There are some small SUVs available that are stronger and more agile than they appear. They may seem tiny, but they offer fierce performances, impressive capabilities, and cabins equipped with just the right amount of features to quench your desire for comfort, technology, and connectivity. We're sure there's more than just one subcompact SUV that fits that description, but there's only one model that comes to our minds from a brand we know you can count on: the Ford EcoSport. You'll have four trims to choose from to find the perfect combination of features for you, your lifestyle, and your budget, but for the most practical option with the best value, the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE is the way to go.
The mid-level EcoSport SE is a step up from the base S model and is stationed below the two top-level trims: the SES and Titanium. While all of the 2022 Ford EcoSport models share the same powertrain and distinctive elevated design, with minimal changes between trims, what makes the SE model the ideal choice are the additional features you'll find inside the cabin without a significant increase in price. For a better understanding of why you should consider the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE over other subcompact SUVs, let's take a look at what we enjoy most about this fun-size SUV.
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For being just a step above the base model, the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE trim sure has plenty to offer. Similar to the base S model, the EcoSport SE focuses on providing drivers with basics for their automotive needs. However, the SE adds a number of comfort and convenience amenities, as well as technology and connectivity features to better accommodate its passengers.
As a subcompact SUV, the 2022 Ford EcoSport doesn't have as much room to spare compared to larger midsize or full-size SUVs, but for a small-scale model, there's still plenty of room to seat five people with 91.1 cu.ft. of interior passenger space. Inside the cabin, the passenger volume allows you and whomever you let ride in the front seat with you to have a total of 42.9 in of leg room to stretch your legs in on long commutes, while the back seat passengers will have a total of 36.7 in.
When you are not bringing passengers with you, the flexible 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks give you enough room behind the front seat for 50 cu.ft. of storage space for whatever you need to pick up, transport, or bring along for the ride. Even if the back seats are occupied, in the designated cargo area alone, there are 20.9 cu.ft. of storage space. And when you upgrade to the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE, the Cargo Management System with an adjustable shelf comes standard so you can fit as much stuff in the back as possible in an organized manner.
Opting for the mid-level SE model gets you more than just an organized cabin. An Electronic Automatic Climate Control System replaces the single-zone manual system found in the base S model, with heated front seats as a bonus for the cooler weather. Leveling up to the EcoSport SE also gets you fancier carpeted floor mats for both rows, a touch of leather on the steering wheel and gear shifter, the option to add ambient interior lighting, and map pockets behind the front seats.
But one of the best upgrades to the SE from the base model is the standard power moonroof with sunshade because who doesn't enjoy the feeling of the warm sun tamed by the cool summer breeze through an open-top vehicle? With all of these additions on top of the EcoSport's standard acoustic laminated windshield to help drown out unwanted road noise and privacy glass windows throughout the back of the SUV, including the swing gate window, the SE trim boasts practical refinement.
We spend so much time in our vehicles each day. That used to mean that we had to give up time with the people we care about and miss out on doing the things we enjoy, like listening to our favorite music. Not anymore. Those days are gone, and even just being one trim above the base model, the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE is equipped to keep you and your passengers entertained and connected no matter where you are headed or how far you end up traveling.
Opting for the EcoSport SE upgrades the basic features with more technical equipment for a greater experience. The 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen infotainment center that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility replaces the lesser SYNC system and 4.2-inch display found in the base S model. The SE is even available with a voice-activated Navigation System. However, both models come with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot with FordPass Connect, allowing up to ten devices to connect to it at once, from up to 50 ft from the vehicle with the properly connected services and AT&T network availability.
The base S model might only be capable of AM/FM radio and streaming music with MP3s through the 6-speaker audio system, but leveling up to the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE with SYNC 3 also gives you SiriusXM satellite radio. You can also upgrade the audio system to seven speakers instead of six for better sound quality throughout the entire cabin. But as great as it is to have more advanced entertainment and connectivity features, more confidence on the road with added safety and driver-assistance technologies is what seals the deal.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology comes standard with every 2022 EcoSport and includes Hill Start Assist to keep your SUV from rolling back on an incline when you're switching from the brake to the accelerator pedal. Upgrading to the EcoSport SE gives you added confidence on every drive with the available SE Convenience Package. Among other features, this adds BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert to warn you when a vehicle's in your blind spot on the highway or approaching from behind while you're in reverse. This package is also how you can obtain the voice-activated navigation, 7-speaker audio system, and ambient lighting previously mentioned. Affordability has never been so accommodating.
Due to its small size, the 2022 Ford EcoSport is an agile SUV that can maneuver through the streets and parking lots of Shelbyville. No matter which trim you choose, they all share the same powertrain. New for 2022, that powertrain includes standard AWD. Even if you decide on the mid-level EcoSport SE model to save yourself a few dollars, you'll still benefit from great fuel economy, impressive handling and maneuverability, and top-notch towing capabilities.
With a 166 hp 4-cylinder engine, the 2022 Ford EcoSport SE is estimated to get 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, for an estimated 25 MPG combined. This is reasonable considering its 149 lb-ft of torque can tow more than most in its class—up to 2,000 lbs. For a fun-size SUV, that's impressive. However, the EcoSport's engine power is useful for more than just towing. Paired with Intelligent 4WD with torque vectoring and additional traction control from AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Electric Power-Assisted Steering, you can take your EcoSport almost anywhere in any weather.
Since AWD uses more fuel, Ford's system automatically distributes the power to the front wheels for the best fuel economy in good weather, but when slippage is detected, the system initiates torque vectoring to send power where it's needed, keeping you moving in the direction you intended. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control assists you in controlling your EcoSport with increased handling, stability, traction, and stopping power from braking, torque, and throttle adjustments when the system detects a correction is needed. Plus, with Electric Power-Assisted Steering to detect and assist you in steering, you can take your adventures wherever and whenever with confidence knowing your 2022 Ford EcoSport SE has your back.