The 2020 Ford EcoSport lasts around 125,000 miles, with serious oil pump and engine sensor issues reported. At $14,450 to $21,499, it’s cheaper than most other small SUVs, but not worth the money since it will cost thousands of dollars to repair and keep it running.
Is the 2020 Ford EcoSport a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2020 is a bad year for the Ford EcoSport since it has a lot of expensive mechanical problems. Owner reviews complain about brake problems, a choppy ride, and the cramped rear seats.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than many other small SUVs, the seats offer reasonable support, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are engine and transmission problems reported on the 2020 EcoSport. Models from 2018–2020 all have serious issues, while 2021–2022 have better reliability ratings.
- Performance 6/10 – The standard three-cylinder engine is weaker than many other SUVs, and the four-cylinder is only average.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2020 EcoSport is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, and optional upgrades include rear parking sensors along with blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, offering 386 miles of range from the 13.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $24 cheaper than average at $194 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Ford EcoSport is cheaper than many other small SUVs, but it has some problems which make it a bad value for shoppers looking for a used vehicle.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford EcoSport?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Ford EcoSport offers more responsive steering than other small SUVs, but gets only average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Ford EcoSport at 3.5/5, enjoying the great features in the Sync 3 stereo system, but doesn’t like the jittery ride on rough roads.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the EcoSport a 4.1/5, praising how easy it is to park in larger cities where parking spaces are small, but owners don’t like the tiny interior.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Ford EcoSport Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Ford EcoSport include low oil pressure, the engine stalling while driving, along with transmission failures. Overall, these problems are worse than other small SUVs, leading to more expensive repair costs as the EcoSport ages.
Low oil pressure is the most widespread complaint from 2020 EcoSport owners, showing up at around 20,000 miles. The oil pump is a known weak spot, which fails and causes damage to the engine. Replacing the oil pump costs around $950, but the lack of oil can cause permanent engine damage, which costs thousands to replace.
The engine stalling while driving and leaving owners stranded is another problem found on some EcoSport models at around 30,000 miles. There are a lot of sensors on the engine, which fail regularly. Replacing sensors costs $100 to $600, depending on the part that failed.
Transmission failures are another problem found on some 2020 Ford EcoSport models within the first 40,000 miles. The transmission simply wears out, and has to be replaced. Changing out the transmission is an expensive project, costing over $3,500, depending on local labor rates.
There’s only one recall on the 2020 EcoSport, which is better than some other SUVs from the same year. The recall covers the air bag missing a booster. Ford will replace the air bag modules on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Ford EcoSport Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Ford EcoSport may be able to reach 125,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to maintain, which is much shorter than the long-lasting Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $560 per year.
As a used 2020 EcoSport reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the turbocharger tube for $200, mass airflow sensor costing $275, along with the fuel tank, which costs over $1,000.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is worse than other compact SUVs, and only includes a small 4.2-inch central display screen. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 software, which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety features are basic, since it only has a rearview camera and Ford’s MyKey, which sets speed and volume limits for secondary drivers.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Rain sensing windshield wipers
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Is the 2020 Ford EcoSport a Good Value?
No, the 2020 Ford EcoSport is not a good value since it has some expensive mechanical problems that show up as they age. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $14,450 to $21,499, making it less than a Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price was $19,995 to $27,715. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford EcoSport?
There are four main models of the 2020 Ford EcoSport offered from the entry-level S through to the more luxurious Titanium. The EcoSport comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Rearview camera
- Integrated blind-spot mirrors
- Cruise control
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Height-adjustable front seats
- 60/40-split rear seats
- Cargo cover
- Bluetooth and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- 2-inch central display screen
- Six-speaker audio system
- Two USB ports
- MyKey driver monitoring system
- Cloth upholstery
- Four-way manually adjustable front seats
- Optional remote start
SE is a step up, adding:
- LED running lights
- Fog Lights
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- Body-colored exterior accents
- Roof rails
- Rear privacy glass
- Rear parking sensors
- Sunroof
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Adjustable cargo floor panel
- 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite radio
Optional Convenience package for SE:
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Interior ambient lighting
- Navigation system
- Seven-speaker audio system
- 110-volt household-style power outlet
SES offers more features, including:
- 0-liter engine with AWD
- 17-inch wheels
- Heated mirrors
- Rear spoiler
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Black exterior styling elements
- Automatic wipers
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather upholstery with cloth inserts
- Standard features from the SE Convenience package
- Optional Black Appearance package with black roof, spoiler, and hood decal
Titanium is the flagship model with:
- 17-inch wheels
- Chrome exterior trim
- Metallic bumper accents
- Heated mirrors
- Automatic wipers
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated steering wheel
- Genuine leather upholstery
- 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen Play premium audio system
- HD radio
Note: Keyless entry keypad and remote engine start are stand-alone options available for all trim levels.
What Engines Come In the Ford EcoSport?
The 2020 Ford EcoSport offers two engine choices:
- The base engine is a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder EcoBoost, which produces 123 horsepower. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and is primarily configured with front-wheel drive. In terms of performance, this engine can accelerate the EcoSport from 0-60 MPH in 11 seconds, while its combined fuel economy is rated at around 28 MPG.
- For those seeking a bit more power, there’s the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 166 horsepower. This engine also comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission but is exclusively offered with all-wheel drive. When it comes to performance, it achieves a 0-60 MPH time slightly faster than the three-cylinder, clocking in at around 10.5 seconds, and it offers a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.
What Colors Does the Ford EcoSport Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford EcoSport?
The 2020 Ford EcoSport, while compact in stature, aims to provide a level of comfort suitable for its class. The seats are cushioned, and most passengers will find them supportive for shorter journeys. The higher trims offer features such as leather upholstery and heated front seats, which enhance the overall comfort experience. However, given its compact dimensions, the cabin can feel somewhat tight, especially for taller occupants in the rear.
The ride quality is decent on smoother roads, but on rougher terrains or highways, occupants might feel some bumps and road imperfections. Noise insulation is adequate, though not best-in-class, with some road and wind noise permeating the cabin at higher speeds. In terms of technology, the infotainment system is user-friendly and the controls are within easy reach, adding to the convenience. Overall, while the 2020 EcoSport offers a reasonably comfortable environment for short to medium-length journeys, those looking for ample space and plushness might find it a bit lacking compared to some competitors in the segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford EcoSport Have?
The 2020 Ford EcoSport, a compact SUV, offers a decent amount of storage space considering its compact footprint. When it comes to rear cargo capacity, with the back seats in use, the EcoSport provides about 20.9 cubic feet of space. If you fold down the second-row seats, this expands to an impressive 50 cubic feet. To put this into perspective, this amount of space can comfortably accommodate several large suitcases, a week’s worth of groceries, or even larger items like a bicycle with the front wheel removed.
In addition to the main cargo area, the EcoSport boasts several smaller storage spaces throughout its interior. These include door pockets, a glovebox, cupholders, and various nooks and bins, which are perfect for holding smaller items like smartphones, wallets, or drinks. This blend of large cargo space and smaller storage solutions makes the 2020 EcoSport versatile for both daily commutes and longer road trips.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Ford EcoSport was launched for the 2018 model year, which is smaller than the popular Ford Escape.
2018: First model year for the Ford EcoSport, which features new styling, engines, and technology features.
2019: Additional standard features on all models.
2020: Standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot on all models, and an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen is standard on the SE model
2021: Power driver’s seat is now standard on SES and Titanium models, minor exterior styling changes.
2022: Standard all-wheel drive on all models, entry-level turbocharged engine removed.
How Does the Ford EcoSport Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Ford EcoSport is a bad small SUV since it has a lot of mechanical problems that show up as it ages, making it one that is expensive to own long-term.
The Ford Escape is a slightly larger SUV, which costs about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Ford Escape, while the Ford EcoSport fits better in small parking spaces found in large cities. We recommend the Ford Escape since it has fewer complaints from owners for the 2020 model year.
The Kia Soul is a small hatchback, which is available for about $1,500 more. Interior materials and standard technology are both better in the Kia Soul, while the Ford EcoSport has higher ground clearance. We recommend the Kia Soul for shoppers since you get more features for your money.