Nico’s New Rides: EcoSport Offers Crossover Styling with Great Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices in a tenuous situation over the past few months, many people are starting to think again about choosing a vehicle with better fuel economy.

Part of the problem is, though, is that Americans like their SUVs, trucks, and other large vehicles, while the most fuel efficient vehicles have historically been compact cars. Well, Ford saw an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, and boy, did they ever deliver!

Here on Nico’s New Rides, we got the chance to look at the new 2019 Ford EcoSport SE, thanks to the folks at Lakeview Ford Lincoln here in Battle Creek. I like to go on road trips frequently, so I definitely was interested to learn more about the EcoSport!

This is the second model year Ford has offered the EcoSport in North America, and it fills a niche that didn’t really exist before. We’ve had crossovers for a while now, but the EcoSport sits on the smallest end of the crossover-SUV spectrum. It uses this, along with many other technological innovations, to help make it sip on gas without sacrificing handling or cargo space.

The EcoSport comes with Ford’s iconic EcoBoost engine, as well as technology like Auto Start-Stop which turns the engine off when you’re stopped at a traffic signal. All of this comes together for an EPA estimated 28 combined city/highway MPG; much better than you’d expect for an SUV!

As a short person who has sat in many back seats, I can tell you the EcoSport's back seats are comfortable and spacious. And with summer here, I’ll be going to the beach soon; good thing there’s room for the cooler and umbrella!

The 2019 Ford EcoSport SE is a joy to drive, and it’s quite affordable as well. Check out the video to see more and get a tour of the vehicle!