Hi everyone, it's Peter and today I want to share my review of the 2020 Ford EcoSport. Although I've reviewed countless vehicles over the years, I've had difficulty recommending this one when it first came out as a new vehicle. However, as a used vehicle, the EcoSport is now a strong contender worth considering.
Initially, I found the EcoSport to be overpriced as a new car, especially compared to similarly equipped competitors. But as a used vehicle, the EcoSport has depreciated to a more reasonable price point, and I think it offers great value for what it brings to the table.
So, what makes the EcoSport stand out? Well, I had the opportunity to spend time with it, courtesy of Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals, and I must say I was impressed by the solid features it has to offer. If you're looking for a car that can handle everyday tasks and commutes comfortably, the EcoSport delivers on several fronts.
Before I move on, I want to give a shout-out to Jim Gilbert's Known as Canada's huggable car dealer, Jim Gilbert's team guides you through the comparison process of various models and manufacturers with no pressure to purchase. They believe in helping you find the right car for your needs, not just pushing a certain brand or model.
Finally, I believe the EcoSport is worth considering if you're in the market for a used vehicle. While it may not be the perfect fit for everyone, the EcoSport has become a compelling option, and you could find its features appealing. So, head on over to Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals and take it for a spin. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
In this video, we're going to discuss the often-overlooked features of a car that make it stand out. Although there were other options when it was first released, depreciation has brought the car to a more reasonable price point, making it a great option for many.
Let’s start by considering the class of car it belongs to. It falls under subcompact crossovers, but it's unique because it still retains the drivability and feeling of a subcompact car while offering additional features such as all-wheel drive. Typically, subcompact cars compete on price and size; however, this car offers more features and tends to be priced at a premium.
It may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes you don't need more size; you just want better features that make sense for you. This vehicle is a perfect example. It is impressively designed and has some unique features that make it stand out. For instance, the roof rack is something that you don't usually see on subcompact cars, making it possible to transport larger or bulkier items such as kayaks, bikes, or extra luggage cargo boxes.
Overall, this car is no smart car, which is known for its terrible drivability and high cost. It provides a comfortable drive, good cargo capacity, and all-around great practicality. Plus, at a reasonable price point, it's definitely worth considering if you want all of the features of a larger more expensive car but prefer the more agile and easy to handle feeling of a subcompact.
The compact car we're examining boasts some interesting features, one of which is the trunk. Unlike most cars, its trunk opens up in a unique way, with a touch button in lieu of a handle and swinging outward instead of upward. This design may not sit well with everyone, but it has its advantages. The short stature of the vehicle means the trunk can be opened fully in most garages without hitting the ceiling. Plus, the low lift over makes for easy access to the spacious storage area, which is perfect for stowing away larger items since the rear seats can be folded flat. It even comes with a door panel to store smaller items separately.
Not only that, the car's compact size makes it nimbler in tight parking spots, even if it does mean sacrificing some space. While most vehicles opt for the conventional upward-swinging tailgate, this innovative design works well enough as long as you don't mind the swinging motion. All in all, for those who value both form and function, this unique car delivers in spades.
Although it's a small car, the cargo capacity is surprisingly generous, even when compared to subcompacts and larger sedans. The practical trunk is a huge selling point, as are the safety features. For instance, the car is equipped with backup beepers and sonar sensors which progressively beep faster as you near an obstacle. The feature also includes a visual display that indicates the approaching corner of the car that may be impacted. Moreover, the car boasts an integrated radar system that can detect obstacles in blind spots, preventing drivers from accidents while driving or backing up. It comes in handy especially when parked near large vehicles, as they may obscure drivers' view. The radar system acts as a rear cross-traffic alert, protecting drivers from any hazards. It's rare to find such advanced safety features in a compact vehicle like this. The car's rear seat is roomy, and the front seat has an array of impressive features. These points make the car a great option for those in the market for a small but practical vehicle.
The first question is whether I fit or not. Let's start with the car's features. The door has a bottle holder, which is a convenient addition. The interior is primarily hard plastic, as typical of small cars, but there's soft padding where you rest your arms, which is a nice touch. The seat has a stylish pattern and a long bottom. The driver's seat is set up for me, but this being a short car, it's designed to seat you square, which should provide enough knee room. However, they've carved out extra space here, creating an inviting impression of extra roominess. Moving to the back, the only feature back there is a household-style plug with a 150-watt capacity, sufficient to power up standard devices, like a laptop. Now that I'm in the back seat, the headroom is tight, surprising for a taller vehicle. But there's enough legroom to sit behind myself, and if you're six-foot-tall or less, you should be good. The car isn't wide, but it can comfortably seat four, particularly in the back. A surprisingly good space for a car of this size.
Moving to the front seat, it's worth noting that this car stands out for its features, which we will discuss. The key fob is pretty straightforward- just unlock, lock, panic button. But it's a keyless entry key fob, so you don't need to have it in your hand to enter the car. Tapping the hash marks unlocks and locks the car. Let's take a closer look at the powered seat, as well as the other features. But, before that, let's turn on the air conditioning as it's too hot today.
This car comes with powered seats; adjustable for both the back and bottom, complete with manual lumbar support. And as we hop in, let's take a glance at the door's top lock and unlock buttons, along with the typical control buttons below them.
Taking a wide angle view, you'll notice mostly hard plastics with softer variations where your elbows would rest. A start button ignites the car, revealing a tilt-only, not telescopic steering wheel, with buttons for controlling the radio and center display, as well as for Bluetooth operation. The seating posture is tall with a fairly compact wheel, making for a commanding view of the road.
This car boasts some impressive features, including handy audio hookup, a nice touch screen with nav and phone settings, and a navigation system that may face some delay.
We're currently located just off Mary's Street. The car's nav screen is user-friendly with a simple layout, plus a convenient list of apps. Sadly, you won’t find Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in this ride, but you'll find built-in navigation. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity is still available, and other settings like General Settings, Sync Ford Sync System and so on are all easy to use. The infotainment system is quite good, too, with a clear camera for reversing, proximity warnings and centre guidelines. Control-wise, you've got a single-zone climate control system, two USB ports,automatic transmission with manual shifters, and other miscellany like a 12-volt port, cup holders, and a tray built into the armrest. Seating is pleasantly square if you don't like being too low to the ground.
Imagine sitting in a kitchen chair, with your feet firmly on the ground and your back straight. That's the comfortable seating position in this car. You won't be reclining too far back and losing out on valuable space. The sunroof is slightly behind me, which may be a bit far back if you're shorter in height. The roof's slope also means that you won't have a full view of the sky. However, the light still streams in and you can pop open the sunroof to get some fresh air. The steering wheel is a bit closer to you than in other cars because of the square seating position. The seats aren't overly spacious, but they are comfortable enough. If you're a larger individual, these seats might feel a bit snug, though. Keep in mind that this is a compact car, so the seats are also on the smaller side. The visibility is good, except for those pesky pillars that obstruct the view at times. When you compare it to similar models like the Chevy Trax or the Kia Selto, you'll realize that this car is a bit different. It's smaller in size, but that's one of its strengths. To have all of the features in a car of this length is impressive. If compact size is an advantage for you, then this car could be a good option, especially if you're looking for something with a reasonable price tag. It's a unique driving position that sets it apart. You won't feel uncomfortable, just a little different. As an auto reviewer, I get to try out different cars every day, so this car stands out for its distinctive feel. It's not for everyone, but it's a great option for those who don't need a larger car.
The beauty of jumping between spots in seconds rather than driving across town is that it's now possible to stay compact, yet enjoy some cool features that work well with any active lifestyle. And if you're looking for versatility, this vehicle's got you covered. The all-wheel drive, roof rack, and decent number of safety and tech features make it a solid choice for small families and solo adventurers alike. It's perfect for camping trips or getting through winters with ease. Speaking of which, the heated seats and steering wheel are handy. The sunroof's a nice addition, although it's a bit hard to reach. Plus, the vehicle's got a spacious trunk relative to its size.
At first, the price and quirks made it tough to recommend. But now, as a used car, it's totally worth it. If you're not sure, swing by Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals in Fredericton to see for yourself. They've got a few of them Chevy's there, plus their competitors. Check it out!
If you're keen for more on this car, feel free to leave a comment below. I'm happy to keep reviewing if you need it!
Looking for a reliable caring car dealer for your next pre-owned vehicle in Fredericton? Jim Gilberts Wheels and Deals has got you covered! Our vast inventory of low-kilometer used cars, trucks, mini-vans, and SUVs of all makes and models will fulfill your requirements. We are dedicated to providing superior customer service and satisfaction. At Jim Gilberts, we strive to make your shopping experience unique and unforgettable. So, when it comes to quality and savings, check out Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals!
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