Ford EcoSport Car Interior Review: The Perfect Blend of Comfort & Style
Introduction: The Amazing Interior of the Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is a compact SUV that has been popular for years because of its bold design, agile handling, and feature-packed interior. In this article, we're diving deep into what makes the interior of the Ford EcoSport so appealing to its owners, from its comfortable seats to the tech-packed dashboard, and even a few areas that could be improved. As Alex Collantes, an EcoSport owner, puts it: "The interior of the EcoSport is cozy, intuitive, and far better than you'd expect from a car in its class."
Design & Layout: A Comfortable Cabin
A Well-Laid-Out Cabin
One of the first things you'll notice when you sit inside a Ford EcoSport is how well-organized the cabin feels. Ford has really thought through the design and layout of the controls, making sure everything is within easy reach of the driver. The cabin design makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road while using essential features like the climate control system or infotainment system.
Seating & Space
Front Seats
The front seats of the EcoSport are well-cushioned, providing ample support during both short trips and long drives. There's adjustable lumbar support that helps reduce fatigue on longer trips, and the seats themselves are quite comfortable for a compact SUV. The upholstery options vary across trims, with some models offering cloth and others leather-wrapped seats, but both materials provide a great balance of comfort and durability. The heated front seats, available in some models, add an extra touch of luxury.
Rear Seats
While the rear seats are not as spacious as the front seats, they do offer decent legroom for passengers. Taller passengers might find headroom a bit tight, though, especially on long journeys. The seats also come with a 60/40 split-folding feature which makes it easy to expand the cargo space as needed.
Potential Drawback: Due to its compact size, the back seat space might feel a little tight for larger adults, and three people sitting in the back can feel a bit snug.
Storage & Cargo
The EcoSport is fitted with multiple storage compartments spread across the cabin. There are cup holders, door pockets, and even a glove box with cooling functionality on some models—perfect for keeping your drinks cool on a warm day. The cargo area in the back is generous for a car of this size, offering around 20.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and up to 50 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat.
Technology & Infotainment: Seamlessly Connected
Ford SYNC 3 System
One of the standout features of the Ford EcoSport's interior is the SYNC 3 infotainment system. This touchscreen system is available in most trim levels and is intuitive, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so you can easily connect your smartphone. The system is responsive and the screen is bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight. It provides voice command functionality as well, letting you control navigation, music, and even text messages hands-free.
Audio System & Entertainment
The standard audio system in the Ford EcoSport is decent, providing clear sound throughout the cabin. However, for those who love music, some trims offer a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system which significantly improves sound quality and depth. This premium system has 10 speakers and is designed to deliver an immersive listening experience.
Potential Drawback: The base trim comes with a smaller, less intuitive infotainment screen which lacks some of the advanced features of the SYNC 3 system. If you're looking for top-notch connectivity and tech, it's better to opt for a higher trim.
Comfort & Convenience: Making Every Ride Pleasant
Climate Control
The Ford EcoSport comes equipped with automatic climate control, making it simple to maintain your preferred temperature within the cabin. The controls are easy to operate, and the system quickly adapts to changes in temperature. The rear passengers also benefit from dedicated air vents, so airflow is evenly distributed.
Ambient Lighting & Mood
The interior also offers customizable ambient lighting, allowing drivers to choose from multiple colors to create their preferred cabin ambiance. Whether you're going for a relaxed blue hue or a more energetic red, this feature helps to enhance the driving experience.
Steering & Driver Controls
The steering wheel in the Ford EcoSport feels comfortable in your hands and comes with several mounted controls. You can easily adjust the volume, manage calls, and even operate the cruise control without taking your hands off the wheel. The telescopic adjustment helps you find the most comfortable driving position.
Materials & Finishes: High-Quality Yet Practical
Soft-Touch Surfaces & Upholstery
The use of soft-touch materials in the dashboard and door panels adds to the overall premium feel of the interior. While the base trims come with basic cloth upholstery, the higher trims include leather-trimmed seats that elevate the cabin’s look and comfort. Alex Collantes mentions, "The leather seats are not only stylish but also easy to clean, which is great if you have kids."
Attention to Detail
Ford's attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin of the EcoSport. From the stitching on the seats to the glossy accents on the dashboard, everything feels well-crafted. Although it may not be considered a luxury SUV, the materials used in the interior are above average for this segment.
Potential Drawback: Some of the hard plastics used in the lower trims might make the cabin feel a bit less refined compared to competitors. However, these materials are durable and easy to clean, which is a plus for many buyers.
Driving Experience & Visibility: Designed for Easy Handling
High Seating Position
The Ford EcoSport offers a high seating position, providing excellent visibility of the road ahead. This feature not only adds to the comfort but also makes it easier to maneuver in tight city streets. The large windows and narrow pillars help reduce blind spots, while the available rearview camera makes parking hassle-free.
Smooth Controls & Easy Navigation
Gear Shifter
The gear shifter in the EcoSport is smooth and easy to operate, whether you're driving the 6-speed automatic transmission or the available manual version. Its placement is convenient, allowing you to shift gears without much effort.
Driver Assistance Features
The EcoSport also comes packed with driver assistance features like hill start assist, rear parking sensors, and even a blind-spot information system (on higher trims). These features make driving the EcoSport a more pleasant experience, especially for new drivers.
Potential Drawback: The steering wheel can feel a bit heavy at low speeds, especially during parking maneuvers. Some drivers might prefer lighter steering, especially in city driving conditions.
Trims & Interior Options: Choose What Suits You Best
S Trim (Base Model)
- Cloth Upholstery
- 4.2-inch touchscreen with basic SYNC system
- Basic Audio System
SE Trim
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- SYNC 3 with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen
- Heated Front Seats
Titanium Trim
- Leather Upholstery
- 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen with Navigation
- Bang & Olufsen premium audio system
SES Trim (Sporty Option)
- Unique Leather & Cloth Upholstery Mix
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
Potential Drawback: If you're looking for the full package in terms of comfort, technology, and features, you'll have to choose one of the higher trims, which may not be the most affordable option for some buyers.
Safety & Reliability: Peace of Mind on the Road
Standard Safety Features
The EcoSport comes with a range of standard safety features that help ensure your peace of mind on the road. These include:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control
- Traction Control System
Enhanced Safety in Higher Trims
For those looking for additional safety features, higher trims of the EcoSport offer Ford's Co-Pilot360™ suite, which includes advanced driver assistance features like:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Conclusion: Is the Ford EcoSport Interior Worth It?
The Ford EcoSport is a strong contender in the compact SUV market, largely thanks to its comfortable and well-thought-out interior. With its smart technology, adjustable comfort, and overall high-quality materials, the cabin is designed to make every journey a pleasurable experience.
However, the back seat space might be a bit tight for taller adults, and you'll need to opt for a higher trim to get all the advanced tech features. Yet, considering its overall price range and value, the EcoSport’s interior is a winner in its class. Alex Collantes sums it up perfectly: "It's not just about looks; the EcoSport interior feels great to drive in day-to-day and has all the features you'd need."
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
- Comfortable front seats with optional heated seating for cold climates.
- SYNC 3 infotainment system with smartphone compatibility for seamless connectivity.
- Multiple storage options and decent cargo space for a compact SUV.
- Standard and enhanced safety features for peace of mind on the road.
- Variety of trims with different interior materials and finishes to suit your preferences.
If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a premium feel without the premium price tag, the Ford EcoSport should be on your shortlist.
References:
- Ford Official Website: www.ford.com
- Car and Driver - Ford EcoSport Review: www.caranddriver.com
- MotorTrend - Ford EcoSport Interior Features: www.motortrend.com
- Alex Collantes - Personal Opinion, EcoSport Owner