Is the Ford EcoSport FWD or RWD?
The EcoSport is primarily front-wheel drive (FWD); rear-wheel drive (RWD) is not a factory option, and any all-wheel-drive (AWD) availability is limited to certain regional markets and model years. This article explains how the EcoSport’s drivetrain is typically configured and how to verify the setup on a specific vehicle.
Drivetrain options for the EcoSport can vary by country, year, and trim. While FWD is the norm worldwide, Ford has offered AWD in limited regional configurations, and RWD has never been a standard or widely available option for this model. The best way to confirm for a particular car is to check the local spec sheet, window sticker, or VIN.
Drivetrain basics
The Ford EcoSport uses front-wheel drive as the standard layout on most markets. An all-wheel-drive option exists only in a limited number of regional markets and model years, and it is not a universal offering. There is no factory rear-wheel-drive configuration for EcoSport in any major market.
For buyers considering off-road or adverse-weather capability, AWD availability depends on where and when the car was sold. Always confirm the exact drivetrain with the dealer for the specific vehicle you’re evaluating.
Market-by-market availability
Drivetrain options for the EcoSport vary by region and year. The general framework is:
- Standard drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) on virtually every EcoSport sold today.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Offered only in a limited number of regional markets and model years; not a common option and not typically available in the U.S. EcoSport lineup.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Not offered by Ford for EcoSport in any market.
In practice, if you need AWD, you should verify the exact configuration for your country, model year, and trim, as availability is not universal.
How to verify your EcoSport's drivetrain
To confirm your specific vehicle's drivetrain, check the window sticker or order/build sheet, the VIN specification, or the owner's manual. Look for terms such as AWD, 4x4, Intelligent AWD, or references to a front-drive system. On a used EcoSport, an AWD transmission may be indicated by an AWD badge or by physical evidence like a rear driveshaft. If unsure, contact Ford customer service or the selling dealer with the VIN for a definitive confirmation.
Summary
The Ford EcoSport is typically front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available only in limited regional markets and model years. There is no factory rear-wheel-drive option. For anyone purchasing an EcoSport, the key step is to verify the drivetrain on the specific vehicle, since availability varies by region and year.
Is EcoSport RWD or FWD?
All models have front-wheel drive with manual transmission as standard. The 2.0 L model can also receive a four speed automatic transmission (FWD only) or four-wheel drive (manual six speed only).
Is the Ford EcoSport AWD or FWD?
2022 Ford EcoSport Performance Specs
New for the 2022 EcoSport, intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the lineup for enhanced traction and handling in various driving conditions.
Is the 2019 Ford EcoSport FWD or RWD?
front-wheel drive
1.0L ECOBOOST A turbocharged wonder, the award-winning 1.0L EcoBoost® engine has an impressive combination of driveability and fuel efficiency. It's paired with a 6-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Why was EcoSport discontinued?
The Ford EcoSport was discontinued due to a combination of low sales, increased competition, and Ford's strategic shift in focus. Specifically, the company decided to cease production in markets like the US and India, partly because the small SUV faced strong competition from newer models, and Ford ended its manufacturing operations in India. Ford is also shifting resources toward more profitable models, including its truck lineup and electric vehicles.
- Declining sales: The EcoSport did not gain significant traction in some key markets, such as the US, where sales declined after an initial peak in 2018.
- Tough competition: The subcompact SUV segment became increasingly crowded with models like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Seltos, which offered more compelling features or perceived value.
- Strategic realignment: Ford ended its manufacturing in India, where the EcoSport was built for North American markets, to focus on a more sustainable and profitable business model.
- Shift in focus: The company is prioritizing other, more popular models, such as its trucks, and is investing heavily in electric vehicles.
