Ford EcoSport Sub-compact Crossover Caught Testing Along the Renegade [Spied]

2017 ford ecosport caught testing in USA
Ford EcoSport (by lostinCO)

It’s understandable that Ford may be considering an entry in the growing sub-compact crossover segment in the United States. The 2015 Jeep Renegade just recently went on sale, and the 2016 Honda HR-V and 2016 Mazda CX-3 are also coming this year. The Ford EcoSport could be the vehicle to take the challenge.

The EcoSport is sold in Europe and other regions around the world. In the U.K., the tiny crossover is available with a 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. This engine is already available in the Ford Fiesta on this side of the pond. It’s rated at 36 MPG combined with 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque in the small car. The slightly bigger size and the AWD system will likely decrease the possible fuel efficiency of the US EcoSport version, but being above 30 MPG on the combined cycle would place it among the class leaders.

The European EcoSport has a tumbling rear seat for versatile cargo management. It also has room for five. It’s peculiar that the EcoSport test vehicle that was caught high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is parked next to a Jeep Renegade.

It surely makes sense for the Ford EcoSport to come over to the American market. The tiny crossover segment is quickly expanding, and Toyota and Nissan are not in the game yet. This is still an opportune time to join the fray. Will it have the hatch mounted spare tire? That would be a rugged touch.

Here is another latest entry in the segment – the 2016 Honda HR-V. Take a look at the first drive review.