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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $18,540–$24,748 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Ford EcoSport at 6.5/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.2/10, while Performance at 5.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.4/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $18,540–$24,748, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Ford EcoSport sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Ford EcoSport is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability and technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Ford EcoSport ranks #2376 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 3% of the segment. Its 6.5/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $18,540 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 49%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the EcoSport model years we've scored, the 2018 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6.6/10 | $21,253 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 6.7/10 | $20,575 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.5/10 | $19,896 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.5/10 | $19,218 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.5/10 | $18,540 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Equipment / Other / Labels 14/05/2018 · 18V312000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Ecosport vehicles sold in the United States Federal Territiories. These vehicles were shipped with the European brake reservoir pictogram cap label and the European English language owner's manual… |
|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Oil/lubrication / Pump 22/12/2023 · 23V905000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
