Which used Ford EcoSport should you buy?

Older versions of the Ford EcoSport, made from 2014-2017, aren’t the most compelling purchases.

They felt dated even when new, and struggled to compete against a host of comfortable, cheaper to run small SUVs with more interesting and spacious interiors.

You can have the Ford EcoSport in manual or automatic form, and there are two key engines to be aware of. The rare 1.5-litre diesel model offers decent fuel economy on long trips, but the much more common 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol is our pick.

It’s punchy and fun to exploit, plus comes with 127PS or 142PS. Both are good, although the lower-powered model is often better value for money.

Revised models from 2017 onwards have a decent amount of technology, including smartphone connectivity, and are significantly better to drive than the earlier variants. 

Read our full Ford EcoSport review

What used Ford EcoSport trim levels are available?

The four main Ford EcoSport trims are Zetec, Titanium, ST-Line and Active, with Titanium and ST-Line the most widely available. Read on for guide to these specifications.

Ford EcoSport Zetec

The Ford EcoSport Zetec comes with a healthy array of standard equipment, despite its entry-level status. Highlights include:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED daytime running lights
• Electric heated door mirrors
• Foglights
• Heated windscreen
• Remote central locking
• 6.5-inch touchscreen media system
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• USB ports
• Voice controls
• Electric front windows

Ford EcoSport Titanium

The Ford EcoSport Titanium was the entry-level version on later models, where it was only offered with the 127PS 1.0-litre petrol engine and a manual gearbox. Some older models are available in different configurations. Among the key kit was:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Powered windows all-round
• Remote central locking
• Eight-inch touchscreen media system with sat-nav
• Smartphone connectivity
• Online services
• Cruise control
• Climate control
• Faux-leather trim
• Ambient lighting
• Leather steering wheel
• Reversing camera
• Parking sensors
• Automatic emergency braking
• Traffic sign recognition
• Intelligent speed limiter
• Hill-start assist

Ford EcoSport ST-Line

The Ford EcoSport ST-Line is a higher-spec model which comes with everything you get on the Ford EcoSport Titanium, but adds a sporty flavour with some cosmetic enhancements. The Ford EcoSport ST-Line is available with the most powerful 142PS petrol engine, as it’s the raciest model in the range.

• Faux-leather upholstery with red stitching
• ST-Line branded floor mats
• Dark 17-inch alloy wheels
• Spoiler
• Sports suspension
• Black grille
• Sporty bodykit

Ford EcoSport Active

The Ford EcoSport Active builds on the SUV styling by adding equipment that is designed to make the car look even more rugged. It gets everything that comes with the Titanium trim, plus 17-inch alloys with a different design and additional equipment detailed below. Despite the off-road look, it’s only available with front-wheel drive and the 127PS petrol engine.

• Tinted windows
• White paint finish
• Black contrast roof
• Upgraded floor mats
• Black plastic wheelarches
• Revised tail-lights

Is a used Ford EcoSport a good buy?

The Ford EcoSport is around the same size and price as the Renault Captur, and its French counterpart the Peugeot 2008, but has always been something of a niche choice.

The has been even more apparent since the launch of the Ford Puma SUV, which is a similar price and offers much better value for money.

It’s actually fairly tough to recommend the Ford EcoSport, unless you’re simply after an affordable model that offers a high driving position.

If you want a newer model and have a reasonable budget, then the Ford Puma is better in pretty much every way. It’s cheaper to run, better to drive, more practical and has more in-car technology.