Ford EcoSport Overview: Generations, Specs and Which Version to Buy
A guide to Ford EcoSport specs and generations from 2003 to present: power ranges of 90–166 hp, gearboxes, drivetrains, and the standout versions of each generation.
The Ford EcoSport is a five-door SUV produced from 2003 to the present, with engine outputs ranging from 90 to 166 hp across four generations. It suits drivers who want a compact SUV with a choice of FWD or 4x4, manual or automatic gearboxes — and this breakdown of Ford EcoSport generations helps match a version to a budget and driving style.
Ford EcoSport generations
1 generation (2003–2007)
The first-generation Ford EcoSport was built from 2003 to 2007 as a five-door SUV with 4x4 drive and a single power output of 111 hp, offered with either an automatic or a manual gearbox across 2 modifications. The mass-market version was the 2.0 AT with a 2000 cc engine, 111 hp, automatic gearbox and 4x4 drive.
1 generation, restyling (2007–2012)
The restyled first generation ran from 2007 to 2012, keeping the five-door SUV body, 4x4 drive and the 111 hp output with automatic and manual gearbox options in 2 modifications. The 2.0 AT (2000 cc, 111 hp, automatic, 4x4) remained the volume version.
2 generation (2012–2018)
The second-generation Ford EcoSport, produced from 2012 to 2018, widened the range to 7 modifications with 90 to 140 hp, adding FWD alongside 4x4 and an automated manual alongside the manual gearbox. Notable versions: the mass-market 1.6 Powershift (1596 cc, 122 hp, FWD, 0–100 km/h in 12.5 s, 6.9 l/100 km), the most powerful 2.0 MT (1999 cc, 140 hp, 4x4, 11.5 s, 8.3 l/100 km), and the economical 1.5 MT diesel (1500 cc, 90 hp, FWD, 14.0 s, 4.6 l/100 km).
2 generation, restyling (2017–present)
The restyled second generation has been in production since 2017 with 8 modifications spanning 100 to 166 hp, in FWD and 4x4 form with automatic and manual gearboxes. Standouts: the mass-market 1.0 AT (999 cc, 125 hp, FWD, 11.6 s to 100 km/h, 5.8 l/100 km), the top 2.0 AT (166 hp) with 1999 cc, 4x4 and a 9.9 s sprint, and the frugal 1.5 MT diesel (1498 cc, 100 hp, FWD, 4.1 l/100 km).
Which Ford EcoSport to buy
- 1.0 AT (2 generation, restyling): the mass-market choice with 125 hp from just 999 cc, 0–100 km/h in 11.6 s and 5.8 l/100 km with an automatic gearbox.
- 2.0 AT (166 hp) (2 generation, restyling): the most powerful EcoSport at 166 hp with 4x4 and the quickest acceleration in the range at 9.9 s to 100 km/h.
- 1.5 MT (100 hp) (2 generation, restyling): the most economical version at 4.1 l/100 km from a 1498 cc diesel with a manual gearbox and FWD.
- 2.0 MT (2 generation): the strongest pre-restyling option with 140 hp, 4x4 drive and an 11.5 s sprint to 100 km/h at 8.3 l/100 km.
On the used market, the second generation (2012–2018) and its restyling (2017–present) offer the widest choice, with 7 and 8 modifications respectively; first-generation cars (2003–2012) are simpler in structure, with just 2 modifications per phase, all 111 hp and 4x4.
Which Ford EcoSport to avoid
Within the restyled second generation, the 1.5 MT (100 hp) is dominated on performance by the 1.0 AT: the 1.0 AT delivers 25 hp more (125 vs 100) and reaches 100 km/h 2.4 seconds sooner (11.6 s vs 14.0 s). The diesel still wins on consumption (4.1 vs 5.8 l/100 km), so it only makes sense if fuel economy outweighs everything else.