“Not what I expected. Thought it would be much better in gas than it is. I feel I put gas in it a lot.”
2021 Ford EcoSport: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Ford EcoSport is that SE, SES, and Titanium trims gain a standard cargo cover and package tray. This is otherwise a light update, with minor trim and appearance revisions but no redesign or powertrain changes.
About the 2021 Ford EcoSport
U.S.-market first generation (2018-2022), late-cycle year.
Ford positions the EcoSport as its smallest SUV: easy to park, easy to maneuver, and more useful than a small hatchback because it has a taller seating position, flexible cargo space, and an SUV-style body. Its main appeal is simple city-friendly size, a practical swing-gate cargo opening, straightforward controls, and the choice between an efficient small turbo setup or the stronger 2.0-liter engine bundled with four-wheel drive.
The S is the simple entry trim, while the SE adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats, a moonroof, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SES has a sportier look, a stronger 2.0-liter engine, four-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned suspension. Titanium focuses on comfort with synthetic leather upholstery, premium audio, navigation, and blind-spot monitoring.
What changed, by category
Styling
Ford added minor appearance details and paint colors, while Titanium switched to perforated ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery. The body itself was not redesigned.
Tech
SE, SES, and Titanium gained a standard cargo cover and package tray. SES gained a standard six-way power driver’s seat, while the SE power driver’s seat changed from standard to optional.
2021 Ford EcoSport specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 1.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 6-Spd w/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 | 123–166 hp | 123–166 hp | 166 hp | 123–166 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 |
| Trunk/Cargo | 50 cu-ft | 50 cu-ft | 50 cu-ft | 50 cu-ft |
| 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 | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| 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-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2021 Ford EcoSport redesigned?
No, the 2021 Ford EcoSport was not redesigned. It received minor equipment and appearance updates while keeping the same body, basic layout, engines, and transmission as the 2020 model.
What equipment changed on the 2021 Ford EcoSport?
The main equipment change was a standard cargo cover and package tray for SE, SES, and Titanium trims. SES also gained a standard six-way power driver’s seat, Titanium switched to perforated ActiveX synthetic leather, and the SE power driver’s seat changed from standard to optional.
Did the 2021 Ford EcoSport get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 EcoSport’s engines and transmission carried over. Front-wheel-drive versions use a 1.0-liter turbo engine, while four-wheel-drive versions use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder; both are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2021 Ford EcoSport meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
No, the differences are modest. The 2021 model mainly reshuffled trim equipment and added minor appearance details, so condition, mileage, and trim equipment matter more than the model-year change alone.
Which 2021 Ford EcoSport trim has the sportier setup?
The 2021 EcoSport SES has the sportier setup. It pairs the 2.0-liter engine and standard four-wheel drive with a sport-tuned suspension, dark exterior trim, a unique spoiler, and skid-plate styling.
2021 Ford EcoSport Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Ford EcoSport.
4.0
2021 Ford EcoSport
(260 reviews)
“It has poor get up and go, the sound system is horrible and the car Bluetooth speakers pick up on every little sound.”
“It is a nice little car with decent features for someone who is buying their first car and does not have kids. It has good fuel economy but at the sacrifice of performance and space.”