Some of you will remember that, several years ago, I criticized GM (and Chevy), when they re-introduced the Blazer nameplate, for making it a typical unibody crossover instead of doing what Ford did by bringing back a properly-styled, TRUE off-road Bronco to compete with the Jeep Wrangler. The rugged Blazer nameplate was put on essentially just one more mid-sized suburban-mall shopping-vehicle to carry groceries and the kids. What’s more, at Ford, if one liked the Bronco nameplate and its boxy SUV-styling, but did not need a true mountain-goat as a daily driver, a less-expensive but also boxy-styled Bronco Sport, which was based on the Escape unibody platform, was also offered. I have not changed my mind on that, and, given the huge appeal that both the Bronco and Bronco Sport have had in the American market over the last several years, I am now even more firmly convinced now that GM made a mistake with the crossover Blazer. Demand for the Bronco and Bronco Sport have consistently exceed supply, and they are hugely popular even here in the urbanized D.C. area where I live.That’s not to say that the crossover Blazer did not (or does not) sell. It DOES sell in reasonable numbers, and has had some moderate success. But, whether the marketers at GM are willing to admit it or not, GM has lost out on some of the Bronco’s enormous success by not offering a similar Blazer that is worthy of the nameplate in the same manner that Ford did with the Bronco. And, to some extent, Chevy repeated the same mistake on the smaller subcompact Trailblazer by making it a crossover instead of a true off-roader like the original Trailblazer of the early 2000s, but I can’t really criticize Chevy as much for doing this as I did with the mid-size crossover Blazer, simply because of the current Trailblazer’s admitted huge success and good reputation….and the fact that it is done on the same platform as the Buick Encore GX (I myself own a GX, and have been extremely pleased with it).

OK, so GM made a mistake with the crossover Blazer…and lost out (and is still losing out) on the big market that is grabbing up the Bronco and Bronco Sport. Now, however, Ford seems like it is also making a major marketing error….an error of a different type. Ever since the (IMO poorly-done) Ford EcoSport was discontinued in the American market in 2022, the corporation has not had a subcompact (B-Segment) crossover here…..at a time when GM’s Trailblazer/Encore GX, and Trax/Envista, Nissan Kicks, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Venue/Kona, Kia Seltos/Niro, Lexus UX, VW Taos, Mini Cooper, Jeep Renegade ,and a number of other B-segment crossovers are one of the hottest new-vehicle markets today. In all fairness, though, the Jeep Renegade was also discontinued recently….but it was offered for a number of years. However, by not replacing the Ecosport here in the U.S., Ford is clearly losing out on its share of this booming market.

Ford Authority, a well-respected site, also notes this.

https://fordauthority.com/2024/06/fo...egment-blooms/

Now, that is not to say that I actually LIKED the former Ecosport…in fact, I did not. I test-drove one at the D.C. Auto Show when it was first introduced here, and again at a nearly dealership, and it was, IMO, a rather cramped, crude and uncomfortable vehicle on just about any driving environment. As I understand it, it was developed in India, was never really intended for American driving conditions, and aimed primarily at those who wanted a cheap new set of wheels with very little money to spend or with poor credit. It was smaller than even many of its competing B-segment crossovers at the time, and the only thing I found redeeming in it was that, in some situations at least, it beat walking LOL….especially with my weak legs. (my legs and knees are somewhat better now, BTW).

For whatever reason, Ford has not seen fit to replace the Ecosport here in the U.S., at a time when this market is booming and other automakers are cashing in on it, although, in all fairness, there are generally not high-profit vehicles that rake in a lot of profit on each sale like the big full-sized rucks and SUVs do. Still, even though not as much money is made on each sale as with big trucks, the sheer number of these small B-segment crossovers being sold, is generating a fair amount of income for the automakers. My brother also owns one…..a Kia Seltos SX, which he is very pleased with. IMHO, Ford needs to develop a credible B-segment crossover here for the American market…….one that, unlike the Ecosport, was actually INTENDED for Americans to start with.

What are your opinions on this?….do you agree or disagree? Please discuss.

MM

The Bronco Sport lease is one of the lowest leases in the industry. While Ford can't be making much money on that deal, it's pitting the Bronco Sport as the new base offering.

Ummmm....what?!

I believe most people looking for an entry vehicle are not that concerned if it be BOF or unibody. Ford's problem will be not just discontinuing the EcoSport but also the Escape. They now will only have 1 'affordable' entry whereas at least Chevy has 2- Trax & Trailsport. Both of course have already discontinued their entry sedans forcing consumers wanting one to go to Toyota/Honda/Kia, etc. Also, at least in my area, the Bronco Sport models are pretty much loaded, pushing into the 40k+ region, so even with discounts is still a lot more than what many can afford & other manufacturers offer. As the Japanese & Koreans gain more market share by having several choices beginning under 30k the original big 3 only have themselves to blame.

I'm going to be in the market for a vehicle in this class soon, and I am surprised Ford does not offer such a vehicle. While the Chevy Trax is FWD only, it's really up there at the top of the class among most reviews I've seen.

Its pretty simple...having multiple overlapping models to serve the same customer costs more than just having one model. Ford is just simplifying their lineup and they feel the Bronco Sport will serve the same consumer.

Ford needs to copy Toyota. The Corolla Cross is made in the USA with America labour, for the US market. Choice is gas or hybrid. And the Corolla Cross is a four cylinder

I suspect that is the "mistake" @mmarshall is citing. The Trax/Seltos/CX-30/HRV/Crosstrek are measurably smaller than a Bronco Sport. These have essentially become entry-level vehicles. The Bronco Sport pricing starts at a point where customers can buy a top tier or near top tier of these other vehicles. There is 0 chance I would look at the Bronco Sport to cross-shop any of these vehicles.

Probably 50 new Broncos at a Ford dealer we drove by the other day. They look like toys for posers.

Some very good responses in this thread....and Thank You all for keeping it polite.

Yes, that's correct. The Bronco Sport is not only substantially larger than most B-Class crossovers (it is actually more of a C-size, that the Escape was), but also costs more. My next door neighbor has a Bronco Sport (and I have test-driven one) so I am well-familiar wth it.

Agreed. Although I don't particularly like the CC's interior (cheap materials, so-so fit/finish), and its sound-insulation could be better (it's hard to beat a Buick or Lexus for quietness in this class), I generally wouldn't mind having a Corolla Cross as a DD. Its components are reliable, and its size/utility/manuverability and ease-of-entry/exit are ideal for the needs of a lot of drivers, including me. Ford would indeed do very well to copy it....though cheap entry-level Ford products are not known for very plush interiors either.

That might be because 150,000 posers bought one in 2025. I sold my 2022 Wildtrak, so I guess I must be an ex-poser.

The Trailblazer has been very successful in the marketplace, has a reasonably good reliability record (better than most other Chevys), has generally good customer satisfaction, and is recommended by Consumer Reports, although from my experience and that of some other reviewer, its noise level is on the high side. A 2026 LT model I recently sampled, though, seemed quieter than past versions. Its interior trim is excellent for the low price (25-33K). Some reviewers, though, feel that the Trax is a better value, particularly if AWD is not needed. Both the Trax and Trailblazer are taking a part of that B-class market that Ford could be sharing in if it had a true competitor....which it doesn't.

You yourself have advocated that Buick is more upscale than brands like Toyota; I don't think it's fair to then criticize mainstream offerings for being less upscale. Car & Driver recently compared 7 compact crossovers, including the Buick Envista and the Chevy Trax.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/

Their analysis confirmed what you have said for a while - that the Buick is quieter inside. But Buick customers pay substantially for that over the Chevy: