From biggest to smallest: Expedition, Explorer, Edge, Escape and, finally, EcoSport. There have been rumors that Ford may exit the mass-market sedan game altogether (but we find this doubtful) and specialize in only high-margin vehicles. So, what are you going to sell to someone who likes their Fiesta? How about the EcoSport? The diminutive SUV seems small on the outside but is relatively spacious for the passengers on the inside. The high roofline tricks you into thinking you are piloting something bigger. Parked next to my wife’s Escape, I could see a distinct difference from the outside, but the passenger compartment isn’t significantly smaller. But there isn’t much space in the cargo area. You’ll be able to put some groceries back there and that’s about it. Or flip the rear seats down if you are hauling a lot of cargo. Speaking of hauling, the Lilliputian SUV can tow 2,000 pounds. No, it ain’t an F-150, but that is a few motorcycles or a couple of jet skis. There is no other little SUV in the class that can tow that kind of weight. It gives me confidence in the Ford powertrain lasting a long time for regular driving without a hitch.
There are two choices for power: the fit-in-a-knapsack 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, or the more commonplace 2.0 direct-injection inline 4. My tester was the 2.0 I-4, but I have tried the 1.0 turbo in the Fiesta and it is a strong mill for the size. The EcoSport can be fitted with four-wheel drive. With its ability to tow, that makes it the ultimate city adventure mobile. Fuel economy with the bigger engine and four-wheel drive comes in around 25 MPG. Pretty good but nothing to brag about.