If You Want an Energetic Pre-Owned Subcompact SUV, Check Out a Ford EcoSport

Ford makes great SUVs across the size spectrum, from the compact Escape to the three-row Explorer and full-size Expedition. The Blue Oval brand is renowned in the SUV market, and yet it may have been juggling one too many SUV-shaped balls because it dropped one when it discontinued the EcoSport at the end of 2021, announcing it’d no longer be making its smallest-ever SUV. Many motorists were instantly disappointed; if you’ve ever seen an EcoSport around and weren’t sure what it was, you probably thought it was pretty cute, as it looks like a little kid pretending to be an adult. It’s hard not to smile when you see one.

As your go-to Ford dealer near Fishers, Indiana, we’re glad to say we still carry the EcoSport, so you can catch one of these endearing unicorns-on-wheels, even though this model is technically extinct. We adore this vehicle and can’t recommend it enough to those who love weekend adventures and want a small vehicle that can fit just about anywhere—literally. To celebrate the end of an era, we’re taking a look at all the features that make the EcoSport so special.

Honey, I Shrunk the SUV

The EcoSport’s exterior looks like none other. It almost resembles a compressed Explorer, with a sloped hood and short snout. It looks ready for action but could almost be related to a smart car.

Over the years, the EcoSport had double layers of angled headlights and a slatted grille; it legitimately looks as if someone took a full-size SUV and shrunk it down. Some drivers think it looks silly, while others find its appearance endearing. Either way, you can’t help but look twice when an EcoSport drives by.

Spunky Through and Through

The EcoSport is ready for action, and if you’d like to explore the many great day trips outside of Fishers, like the Whitewater Valley Railroad or Pokagon State Park, the EcoSport will get you there with ease. The 2022 model had standard all-wheel drive, giving you extra command in situations where traction is hard to come by. Some would say that the EcoSport doesn’t just drive like a car but is better than a car. To enjoy its all-wheel drive with the nimblest sedan-like handling is something you won’t come across too often.

Here’s something you wouldn’t expect looking at this little pipsqueak: it can actually tow. The 2022 model can cart up to 2,000 lbs, so you can bring your small boat or two-person camping pod with you. Don’t be surprised if people stare in shock as you pass by, towing something twice as large behind your tiny vehicle.

The EcoSport also has terrific fuel economy. How could it not, with such a low curb weight to support? Drivers who want to save at the pump but aren’t ready to make the switch to a hybrid or EV will love the 25 MPG combined city/highway AWD fuel economy of the EcoSport.

A Tailgate That Will Surprise You

Here’s something that always surprises drivers: the tailgate of the EcoSport is side-hinged. You read that correctly. You will open it much like you do the door to your refrigerator. When we show customers this feature, we usually hear some gasps.

The side-hinged tailgate can take some getting used to, but it ultimately leads to the EcoSport’s go-anywhere abilities. Garage ceiling clearance will never be an issue. With other tailgates that open upward, you have to ensure they don’t scrape the ceiling of your garage—or tuck some loose cardboard over the lip as it glides to a stop above your head—but, with the EcoSport, this won’t ever be a problem.

The tailgate entrance is also shockingly wide, making it really easy to load large items into the EcoSport’s trunk. Certain drivers prefer the regular tailgate that swings upward, and they tend to have strong feelings about the side-hinged one. But, if it’s intriguing to you, there aren’t many models that offer it, so the EcoSport is worth a look.

A Surprisingly Spacious Interior

It’s hard to imagine just by looking at the EcoSport that you wouldn’t feel cramped inside it. However, the EcoSport somehow defies the laws of physics with an interior that feels shockingly spacious. Ford really nailed the dimensions of everything from the touchscreen to the seats to the steering wheel to get you everything you need in dimensions that aren’t too big but aren’t too tiny, either.

Plus, Ford got smart and maximized the space. The middle rear seat, for example, has a section in the seatback that folds out, revealing two cupholders. So when you only have two backseat passengers, they can both enjoy refreshments on the go.

You’ll also find small storage compartments in the doors, and the rear seats fold completely flat if you need to make more trunk space. A 60/40 rear seat split means you can choose to create just a little more space or a ton. Plus, there’s a nice privacy screen you can put over your luggage to hide your contents from looky-loos.

Just Right for Those Who Need Nimble

Some drivers feel that only a few subcompact SUVs truly feel subcompact. We often speak with customers who want SUV-like features but want to feel like they’re driving a sedan. Most subcompact SUVs will have some hint of an SUV aura behind the wheel. The EcoSport might be the only vehicle of its class that lets you feel like you’re almost driving a compact sedan while still enjoying the spirited performance and higher driving height of an SUV.

The truth is that Ford has become better known over the years for big cars. People know of the Super-Duty F-Series, with their commanding stance and massive capabilities, and everybody can spot a Ford Expedition in a crowd. Ford has leaned into its beefier vehicles, and the EcoSport stopped fitting in—but there’s still a dedicated group of drivers who love this spunky little thing.

Visit Pearson Ford to Test Drive a Pre-Owned EcoSport Today

We can’t say for certain how long you’ll be able to get a good deal on an EcoSport, as they might be snatched up rather quickly. This model’s dedicated fan base has already started flocking to dealers to snag the remaining units.

We know this is a terrific vehicle for Fishers drivers, and we would love to get you a great price on a used EcoSport. Its outstanding fuel economy and versatile cargo area make it just right for road-tripping around the great state of Indiana. And if you need to tackle the busy streets of Indianapolis on a regular basis, you’ll love how easily the EcoSport can slide into tight parking spots and zip through traffic.

Our team would love to show you why so many people mourn the EcoSport leaving the Ford lineup. We carry many generations and trims and have a team that knows all about this fun little vehicle; it’s unique, and there’s nothing else like it. We’ll work with you to get you a deal within your budget and ensure you find the perfect trim for your lifestyle.

We’re sad to see the EcoSport leave the Ford lineup, but we’d be happy to sell some of the last holdouts to Fishers drivers so you, too, can enjoy this spirited subcompact SUV.