If you like small crossover SUVs, look no further than the 2023 Ford EcoSport. There are numerous rumors that Ford is planning to discontinue the small EcoSport. This was dire news for many people who enjoyed the simplicity and beauty of this SUV. But we are glad that the news is not that bad after all. We are still getting another year of EcoSport. The idea is that the current SUV crossover will be replaced by a Puma on certain continents.
Some places are already unable to purchase the new EcoSport. But those lucky enough to be able to purchase it still might wonder how it looks. This is just the second generation of the compact SUV, and we get a lot of improvements to it. It was first introduced in 2012 and is doing great on the sales charts. So what kind of changes might we see in the new EcoBoost this time around? The interior could use better technology and some contemporary styling. This would go a long way. The exterior doesn’t look too modern. It is time to change that. Under the hood, the SUV seems good, but there is always room for improvement.
Let us read more about the details of the upcoming EcoSport redesign.
Is Ford Coming up with a New EcoSport?
On the outside, we can see that the 2023 Ford EcoSport looks modern and sleek. The SUV looks quite similar to its bigger counterpart, the Kuga. It has the recognizable front fascia that all Ford’s vehicles have. Headlights are on 2 levels and are more linear than square. The rims are 18 inches and are lightweight. Not that this SUV needs a diet, but everything to improve the power-to-weight ratio.
Bumpers are almost non-existent. They fit very well with the design. It has a commendable ride height, something you don’t often see on vehicles this small. Also, the EcoSport is a changing platform. It is using a more modern one, the same one used on Puma.
More Modern Interior
On the inside, the 2023 Ford EcoSport is quite humble. Don’t expect the style and luxury of the Cherokee, for example. The cabin is designed well, with functionality in mind and practicality in hand. The seating is decent, and it could use more cushioning, but at that price, it is more than you could ask for. But lumbar support should be addressed. Heated and ventilated seats are probable, although you might have to pay extra for them. Don’t expect massaging seats in the EcoSport. It can seat five people comfortably. But not with a lot of legroom and headroom. We mentioned it is quite compact and is one of the smallest SUVs on the market.
The instrument panel is not very rich and it looks bland. We get an infotainment system that is 9 inches in size. This is just enough for everyone to see what is happening on the screen. The dashboard is semi-digital, which is good since you can customize and track important information. Buttons can be found under the infotainment system and on the steering wheel. This makes the lives of drivers much easier as everything they need is right in front of them. There is some ambient lighting, which is nice and builds an atmosphere. Unfortunately, don’t expect materials like chrome and wood to be found in this cabin. Luxury was not on the minds of designers while building the EcoSport.
2023 Ford EcoSport Engine Specs
Powertrain-wise, not much new information was revealed for the upcoming 2023 Ford EcoSport. This means we’ll most likely get a three-cylinder 1.0-liter engine. This produces a meager 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. If you want to go fast or compete in drag races, this is not the vehicle for you. There is a 2.0-liter engine that can go up to 168 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. A bit stronger, but not up to everyone’s standards. This is, of course, due to it being an EcoSport. Emphasis on the word “eco”.
The fuel economy is amazing even though it is all-wheel drive. We get 28 mpg for the smaller engine and 26 mpg for the bigger one. We are a bit disappointed at the lack of electrification for the EcoSport. Using hybrid technology would give a great boost to these engines. Both in terms of horsepower and fuel economy. We know that some electric motors in hybrid systems can run 40 miles on their own.
Ford has the technology to make it happen. Remember the F-150 Lightning? It is a big pickup truck that runs solely on batteries. So what could be the issue with EcoSport getting one battery pack? After all, it is an economical sport vehicle. The battery pack doesn’t even need to be a big one at that. After all, the EcoSport is one of the smallest SUVs on the market. So, 100 kWh should be enough to get the EcoBoost zooming around. Fast charging features and peer-to-peer charging are standard in today’s market. This would attract a lot of buyers as well. Introducing this technology would give the SUV more power and would save the environment.
2023 Ford EcoSport Price and Release Date
Expect to see the compact 2023 Ford EcoSport very soon. A release date was planned for the end of 2022. Perhaps supply chain issues will cause the date to be pushed back to 2023. The price tag is humble, expect the EcoSport to cost around $23,000 for the basic trim. The release date is just in time for competition with other SUVs.
Many choose the end of the year to release their creations and redesigns. The main competitors are the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Soul. There are all amazing SUVs, so the EcoSport needs to check a lot of boxes to win the competition.