“I love my car. It's fun and sporty looking. Gets good gas mileage and it's reliable. I would definitely consider buying another Ford Ecosport.”
2018 Ford EcoSport: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2018 is the EcoSport’s U.S. debut. Ford introduced it as a small SUV below the Escape, with S, SE, SES, and Titanium trims.
About the 2018 Ford EcoSport
2nd global EcoSport generation (2012-2022), first U.S. model year after the 2017 global refresh.
Ford positions the EcoSport as a city-sized SUV for drivers who want easy parking and a higher seating position without giving up useful cargo flexibility. The big selling points are its swing-gate rear hatch, adjustable cargo floor, lots of small-item storage, and available 4WD in a very short body. Ford also leans on phone-friendly infotainment and an upright, practical layout, so the EcoSport is meant to feel more versatile and adventurous than a small hatchback.
The S is the straightforward utility model, while the SE adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats, a moonroof, and smartphone-compatible touchscreen controls. The SES is the sportier version, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive, and firmer suspension; the Titanium focuses on comfort with leather-trimmed seats, premium audio, navigation, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Structural
The EcoSport entered Ford’s U.S. lineup for the first time as a small SUV below the Escape. All four trims have upright seating, a side-hinged rear gate, and an adjustable cargo-area floor.
Powertrain
The U.S. lineup uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start-Stop on every trim. The SES pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with standard four-wheel drive.
2018 Ford EcoSport specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0L / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0L / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0L / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift | Auto, 6-Spd SelectShift |
| Drivetrain | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD | 4WD | FWD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–27 mpg | 23–27 mpg | 23 mpg | 23–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 123–167 hp | 123–167 hp | 167 hp | 123–167 hp |
| Torque | 125–149 lb-ft | 125–149 lb-ft | 149 lb-ft | 125–149 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1400 lb | 1400 lb | 2000 lb | 1400 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2018 the first year of the Ford EcoSport in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2018 EcoSport was the model’s first U.S. model year, positioned below the larger Escape in Ford’s SUV lineup.
Which trims were offered on the 2018 Ford EcoSport?
The 2018 Ford EcoSport lineup consisted of S, SE, SES, and Titanium trims. S covered the basics, SE added comfort and technology, SES emphasized sportier styling and driving, and Titanium offered the richest cabin equipment.
Does the 2018 Ford EcoSport have four-wheel drive?
Yes. Four-wheel drive was part of the 2018 EcoSport lineup and came standard on the SES with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Which 2018 Ford EcoSport trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 2018 EcoSport SE, SES, and Titanium have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through Ford’s touchscreen system. The SE uses a 6.5-inch screen, while SES and Titanium use an 8-inch screen.
What is special about the 2018 Ford EcoSport’s rear door?
The 2018 EcoSport has a side-hinged rear door that swings open instead of lifting upward. Every trim also has an adjustable cargo floor for a more flexible load area.
2018 Ford EcoSport Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Ford EcoSport.
3.9
2018 Ford EcoSport
(368 reviews)
“Very comfortable and quiet vehicle despite its small size. gas mileage is acceptable, but could be better for the size of the engine. get the se model, you get sunroof, heated seats, push button start and smartkey entry, plus satellite radio which we have enjoyed for almost 20 years. the EcoSport is a good vehicle to down-size to from a larger SUV if you no longer need passenger capacity, towing, large trunk”
“Love the interior and ease of usage. Love the built in navigation system. Very good on fuel.”