Have you ever seen a vehicle you want, only to find out that they don’t make them anymore? That’s how I’ve felt about the Plymouth Prowler, the PT Cruiser, the Saturn Sky, and the Chrysler Crossfire. I feel like I can relate to the people who are interested in the 2022 Ford EcoSport and now have to scramble to find one before inventory runs out. Yes, you might be able to buy them used in a few years, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get the trim level, model year, or color that you want.
Why did Ford decide to discontinue the EcoSport? Is there an expected replacement? What can we look forward to in the last EcoSport model? Let’s look at Ford’s manufacturing in India, the economy, the pandemic, and any hints for the future we might be able to scrounge up from a variety of news sources.
Ford Factories Closing in India After a Quarter Century
In 1995, Ford began manufacturing vehicles in India due to the growing desire of residents there to own a personal vehicle. With several factories and the ability to produce a multitude of models and parts, it seemed that Ford would get a great return from its investments. Unfortunately, due to a loss of interest in personal vehicles, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a limited supply of needed parts, Ford has decided that it will no longer maintain its factories in India. While other automotive companies might decide to buy these buildings, it remains to be seen what will be done with them. What we do know is that all of the models that are built there, including the Ford EcoSport, will be discontinued, and customers will have to compete for the last models in inventory.
Due to the pandemic and the huge loss of individuals to the coronavirus, there have been shortages around the globe, including parts for vehicles. As the demand for semiconductors, chips, and other supplies created a strain on the industry, supply chains struggled to meet demand and failed. This has caused a chain reaction that has prevented a lot of up-and-coming vehicles from being released into the market, at least presently and in the near future. Hence Ford’s difficult decision to close down their manufacturing business in India and to stop production on at least five models, including the EcoSport.
What this means is that if you’ve been eyeing the EcoSport, you should probably go ahead and get in line for the last few rolling off the production line. Once the models in inventory are gone, that’s it for the EcoSport. While we might see something like it in the future, it won’t be the same vehicle. While the EcoSport will continue to be made and sold in Europe, it is not known if the U.S. model will be totally shelved, like the Ford Focus, Crown Victoria, and Club Wagon.
However, we have recently seen a revival of popular models from the past, such as the Wagoneer and Bronco, so it isn’t totally out of the question, though it doesn’t look as if it will be revived any time soon. There are hopeful Ford fans eager to see if other Ford products that haven’t yet made it to the U.S., like the Puma, will arrive to fill the gap, but that is nothing more than wishful thinking until we hear something from Ford. We certainly hope the brand will bring something fun to fill the gap, but it is possible that it’ll simply remain empty or will just be the slot for the next Ford EV.
What Can We Expect From the Final EcoSport?
Despite the sad news, there are still EcoSports out there awaiting their first owner, so if it’s a model you’re considering, it helps to know what to expect from the very last model year. Despite its short time in the U.S. (2018-2022), its eye-catching design, reputation as a Ford vehicle, and its 2,000 lbs tow rating have given it a pretty solid reputation. There are four trim levels available, the lowest being the S, and going up from there are the SE, SES, and the Titanium, none of which have a starting MSRP above $30,000. For its last model year, the EcoSport has been changed up just a bit.
The biggest change is that the 2022 Ford EcoSport is not offered with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine is the only option, and the previously offered 1.0L three-cylinder that comes with front-wheel drive is no longer available in 2022. This does mean that every Ford EcoSport comes with 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque, which is great power for handling your everyday commute and errands.
The subcompact’s ability to tow 2,000 lbs is a bit of an anomaly, as most other subcompacts are not capable of towing so much weight. This is great for drivers who need a commuter car but also want the ability to tow toys somewhere fun for the weekend or who regularly have to tow for work, a hobby, or a side gig. While this might not be as big of an appeal for other drivers, it’s still nice to know that your vehicle is capable of towing, just in case you need it one day.
Other perks of the EcoSport include the SES trim level’s leather-and-cloth upholstery and trim pieces accented with a beautiful copper. Sometimes the trim level is worth it if it allows the vehicle to appear dressed up or dressed down, if it’s the one where your favorite colors are available, or if you just want a vehicle that’s a little more fun. The trim levels only go up by a few thousand dollars, and the difference between the last two is just a couple hundred dollars. Definitely worth it for the driver who wants to stand out in a luxurious, sporty way.
There’s also a handy vent inside the glove compartment so that if you have things you want to keep cool, you can put them inside, and the storage space doubles as a climate-controlled compartment. Just run the AC and cool down the inside of the glove box. Think of all the sugary snacks that have melted in the backseat or in the middle console up front, the drinks that have gotten too warm to be refreshing, or the electronics that have overheated because of lying in the sun while charging. You’d never have to deal with any of that ever again.
The EcoSport’s capacity for passengers and cargo is competitive with almost every other subcompact out there, with multiple storage spaces in the cab, as well as a pretty roomy cargo bay in the back. While you may not need the EcoSport to tow a lot, you will probably utilize its cargo space to tote your groceries, luggage, work equipment, sports gear, library book stack, or craft supplies. We always need more space, and with the EcoSport, you’ll have plenty to hold all the things you need for day-to-day living.
If You’re Lucky, You’ll Be Able to Find One Before They’re Gone for Good
Since Ford has decided to discontinue the EcoSport, the last 2022 models will be available in dealership inventories, but after that, you’ll have to look hard to find a used one available for sale. If the EcoSport has been on your list of vehicles to test drive or possibly purchase, you’ll want to check with local dealerships to ensure that there will be one available. Hopefully, in the future, Ford will either revive the EcoSport or use it as inspiration for a new model.
