Ford has an exciting lineup this year, which includes the 2020 Ford EcoSport. Now in its third year of production, Ford continues to update this economical subcompact sport utility vehicle. There’s new tech in the cabin this year, joining a stellar infotainment system, along with the maneuverability, spacious cargo area, all-wheel drive option, smartphone connectivity, and more. In this preview guide, we explore what’s new this year and what’s been great all along.
What’s New for 2020?
The fairly new EcoSport was not revolutionized this year. But the Ford SUV did get plenty of new tech for your convenience. These quality-of-life improvements include an 8-inch touchscreen, 1.5 inches larger than its predecessor, is now standard on the SE trim. Meanwhile, the FordPass Connect is standard on every trim level. This technology suite includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and an app for your phone that allows you to unlock your vehicle with just a smartphone.
One of the best things about owning a subcompact is how nimble it is on the road. That exact quality makes the Ford EcoSport great for city driving. While you’ll never confuse the EcoSport for a dedicated off-roader, this nimble ride is a master of its own domain. Watch as it carves its way through crowded streets, flips a tight U-turn, and slips into tight parking spots.
Another hallmark of the subcompact SUV class is their affordability. If you don’t need to seat more than four or five, this is an attractive option. You still get the height and look of an SUV without the bulk and poor fuel economy. The 2020 Ford EcoSport starts at just $20,485. For that price, you get standard features that include SYNC infotainment interface, 4.2-inch display, two USB ports, and six-speaker audio system, along with cloth upholstery, four-way manually adjustable front seats, Wi-Fi hotspot, MyKey driver system, and rearview camera.
For a couple of thousand more, you can get the EcoSport SE, which we recommend. With this trim level, you add heated front seats, six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic climate control, moonroof, and push-button start. And that’s just the hardware. The SE trim also offers the SYNC 3 interface, 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, keyless entry, satellite radio, fog lights, and rear parking sensors.
And the SYNC 3 interface is worth the extra price tag because this infotainment system is one of the best in the industry. Owners like its quick response and intuitive layout. The 8-inch touchscreen is high-definition, so you can look at a navigation display or start your favorite song at a glance. If you go up one more trim level, you can add the optional B&O audio system, which outpaces our expectations for this class.