2018 Ford EcoSport: A Compact SUV Perfect For New Drivers

During a press even this past week I was given the chance to explore the 2018 Ford EcoSport. This compact SUV is ideal for new drivers, such as my teen. It has just enough space for friends, the connectivity and safety features you want for new drivers. Take a closer look at why you may want to consider the 2018 Ford EcoSport for the new driver in your household.

2018 Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport will not be available for purchase until early 2018, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan ahead for a new driver in the family. While the EcoSport may look small on the outside it packs a big punch from the inside. I didn’t get the chance to drive the vehicle but did get ample time to play around with all of the interior features. This sporty, compact crossover offering an economy-minded package, reminds me of my first car (also a Ford). One big change since my first car in 1994, is the safety and technology that car buyers want today.

Size Doesn’t Matter

When you see a vehicle this size, it’s easy to imagine it will be cramped inside, but Ford has done an amazing job in finding passenger space. The rear seats are particularly impressive for this compact SUV class. We put a 6 ft tall man in the back seat and he said he wasn’t cramped at all, until the seat was fully moved back. The seat cushions on this leather-equipped model were very soft and would make for a comfortable road trip. The front seat area is more spacious and airy than most compact SUV’s, with two adults in the front we weren’t bumping elbows.

When it comes to new drivers you don’t want them to have too much room for friends. In the Ford EcoSport you will have peace of mind that they can only take three friends in the car with them at most. That makes for less distracted driving in the car for sure.

2018 ford ecosport — The front seat had to be moved all the way back before his knees touched it.

Hidden Storage Pockets Everywhere

We all have stuff especially in our cars and there are lots of storage options in the EcoSport. Besides the usual door cubbies and center console, Ford also put a little shelf above the glove box for phones and other small items. In the glove box, there’s a separate slot for the owner’s manual to keep it out-of-the-way. The rest of the glove box can be cooled by opening a vent and turning on the A/C. I don’t know about you but not finding melted candy in the glove box sounds pretty amazing to me!

In the back, there are multiple pockets in the backs of the seats, including small ones on the sides of the seats. In the cargo area, you can move the floor up to be flush with the hatch or angled up to match the folded rear seats. With the floor up, you can hide small bags and backpacks under the floor.

Technology and Infotainment

Every 2018 EcoSport gets a “floating” infotainment screen on the top of the dash. A four-inch screen is standard, while there is six- and eight-inch upgrades available. Sync 3 is available, as is Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyesfree, and Android Auto. Should you need to power your devices, there are two fast-charging USB ports in the center console, plus a 12-volt power point. In the rear seat, a 12-volt power point is standard.

I liked that while the infotainment system is there, it is not overwhelming so it will not be distracting to new drivers. Just the basics are at your fingertips.

Safety Matters to Ford

New drivers need to be alert and all times, and with BLIS in your Ford EcoSport you essentially have an extra set of eyes on the road. I have been driving for over 20 years and still love this new safety feature.

BLIS with cross-traffic alert has sensors that help you watch your blind spots and alert you by illuminating a light in your side-view mirror if another vehicle is detected in your blind spot. While you’re backing slowly out of a parking spot, it watches for approaching traffic and can alert you if it senses another vehicle.

What We Can Expect

While we aren’t sure what the price point will be quite yet, here is what we do know. Ford will offer the EcoSport in S, SE, SES, and Titanium trim grades, as well as two engines and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive. Under the hood, there will be a choice between a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.

My daughter graduates next Spring and I am seriously considering this for her graduation gift. It is economical, not too big, and will have top safety features. And this mom will have peace of mind when she drives off to college in the fall.

What do you think of the 2018 Ford EcoSport?