Ford EcoSport review - Engines, drive & performance (2014-2023)

Driver enjoyment is a quality we’ve come to expect from Fords, but the EcoSport is a disappointment. Precise steering is a good start, but you soon realise it feels too light and doesn't communicate what the front wheels are doing. You can actually corner fairly quickly thanks to strong grip from the tyres, but don't expect it to drive like a bigger version of the Fiesta – it feels noticeably taller and leans in corners a lot more as a result.

This is the trade-off made for the EcoSport’s high SUV seating position and raised body – but most rivals feel less compromised. Most have a more comfortable ride, too. The EcoSport's ride is pretty firm and bumps and potholes are very noticeable inside, while noise levels from the tyres and wind as it passes over the windscreen and mirrors are rather high.

The EcoSport will be particularly disappointing if you compare it with the new Puma, as the latter is one of the very best-driving small SUVs.

Petrol engines

Ford's award-winning 123bhp 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is the petrol version to go for, as it has a good turn of speed, taking 11 seconds to go from 0-62mph, compared to nearly 12 seconds for the 99bhp model. The 138bhp version trims almost a second from that time, reducing it to 10.2 seconds, but doesn't feel much faster. We suggest sticking with the mid-range model.

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Ford EcoSport diesel engines

Diesel engines are no longer available for the EcoSport. When offered, the cheapest diesel in the range was the 99bhp 1.5-litre EcoBlue engine, with a 0-62mph time of 13.6 seconds. That is undoubtedly slow but it had more pulling power lower in the rev range than the petrols. It feels perky when pulling away but the acceleration tails off very quickly. The 123bhp version was only available with four-wheel drive, getting from 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds.