2022 Ford EcoSport Performance

Unfortunately, the sole engine delivers underwhelming performance. The 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-pot makes 166 hp and 149 lb-ft and can manage the benchmark sprint in under ten seconds, which isn't particularly impressive either. Back in 2012, this may have been acceptable, but we now live in a world where a similarly-priced Hyundai Kona can sprint to 60 mph in around seven seconds.

Where it does impress is in towing capacity. In a segment where most vehicles don't even have tow ratings, the EcoSport can tow 2,000 lbs.

Now that the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine has been discontinued, the 2.0-liter four-pot is the only engine choice. Its specs are 166 hp and 149 lb-ft which, unfortunately, don't translate into zippy performance.

The 2.0-liter's major issue is the lack of low-down torque, which means you really have to step on it to make progress at higher speeds. It is safe to say that it's better suited to city duty, rather than long journeys.

At least the six-speed automatic does a good job. It allows the driver to make the most of the underpowered EcoSport, as it's eager to shift down. It also works its way through the gears quickly and smoothly.

Yet another department where the Ford EcoSport struggles to hide its age is in terms of fuel economy. The discontinued 1.0-liter attained more miles per gallon than the remaining 2.0-liter, but even that engine wasn't class-leading. Unsurprisingly, the larger engine returns even poorer gas mileage figures of 23/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined. Another naturally-aspirated rival, the Honda HR-V, manages a much better 27/31/29 mpg with AWD.

With a 13.8-gallon gas tank, the EcoSport has a range of 345 miles.