Subcompact SUVs like the 2019 Ford EcoSport are popular at the moment, and with good reason. They have a small footprint, impressive fuel economy, and nimble handling. And yet they have the increased cargo space and elevated ride height that many drivers want. Ford introduced the EcoSport to the U.S. for 2018. It now enters its sophomore year on American roads.

The EcoSport has serious competition in the subcompact SUV market. Similar vehicles in this segment include the Chevrolet Trax, Toyota C-HR, Jeep Compass, Nissan Kicks, and Nissan Rogue Sport, among others.

The EcoSport features a unique, side-hinge rear hatch to access 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded, the EcoSport provides a total 50 cubic feet of cargo space. The EcoSport features an attractive and modern cabin, with an elegant and simple dash layout.

Trims for the EcoSport are S, SE, SES, and Titanium. Standard features on the Base S include a 6-speaker stereo, two USB ports, and the SYNC infotainment system. On the base S, SYNC is a 4.2-inch non-touchscreen, operated with buttons in the dash and with Bluetooth. The base S also features MyKey, which allows you to create driver profiles tied to a key. It can preserve driver settings, monitor miles driven, or limit vehicle speed.

Moving up to SE trim adds the SYNC 3 infotainment system. It’s a vivid 6.5-inch touchscreen. The SE also adds a moonroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors.

The SES attempts to put the “sport” in EcoSport, with a suspension tuned for more engaging driving, leather-seat inserts, and all-wheel drive (AWD). The SES also provides an upgraded 8-inch SYNC touchscreen with navigation, a 7-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SES is also available with the SES Black Appearance Package, which adds a black roof and a black hood decal.

The range-topping Titanium trim comes with full leather upholstery, and the B&O Play premium audio system by Harman.

The base engine in the EcoSport is a 1.0-liter inline-4. With the help of EcoBoost turbocharging, the small unit manages to put out 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque.

The uprated engine is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It makes 166 horsepower and 149 pound feet of torque. With either engine, power is sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, or available AWD.

Fuel economy for the 1.0-liter engine is 27 mpg city, 29 highway, and 28 combined. Opting for the 2.0-liter engine provides fuel economy of 23, 29, 25.

Standard safety features on the EcoSport include a reversing camera, a tire-pressure monitoring system, traction control, and SOS post-crash alert system.

The Ford EcoSport is a fresh new face among subcompact SUVs. It has the latest infotainment technology along with a versatile platform that will make the most of the daily commute, in cities and suburbs alike.