The 2022 Ford EcoSport is slated to be the last of its line. The plans to discontinue the Ford EcoSport largely stem from corporate decisions. However, the EcoSport hasn’t been a hit with consumers or critics. In fact, both Consumer Reports and Car and Driver have given this last iteration of the EcoSport scathing reviews.
What Car and Driver thought about the 2022 Ford Ecosport
2022 Ford Ecosport | Ford Media Center
Despite Ford’s reputation for manufacturing quality vehicles, the EcoSport falls short. That’s the opinion of Car and Driver, whose reviewers listed only its standard AWD and one-ton two rating as its positives. However, they savaged the EcoSport for its performance, fuel efficiency, styling, price, cabin noise, and a host of other factors.
The EcoSport suffers most when compared to other models in its segment. The 220 edition comes with a 123 hp generating three-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s very underpowered compared to others in its class, and its fuel efficiency is also below average. It gets 23/29 mpg city/highway, which is less than competitors like the Nissan Rogue or Hyundai Kona. And with a starting MSRP of $23,335, it’s not only more expensive than some other competitors, but it’s also nearly $1600 more expensive than last year’s model.
The extra expense wouldn’t be so bad if the EcoSport had more going for it inside. But the cabin materials feel cheap and underwhelming. It’s also not the most spacious option on the market. Equipment, luggage, and cargo haulers would be better equipped with a Rogue Sport or Honda HR-V. However, budget-conscious shoppers looking for decent interior tech are out of luck, as the base model comes with just Bluetooth integration.
Consumer Reports’ assessment was just as bad
Dead, In The US: Ford EcoSport https://t.co/l5LVUisT7M pic.twitter.com/VBXpDrV1Mj
— Jalopnik (@Jalopnik) September 10, 2021
The EcoSport fared no better with Consumer Reports’ reviewers, earning an abysmal 45 out of 100 on its overall score. Consumer Reports took issue with everything from its speed to its predicted reliability. It earned a 61 on its road test, with testers faulting its acceleration and fuel economy. The EcoSport takes 10.7 seconds to hit 60 mph with the more powerful, but still underpowered, 166 hp four-cylinder, and its fuel economy lags the average.
Consumer Reports also took issue with the road noise and loud engine, which grows louder when you downshift. They were more favorable to the cabin’s stylings, though they did note that the steering wheel looked cheap. But they, like Car and Driver, took issue with the cabin space, particularly in the back seat. The EcoSport does no favors to tall backseat passengers, so prospective buyers should consider intended usage before purchasing.
The EcoSport also scored an awful 2 out of 5 on predicted reliability, driven by past models’ problems with the drive and brake systems, exhaust, trim, power equipment, and interior tech. So, perhaps unsurprisingly, the car scored a 1 out of 5 on predicted owner satisfaction, with Consumer Reports believing owners will struggle to appreciate the SUV’s performance, comfort, and styling, in particular.
Was there anything either publication liked about the EcoSport?
Ford EcoSport quits the U.S. market in 2022: https://t.co/PSjzIrRSUA pic.twitter.com/Nv9JFatINP
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) September 11, 2021
Despite the harsh reviews, Car and Driver appreciated the standard AWD and above-average towing capacity. However, overall, the reviewers still felt the EcoSport was a hard pass.
Consumer Reports offered more praise for its agile handling, driver/passenger access, and ease of use of its interior tech. In fact, Consumer Reports found the EcoSport’s handling to be a high point for the vehicle, with precise cornering and engaging steering.
And @FordIndia introduces the EcoSport SE, a variant with lots of toys including a sunroof but without the spare wheel for ₹10.49 lakh pic.twitter.com/u9VEb52GCW
— Kushan Mitra (@kushanmitra) March 10, 2021
This characteristic might make it ideal for parents to buy their teenage driver one as a first vehicle. However, Consumer Reports also later noted that neither forward-collision warning nor automatic emergency braking is available with any trim or as an option. Given that these features are standard with most, if not all, of the EcoSport’s competitors, their omission, even as an option, is bizarre.
Unfortunately, the EcoSport seems to be going out on a low note. But that might be for the best. Hopefully, Ford learns from its EcoSport missteps and factors in feedback when designing next-generation hybrids and EVs.
Keyword: 2022 Ford EcoSport Leaves Not With a Bang but a Whimper, According to Car and Driver and Consumer Reports