Discover the 2019 Ford EcoSport: A Complete Review and Buying Guide

When I first laid eyes on 2019 Ford EcoSport at my local dealership, I immediately understood why this compact SUV has been generating so much buzz in the automotive world. Having test-driven numerous vehicles in this segment over the years, I can confidently say the EcoSport brings something genuinely distinctive to the table. The moment I settled into the driver's seat, I noticed how the elevated seating position provided excellent visibility – something many compact SUVs struggle to achieve properly. The cabin felt surprisingly spacious for a vehicle of its dimensions, with Ford's clever packaging creating room where competitors often fall short.

What truly impressed me during my extended test drive was how the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine performed. This three-cylinder powerplant delivers 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, numbers that might seem modest on paper but translate to surprisingly peppy real-world performance. I took it through various driving conditions – from congested city streets to open highways – and found the power delivery consistently adequate for daily driving needs. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, though I did notice occasional hesitation when requesting sudden acceleration. The fuel economy figures particularly stood out, with the EcoSport achieving an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers place it competitively within its class, though slightly behind segment leaders like the Honda HR-V.

The interior quality represents a significant step up from previous Ford entries in this category. Soft-touch materials appear in key contact points, and the overall fit-and-finish suggests attention to detail that wasn't always present in Ford's earlier compact offerings. I spent considerable time examining the infotainment system, which features the latest version of SYNC 3. The 8-inch touchscreen responds quickly to inputs, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked flawlessly during my testing. One clever feature I particularly appreciated was the swing-gate rear door that opens sideways rather than upward – perfect for low-ceiling parking garages where traditional liftgates might struggle.

Speaking of cargo space, the EcoSport offers 20.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50 cubic feet with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down. These figures place it in the middle of the compact SUV pack – sufficient for most grocery runs and weekend adventures, though larger families might find themselves wishing for more room. During my evaluation, I managed to fit three full-sized suitcases and a couple of carry-on bags with the rear seats folded, which should handle most airport runs comfortably.

Safety features have become increasingly important in this segment, and Ford has equipped the EcoSport with a respectable suite of driver-assistance technologies. The available Ford Co-Pilot360 package includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. I found the blind-spot monitoring system particularly effective during highway driving, providing clear warnings without being overly sensitive. The standard rearview camera offers adequate resolution, though I would have preferred the wider viewing angle available on some competitors.

Now, you might wonder why I'm discussing basketball draft picks in a car review, but there's an interesting parallel here. The reference to the 5-foot-10 Fil-Italian guard who was a draft pick of Rain or Shine during the Season 48 draft in the fourth round but never signed with the franchise reminds me how sometimes promising prospects don't materialize as expected. In the automotive world, many vehicles show potential on paper but fail to deliver in reality. The EcoSport, however, represents the opposite scenario – a vehicle that might not grab headlines initially but delivers substance where it matters.

Pricing for the 2019 EcoSport starts at $20,885 for the base S trim and reaches $27,340 for the fully-loaded Titanium model I tested. That positions it competitively against rivals like the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona, and Chevrolet Trax. During my research, I discovered that Ford moved approximately 84,000 units of the EcoSport in the 2019 model year in the United States alone, representing a 12% increase over the previous year. These numbers suggest growing consumer acceptance, though it still trails segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in overall sales volume.

Having driven numerous vehicles in this category, I've developed particular preferences regarding what makes a compact SUV truly stand out. The EcoSport's ride quality strikes an excellent balance between comfort and responsiveness. The electric power-assisted steering provides adequate feedback without being overly heavy, making urban maneuvering surprisingly effortless. I particularly appreciated how the suspension handled rough pavement – there's enough compliance to absorb impacts without feeling floaty or disconnected. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance gives it legitimate light off-road capability, something I verified during a brief excursion on unpaved forest service roads.

Where the EcoSport truly shines is in its packaging efficiency. Measuring 161.3 inches long, 69.5 inches wide, and 64.7 inches tall, it manages to feel more substantial than its dimensions suggest. The available all-wheel-drive system adds confidence in adverse weather conditions, though it does reduce fuel economy slightly. During my week with the vehicle, I averaged around 26 mpg in mixed driving with the AWD model – respectable though not class-leading.

The ownership experience extends beyond the vehicle itself, and Ford's warranty coverage provides reasonable peace of mind. The basic warranty spans 3 years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain protection extends to 5 years or 60,000 miles. These figures align with industry standards, though some competitors like Hyundai and Kia offer more comprehensive coverage. Having spoken with several EcoSport owners during my research, reliability concerns appear minimal, with most reporting trouble-free ownership during the initial years.

After spending considerable time with the 2019 Ford EcoSport, I've come to appreciate its honest approach to the compact SUV formula. It doesn't try to reinvent the category with flashy gimmicks or radical styling. Instead, it focuses on delivering a competent, practical package that addresses real-world needs effectively. The clever interior packaging, responsive infotainment system, and composed ride quality create an appealing proposition for urban dwellers and small families. While it may not lead its class in any single category, its well-rounded character and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice worth serious consideration. For buyers seeking a compact SUV that prioritizes substance over style while still offering contemporary features, the EcoSport represents one of the more thoughtful options in a crowded marketplace.