The newest addition to Ford’s crossover stable is the wee EcoSport, which slots in below the popular Escape to do battle with the likes of the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3. Although it won’t go on sale for several more months, we now know how much the EcoSport?pronounced like “echo,” not like “EcoBoost”?will cost. Its $20,990 starting price is among the lowest in its class, undercutting automatic-transmission versions of the Honda and the Jeep Renegade.
The base EcoSport is the S, which is powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that sends 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. Spend an extra $1500 for all-wheel drive and you also get upgraded to a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 167 horsepower and 149 lb-ft. EPA fuel-economy ratings aren’t yet available, although both engines come with auto stop-start technology. Other standard features for the S include a backup camera, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and a 4.2-inch central display screen. The S is the only EcoSport to which you can add a tailgate-mounted spare tire for $185, if you’re into that old-school SUV sort of look.
At $23,900, the EcoSport SE is one step up from the S and brings features including a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay...