Surprise! This Is The Most Popular Used SUV In India

The SUV That Refuses to Fade: EcoSport Tops Used Car Charts

Discontinued in 2021, the Ford EcoSport may no longer be on showroom floors, but in India’s used car market, it's still making headlines. According to data from Spinny’s Q1 2025 report, the EcoSport was the best-selling compact SUV between January and March—outselling even current favourites like the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue.

It’s a surprising turn for a model that hasn’t seen a new unit roll out in nearly four years. But for many used car buyers, the EcoSport offers something most newer SUVs can’t: proven reliability, robust engineering, and a strong emotional connect with Indian buyers.

What Makes the EcoSport a Favourite—Even in 2025?

Despite Ford's exit from the Indian market, the EcoSport has retained its appeal for used car buyers, thanks to a combination of enduring strengths.

Built Like a Tank, Drives Like a Charm

Ford earned its reputation in India with the EcoSport’s solid build quality. Features like six airbags, 200 mm ground clearance, and a high-strength chassis give it a reassuring presence on Indian roads. Even after years of use, the car feels sturdy and planted, which adds to its value in the second-hand space.

Then there’s the drive experience. The 1.5-litre TDCi diesel engine was known for its punchy yet efficient performance, offering a fuel economy of up to 23 kmpl. Petrol lovers weren’t left behind either, with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol engine delivering a fun, responsive feel behind the wheel.

Unlike many compact SUVs that lean heavily towards comfort and features, the EcoSport always leaned a bit more enthusiast-friendly. That’s something buyers still appreciate—especially those upgrading from smaller hatchbacks.

A Design That Hasn’t Aged

Visually, the EcoSport continues to turn heads. Its upright SUV stance, bold grille, and the signature rear-mounted spare wheel give it a timeless, rugged appeal. While many newer compact SUVs have gone softer in their design approach, the EcoSport still looks like it belongs on an adventure.

But What About Ford’s Exit?

Understandably, many buyers were initially wary after Ford shut its operations in India. Concerns around service and spares were widespread. However, the ground reality has been more reassuring.

Thanks to high localisation levels—over 70% at launch—spare parts remain widely available. Several independent garages and service networks continue to support the model, and maintenance costs remain competitive. In fact, some owners report repairs like clutch replacements and suspension overhauls being 25–30% cheaper than what you’d pay for newer rivals like the Hyundai Venue.

Price-Value Equation: Where the EcoSport Shines

In today’s used car market, a well-kept EcoSport from the 2017–2021 range typically goes for ₹5.5 to ₹7.5 lakh. That’s a sweet spot for urban families looking for a solid SUV without breaking the bank.

What also works in its favour is resale value. The EcoSport still holds on to nearly 65–70% of its original value after five years—higher than several segment rivals. That sense of retained value builds confidence for first-time buyers stepping into the pre-owned space.

The Automatic That City Buyers Love

Interestingly, the EcoSport also enjoys an edge in the automatic transmission space. While manual versions still dominate the used SUV market, the EcoSport’s 6-speed torque converter automatic has found solid favour with city buyers. In Q1 2025, automatics accounted for 22% of all used EcoSport sales—more than even the Hyundai Venue’s dual-clutch automatic.

The reason? Simplicity and durability. Unlike the DCT units used by some competitors, Ford’s torque converter setup is known to be smoother in stop-and-go traffic and generally easier (and cheaper) to maintain in the long run.

More Than Just Nostalgia: A Practical Choice

Ultimately, the Ford EcoSport’s continued success isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality. For Indian buyers navigating tough city conditions, long commutes, and rising costs of ownership, the EcoSport offers a rare mix: a compact footprint, SUV-like stance, punchy engines, and a reputation for lasting the distance.

Ford may have left the Indian market, but the EcoSport’s story is far from over. In fact, its second innings—this time in the used car market—is shaping up to be just as impactful as its first.