2021 Ford EcoSport S

The 2021 EcoSport is Ford's smallest SUV, a subcompact that slots below the Escape and targets city drivers wanting a high seating position. It squares off against the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and Jeep Renegade, with the EcoSport offering available all-wheel drive across most trims. The EcoSport feels nimble in tight city streets, with quick steering and a small footprint that makes parking easy. The ride is firm over rough pavement, which is the price of its tidy handling, but the cabin stays reasonably quiet at highway speeds. Inside, the cabin uses hard plastics in places, yet the front seats are comfortable and the rear seat folds flat for extra cargo space. Standard tech includes a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available features add a sunroof and keyless entry. Ford Co-Pilot360 brings automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring to most trims, which is generous for the class. Reliability ratings are average for the segment, with some owners reporting transmission and electrical issues over time. All-wheel drive as standard sets the S apart from the front-drive Titanium, making it the most affordable way into a traction-ready EcoSport. The 2.0L I4 makes 166 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, giving you confident grip in rain or light snow. Expect a firmer ride than some rivals, which is the trade-off for the S's composed handling and standard all-weather traction.