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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $23,661–$30,509 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.7/10, the 2021 Ford EcoSport S earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 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. We rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.9/10 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 6.7/10 — 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 $23,661–$30,509, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Ford EcoSport S sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Ford EcoSport S, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology and reliability and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2021 Ford EcoSport S ranks #2273 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,661 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 34%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Ford EcoSport S scores 6.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.7 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6.6/10 | $24,440 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 6.7/10 | $23,661 | |
| 2020 | 6.5/10 | $22,880 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.5/10 | $22,100 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.4/10 | $21,321 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Ford EcoSport S's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 6.7/10 overall, ranking #2273 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 7% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Ford EcoSport S starts at $23,661 and ranges up to $30,509 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.