It’s one of the most affordable vehicles in the Ford lineup - and outside it, too. The 2021 Ford EcoSport is an easy choice for anyone looking for a quality vehicle at a great, low price. However, a good car is about more than affordability; it’s about everyday practicality, excellent tech features, a comfortable cabin, and more. Thankfully, in all of these areas, the 2021 Ford EcoSport definitely delivers. It's fun and youthful looks, matched with peppy performance and ergonomic cabin, make it a new favorite of adventurous drivers who don’t need the extra heft (and price tag) of opting into a larger sports utility vehicle.
While it may be easy to fall for the aerodynamic, sleek, and compact look of the new EcoSport, alongside its many vibrant color options, there’s plenty more to know about this vehicle. The more you know when you shop for automobiles, the more likely you are to get all the features you want and walk away satisfied. Here are the key features that any car shopper should look for in the 2021 EcoSport, including a breakdown of the various trim packages and advice on where to get the best deal on this excellent subcompact SUV.
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Compact and lightweight, the 2021 EcoSport feels agile and steers like a dream, even in crowded streets and parking lots. Its sporty performance goes beyond the name - just look at its outstanding handling, tight turn radius, and available 4-cylinder engine connected to a smooth, 6-speed transmission. It’s not the fastest car on the road, but that’s also not what it was designed to do. Rather, you get smooth, reliable, and agile city driving, alongside other bonuses like a surprising tow capacity of 2,000 pounds. In other words, the 2021 EcoSport can actually pull a trailer beyond its own size.
Intelligent four-wheel drive is one of the most talked-about features of the EcoSport. This outstanding drivetrain is engineered to give your EcoSport ultimate traction and grip, even on hazardous roads, while also giving drivers stability and confidence to go a little off the beaten path. Take your new EcoSport wherever your heart desires and let the intelligent four-wheel drive help keep you in control of the road. Four-wheel drive is standard in the SES trim of the 2021 EcoSport but is an available upgrade for other trims.
The cabin is one of the areas where the 2021 EcoSport really shines. While many SUVs can be polarizing due to their seating positions and driving perspective, the new EcoSport has a tall, lifted seating position that alleviates these woes. Driving in the captain’s seat feels satisfying, and views out of every window and front windshield capture excellent viewpoints of your surroundings. Those who avoid sedans because of their low-slung seating or avoid trucks for their high perch that feels ungainly will appreciate that the EcoSport is engineered for a balanced feel that can satisfy any driver.
New in 2021 is an appearance package that includes several new customization features, including a blacked-out interior that feels sophisticated and smart, as well as copper trim accents in the SES trim. The SE Appearance Package offers 17” shadow silver aluminum wheels that look sleek and sophisticated, alongside a redesigned interior centered around a distinctive orange instrument panel. The SE Appearance Package also offers fine copper accents that illuminate throughout the cabin. Overlander decals, meanwhile, add a touch of detail that’s sure to impress.
The SE Convenience Package adds numerous features, including an upgraded, 7-speaker sound system and a 110-volt outlet that’s convenient for charging any devices on the go. No more need to buy “car chargers” that only work in USB or cigarette lighter outlets. Upgrade to the Titanium edition of the 2021 EcoSport for sleek and contemporary seating that’s redesigned with a cool aesthetic. You also get faux-leather ActiveX seating that, despite not being genuine leather, actually offers more durability, better stain resistance, and less temperature discomfort - and at a lower price than genuine leather would be, too. Best of all, ActiveX seating looks just like genuine, quality leather.
Other optional features for the EcoSport’s interior include a button-powered, expansive moonroof, LED ambient lighting that sets a calm and stylish vibe, and an available cargo management system that optimizes your EcoSport for carrying luggage, work supplies, sporting equipment, and more. Cargo management features like the adjustable rear load floor and cargo organizer sets are ideal for those who would love to pack up their EcoSport and get moving. There’s plenty of interior cargo space to enjoy, including a climate-controlled glove box for your most sensitive cargo, in addition to ample legroom and headroom for up to 4 additional passengers. Select your EcoSport with the rear swing gate for easier access to cargo and fewer bumps in the head.
We’ve already covered some of the smart features that make the 2021 Ford EcoSport more convenient and powerful than ever. However, there’s even more to love about this SUV, including its smart infotainment device, located directly on the center console. There are two available systems, the top offering being the SYNC 3 system: an 8.0-inch crisp, color touchscreen that provides all your infotainment needs. SYNC 3 is your resource for connecting your smartphone to access music, podcasts, audiobooks, contacts, messages, and more - all with a touch of your fingertips. Every version is Bluetooth compatible, so you can easily connect and stream your favorite audio or even get notifications as you drive.
SYNC 3 is also voice-activated, so you can keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel and still cycle through your media device with ease. Add available navigation features to access your favorite destinations, get real-time traffic information, and even search for restaurants and other locations. However, you can also use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to access your favorite smartphone navigation apps, like Apple Maps, to get simple guided navigation, locate parks and gas stations, and more.
Even better, the SYNC 3 device is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, so you can ask questions directly to Alexa and get fast responses from anywhere. Control smart home devices, control the infotainment device, and even shop Amazon from the comfort of your vehicle. Did you drive by a product or store that stands out to you? Interact with Alexa to add must-have products right to your shopping cart. Finally, Ford and Waze have partnered to give you navigation, traffic, and road hazard alerts right from your infotainment screen; simply access the Waze app on your smartphone and sync to the device.
As for safety technology in the 2021 Ford EcoSport, there’s so much to love and appreciate. Ford Co-Pilot360, the available suite of smart, active safety features in every Ford vehicle, is the perfect addition to any 2021 EcoSport. These smart features help prevent collisions, enable relaxed driving, and improve driving performance by interacting with various mechanical and tech components of your vehicle.
Start with the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which detects vehicles in your blind spot and alerts you of any vehicles beside you; no more twisting and craning your neck to check your surroundings. Meanwhile, Cross-Traffic Alert can detect oncoming traffic behind your vehicle when pulling out of a parking spot or driveway. Combined with the Reverse Sensing System, which detects and alerts you to objects behind the EcoSport, you can back up with total peace of mind.
As for driving support, Hill Start Assist is a smart feature that helps you stay safe on sharp inclines. Easily transition between the brake and gas pedals without rolling, and even accelerate more smoothly without the need to pump the gas pedal to gain forward momentum. With so many safety features at your fingertips, it’s easy to see why the 2021 Ford EcoSport has already earned a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.