I was in the market for a smaller SUV when I came across a 2020 EcoSport SES with 30k miles at a local dealership. In a bit of a rush, I grabbed it since it fit my budget and looked nice.
After buying it, I started noticing some mods. There was a Pedal Commander on the dashboard, a K&N intake, and when I got a flat, the tire guy pointed out the tires were bigger than stock and that there was a lift kit. So, looks like this car’s had more work done than I realized.
Most of the bad reviews I’ve seen are about the 3-cylinder engine, which makes me a bit uneasy. But I gotta say, coming from a big V-8 sedan, this little guy is actually a blast to drive.
These EcoSports aren’t really made for off-road. They’re underpowered, and the 3-cylinder engine has some issues. There’s even a recall to replace it. The 2.0L engine is definitely a better choice.
I bought a 2021 Titanium 4x4 EcoSport, and I’m really happy with it. It’s just what I needed—a smaller SUV that handles well in winter and can go on dirt roads (not full off-road) in the mountains.
The lift kit is awesome! If you’re thinking about going outdoors, it’s one less thing you’ll need. I have a 2019 SE and would love to mod it, just haven’t got the budget for it right now.
@Lillian
I’ll try to get a pic. Honestly, I’m going off what the tire guy said. He spotted the oversized tires and thought there was a lift because of the clearance. Haven’t seen another EcoSport around to compare it with.
The EcoSport can actually fit some bigger tires than stock, so it’s possible the lift kit is legit. Weird that someone added a K&N intake, though—the stock intake’s already a solid cold air system, which helps it manage water up to 2.5 feet deep. Apart from the 3-cylinder tensioner issue, they’re pretty reliable. Not the fastest, but they’re surprisingly good for off-road thanks to their approach and departure angles. If you’re up for it, you could switch back to a stock intake with a better filter, but otherwise, enjoy your ‘lifted Fiesta.’
@Nathan
Not sure how it compares to the 2003 Fiesta, but I drove one back in the day in Wales for a rally event. Good rental, got great mileage, but probably wouldn’t buy one.
Eli said: @Nathan
Not sure how it compares to the 2003 Fiesta, but I drove one back in the day in Wales for a rally event. Good rental, got great mileage, but probably wouldn’t buy one.
The newer Fiestas have come a long way, even got some recognition in rally circles. Too bad Ford won’t bring models like the Puma to the US—they’re pushing big vehicles here instead.
Ruth said:
Make sure you don’t have a recall. I’ve been looking at the 2020 EcoSports, and most of them seem to have one.
Any EcoSport with the 1.0, 3-cylinder engine has an oil tensioner recall. The 2018-2021 models that are 4-wheel drive use the 2.0 engine and aren’t affected by this. For 2022, Ford dropped the 1.0 engine and now only offers the 2.0 in 4x4 models, so those aren’t under recall.
I’ve got a 2020 too. Added a Pedal Commander and it’s way peppier now! Got about 42k miles and use synthetic oil every 3k. Still waiting on Ford’s belt tensioner fix, though—they’re taking their time.
Gianna said:
I’ve got a 2020 too. Added a Pedal Commander and it’s way peppier now! Got about 42k miles and use synthetic oil every 3k. Still waiting on Ford’s belt tensioner fix, though—they’re taking their time.
I checked my VIN and saw two recalls that were already handled, though it didn’t say what for.
Edit to add: finally got the Pedal Commander app and messed with the settings—it really does make a difference.