive is possible with the 1.6 engine — all-wheel drive transmission is not provided for this engine in the design.

2.0 Duratec Gasoline Engine (140 hp)

The two-liter gasoline engine producing 140 horsepower is a rarer option on the secondary market. This engine works exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

When choosing a version with this engine, several features should be considered. Individual ignition coils and wires may malfunction. The intake manifold flap valve may stick, the sign of which is when the engine seems to "sour" after 3000 rpm and doesn't deliver full power. Periodic throttle body cleaning is required every 50-60 thousand kilometers. After 80-100 thousand kilometers of mileage, it's necessary to inspect the spark plug wells and tighten the valve cover or replace the gasket if oil is found. After 100-150 thousand kilometers, the condition of the dual-mass flywheel should be monitored.

Transmissions

IB5/IB6 Manual Transmission

The IB series manual transmission is installed on both 1.6 and 2.0-liter engines. This unit, jointly produced by Ford and Getrag companies (factory in Bordeaux, France), has several operational features. After 100-150 thousand kilometers of mileage, drive seal replacement may be required. Under increased loads, wear of the differential satellite axis is possible. After 100 thousand kilometers, attention should be paid to the condition of the input shaft bearing.

With proper operation and timely maintenance, the manual transmission ensures long and reliable operation.

PowerShift Robotic Transmission

The six-speed PowerShift robot, which Ford developed jointly with Getrag (index 6DCT250), is equipped with two dry clutches. In design, it resembles the Volkswagen DSG transmission but differs in having fewer problems and malfunctions.

Since 2012, the robot has been constantly modernized: it received a new control unit, new input shaft seal, the clutch disc material was changed, new forks and release bearing appeared. Unlike the Volkswagen DSG transmission, all actuating mechanisms in the Ford PowerShift are not hydraulic but electromechanical, which positively affects reliability.

The only recommendation for operation is not to hold the car in place with brakes for long periods when the transmission selector is in the D position. In this mode, the clutch often slips and may overheat.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive versions of the Ford EcoSport use an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch that engages the rear axle when necessary. The clutch can be forcibly locked with a button on the center console, and the 4WD all-wheel drive mode doesn't disengage with increasing speed.

There's no need to fear clutch overheating and sudden disconnection of the rear wheels, since the EcoSport's clutch is taken from the heavier and larger Ford Kuga crossover, which provides a safety margin.

All-wheel drive versions differ with multi-link rear suspension instead of semi-independent, slightly stiffer springs and shock absorbers compared to front-wheel drive versions, and transverse exhaust system placement, which somewhat limits geometric ground clearance.

Interior and Comfort

The Ford EcoSport interior is essentially borrowed from the Fiesta model, which ensures decent ergonomics and functionality. The front panel has an attractive design with logically positioned control elements.

Depending on the trim level, the car can be equipped with climate control, a multimedia system with touchscreen, keyless entry system, heated front seats, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

A distinctive feature of the Ford EcoSport interior is the vertical placement of the central multimedia system display, which is unusual for modern cars but provides good information readability.

Trunk and Practicality

A distinctive feature of the Ford EcoSport is the side-opening trunk door, which requires additional space on the side when parking. The trunk volume is 333 liters, which is an average indicator for compact crossovers. With the rear seats folded, the volume increases to 1238 liters.

The trunk includes hooks for bags and loops for cargo securing, which increases practical usability. Under the trunk floor is a **full-size spare wheel** — a rarity for modern crossovers, where a temporary spare or repair kit is more commonly installed.

Features and Ownership Nuances

Body and Exterior

Uneven gaps between body panels, particularly between bumpers and fenders, are not always a sign of a damaged car. Even owners who picked up new cars from dealerships complained about this defect.

The left rear light on the tailgate door is disposable, meaning it cannot be removed without damaging the mounting. Consider this if any body repair of the fifth door is planned. If you find traces of light replacement on a used example, this may indicate that the car was in an accident.

Headlights that fog up from time to time should not be considered a design defect according to the manufacturer. This is a normal condensation phenomenon, although sometimes several days are required for fogged areas to dry.

In cars produced before March 2016, exterior mirrors could crack without visible cause. The reason was too small a gap between the mirror element and the mirror housing itself. The manufacturer acknowledged this defect, and the supplier made necessary design changes.

Curved trim elements, particularly bubbles on front pillar covers, were a problem for EcoSports produced before the end of 2015. The manufacturer then modernized the mounting, and such defects became a thing of the past.

Suspension and Chassis

The most common problem in EcoSport suspension is rapid wear of stabilizer bar links. They can fail at 10,000 km mileage. The problem manifests itself with knocking sounds when driving over bumps. Starting in 2016, EcoSports began installing modernized stabilizer bar links, which solved this problem.

For front-wheel drive versions, the lowest point is the rear beam, with 188 mm of ground clearance beneath it. For all-wheel drive versions, it's the exhaust system resonator, with 183 mm beneath it.

Electronics

At the end of 2016, Ford recalled all sold EcoSports due to a factory defect. The crossover was vulnerable to theft under certain conditions — the lock simply didn't work because an error occurred in information exchange between electronic modules. Before purchasing a car produced before April 13, 2016, it's better to ask the owner if they went to service for electronics reprogramming.

Trim Levels and Equipment

Ford EcoSport is offered in several trim levels with different equipment levels.

Trend

The base trim level includes air conditioning, audio system with 6 speakers, electric and heated mirrors, power windows for all doors, ABS and ESP systems, two airbags, and central locking with remote control.

Titanium

The mid-level trim additionally features climate control, multimedia system with 8-inch touchscreen, alloy wheels, parking sensors, keyless entry system, side airbags, and cruise control.

Titanium Plus

The top trim level offers leather seat upholstery, rearview camera, navigation system, automatic headlights and wipers, extended electronic assistance package, and in some versions, a panoramic roof.

Comparison with Competitors

Ford EcoSport competes with models such as Renault Captur, Opel Mokka, Hyundai Creta, Kia Soul, and Peugeot 2008.

Compared to competitors, EcoSport stands out with all-wheel drive availability (absent in most competitors), side-opening trunk door (unique feature in the class), good geometric ground clearance, and reliable 1.6-liter engine.

Cost of Ownership

Service Intervals

Ford EcoSport requires regular technical maintenance every 15,000 kilometers or once a year (whichever comes first). Basic operations include engine oil and oil filter replacement, checking and replacing air and cabin filters as necessary, chassis diagnostics, and brake system inspection.

Additional service work is performed every 60,000 km (coolant replacement), every 100,000 km (timing belt replacement for 1.6 engine), and for the 2.0 engine, **throttle body cleaning is required every 50-60 thousand km**.

Conclusion

Ford EcoSport is an interesting representative of the compact crossover class that stands out from competitors with all-wheel drive availability, side-opening trunk door, and decent ground clearance. The model is built on proven components and units familiar from other Ford models such as Fiesta, Focus, and even the larger Mondeo.

Thanks to the fact that EcoSport appeared on the global market back in 2012, by the time of its debut in many markets, there was no talk of any obvious "teething problems." Most shortcomings were eliminated during the 2015-2016 modernizations.

When choosing a used EcoSport, it's recommended to pay attention to the condition of stabilizer bar links, availability of software updates for models before April 2016, condition of the PowerShift robotic transmission (if choosing a version with this type of transmission), uniformity of gaps between body panels, and condition of interior trim elements.

Overall, Ford EcoSport can be recommended for those looking for a compact but capable crossover with reliable components and decent comfort level. The version with 1.6 engine and manual transmission looks particularly attractive, providing optimal balance between dynamics, reliability, and economy.

Ford EcoSport is a car that can boast solid remaining service life even on the secondary market, especially if the previous owner maintained the technical condition and performed timely maintenance. And remember, the main thing is to make the right choice!

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