Ford Small Cars – Compact, Capable, and Classy

Ford has shaped automotive history for over a century with iconic models like the F-150 and Mustang. While sedans and hatchbacks like Focus and Taurus are no longer in production, Ford offers diverse compact vehicle options, including crossovers, pickups, and vans. Here’s the latest Ford small cars lineup.

7 Best Ford Small Cars You Can Buy Today

Ford small cars offer big benefits in a compact package. Explore the EcoSport, Mustang Mach-E, and more for intelligent and stylish mobility.

1. 2022 Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport’s journey to the US market raises questions about Ford’s anticipation of the compact crossover trend. Originally introduced in 2012 and initially sold in select regions like India, Japan, and Australia, it ventured into the US market in 2016 as the demand for compact crossovers surged. However, by 2018, it faced formidable rivals such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, and Honda HR-V.

The latest EcoSport offers a 166-horsepower engine and all-wheel drive as standard. Nevertheless, it falls short in terms of build quality, performance, and a suspension setup mismatched for its subcompact crossover role. On a positive note, it boasts a commendable infotainment system, practical dimensions, and all-wheel drive.

Affordability is the EcoSport’s strong suit, with prices starting at $22,040 for the base model and topping out at $28,395 for the Titanium trim, reflecting the inclusion of standard AWD across the lineup. Keep in mind the additional $1,295 destination charge.

This year marks the EcoSport’s final model year, with production concluding last year.

2. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, initially met with skepticism regarding its Mustang namesake, continues to provoke debate. While independent reviews affirmed its right to bear the Mustang moniker, a new contender, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, has entered the arena, challenging the Mach-E’s supremacy. Though formidable, these rivals lack the weight of an iconic nameplate.

These Ford small cars impress with agility and sportiness, especially in its GT Performance Edition, boasting 480 horsepower, 634 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and a 314-mile range. Base models offer 266 hp. Demand remains high, with waiting lists stretching longer than ever.

Pricing starts at $46,895 for the Select RWD, with a $2,700 premium for eAWD. Premium models begin at $54,975 (standard range battery, RWD), with incremental increases for eAWD and extended range battery options. The California Route 1 is AWD-only at $63,575, while the Mach-E GT starts at $69,895, rising to over $75k for the GT Performance Edition. Prices exclude a $1,300 destination charge and potential tax credits.

3. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport may not match its bigger sibling’s off-road prowess, but it still offers a taste of the rugged lifestyle. While it won’t conquer extreme trails like the Rubicon or Raptor, it outperforms most compact SUVs off-road. The top-tier Badlands trim boasts a robust 245-hp turbo-four engine and torque-vectoring AWD, rivaling the trail-rated Jeep Cherokee. Other Bronco Sport variants impress with practical interiors and an 181-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, achieving an impressive 33 mpg on the highway.

Critiques include somewhat cheap cabin materials and limited rear-seat space. Nonetheless, it’s a more accessible alternative to the larger Bronco. In 2024, the lineup introduces a Free Wheeling model, echoing Ford’s ’70s appearance package, featuring 17-inch wheels with red accents and unique body graphics. Big Bend models can opt for a $1750 Black Appearance package. Two new paint colors, Azure Gray and Desert Sand, join the lineup, while the base trim is replaced by the Big Bend, slightly raising the starting price to around $2000.

Though pricier, the Badlands model offers unparalleled off-road capability, including a 245-hp turbo-four, enhanced AWD, lifted suspension, and upgraded dampers, with a starting price of $39,985.

4. 2023 Ford Escape

In 2001, the Ford Escape embraced a rugged identity with its uncompromising looks, V-6 power, and advanced all-wheel drive system. Today, the Bronco Sport takes on Ford’s off-road SUV market, leaving the similarly sized Escape to focus on a gentler lifestyle. Standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive now define the Escape, which offers hybrid and turbocharged engine options. While the Escape boasts attractive styling and roomy interiors, it lacks an upscale feel and delivers average performance compared to livelier competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Ford has refreshed the 2023 Escape with an appealing front end, a wider grille featuring the brand’s oval logo, and various wheel designs. The trim lineup has been revamped, introducing Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models, along with a standalone plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. All models now adopt Sync 4 for infotainment, with optional larger displays and digital gauge units.

The ST-Line model stands out as the cost-effective choice for accessing the potent 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, requiring the Select package and all-wheel drive. It features sporty aesthetics, including unique wheels, body-colored cladding, and a stylish interior with red contrast stitching.

The 2023 Ford Escape starts competitively at $28,000 for the base model, with slight increases for Active and ST-Line. Hybrid variants add $3,000. Adding all-wheel drive costs extra, depending on the trim. Prices climb for the Platinum and hybrid trims, with the PHEV topping the lineup at $40,500 before fees and additional charges.

5. 2024 Ford Maverick

The 2024 Maverick is at the forefront of the resurgence in small pickups, positioned beneath the Ranger in Ford’s truck lineup. Despite not having a traditional truck platform like the F-150 or Ranger, it boasts robust payload and towing capabilities. A 2.0-liter turbo four with front-wheel drive is standard, whereas all-wheel drive and a fuel-efficient hybrid are available.

It can tow up to 4,000 pounds and handle 1,500 pounds of payload in its compact bed when appropriately armed. The cabin is thoughtfully designed, offering an upscale feel despite its affordable price.

The base XL trim is minimalistic and more suitable for work duties. The hybrid powertrain is no longer standard and comes with a $1,500 price hike for the 191-hp hybrid setup.

Pricing for the 2024 Maverick ranges from $24,995 to $39,945 across three trims: XL, XLT, and Lariat. The XL is budget-friendly but lacks creature comforts. The XLT adds features like 17-inch aluminum wheels and cruise control, making it a value-oriented choice. We recommend the Tow package alongside the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and all-wheel drive for maximum towing capacity.
Although more compact pickups may emerge in the future, the Maverick currently competes mainly with the pricier Hyundai Santa Cruz, offering exceptional practicality.

6. 2023 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van

The Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van introduced a unique blend of style and utility to the American market. It maintains its European-inspired design, comfortable interior, and car-like handling. Beneath the hood lies a 2.0-liter inline-four mill, yielding 162 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Unfortunately, this versatile van has witnessed declining sales and will bid farewell after the 2023 model year. Among its remaining competitors in the US—Mercedes Metris Cargo Van and Ram ProMaster City Cargo Van—it’s the end of an era.

Though the 2023 Transit Connect remains unchanged for its final year, it comes with a significant price increase. The base model’s price soars from under $27,000 to over $34,000. The XLT model is a better value proposition because of a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Every XLT also includes blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert.

Recommended upgrades include adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, passive entry, and the Trailer Tow package, which unlocks a 2000-pound towing capacity.

Farewell to the city-van segment as the Transit Connect takes its final bow in the US market.

7. 2023 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon

Ford’s Transit van lineup isn’t just about hauling goods; it also caters to people’s transport needs, exemplified by the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon. This long-wheelbase variant packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, churning out 162 horsepower and 144 lb-ft of torque.
The competition in the small-van market is limited, with the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van and the crew-cab Ram ProMaster City Wagon as the leading contenders in the US.

The 2023 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon retains its predecessor’s design, as the future of this model remains uncertain in the US, continuing without significant changes. Notably, the optional 2.5-liter engine upgrade and alternative fuel options have been discontinued for 2023.

Despite elevated pricing, the Transit Connect remains popular. The base XL starts at $35,600, a considerable increase from last year. The XLT, priced at $37,715, offers more customization, while the top-tier Titanium demands $39,800, excluding additional fees.

Meanwhile, once a cheaper alternative, the Ram ProMaster City Wagon now starts at $33,075, up by nearly $7,000 for 2023. In this evolving market, the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon maintains its role as a reliable people mover, albeit with a steeper price tag.

Ford Small Cars – FAQs