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My favorite THREE cars similar to the Ford EcoSport are the:
- 2022 Hyundai Kona
- 2022 Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander Sport
- 2022 Honda HR-V
Ford’s entrant into the small crossover segment was the EcoSport. The Ford EcoSport is a mid-size SUV. The EcoSport is perfect for those who are looking for a more affordable SUV with features that are comparable to that.
Surprisingly, although priced between $23,000 and $30,000, the EcoSport has never been considered of very good value. With a take-off speed of 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, given the EcoSport is a relatively small car, one can perhaps understand why.
With Ford’s announcement that it will be ceasing the production of its cars built in India, the 2022 Ford EcoSport is likely to be the last. Who knows, it just might become a collectible.
In terms of engine type and powertrain, depending on the model, earlier EcoSports came with a 1.5L engine and SYNC 3. The entry-level Ecosport model then, was a five-door SUV, the Ecosport Ambiente.
It was powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol. Akin to more recent models, the Ecosport Titanium was powered by an 82kW 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine driving all four wheels backed by a six-speed auto.
From 2022, the big change in EcoSport models is that the front-wheel drive, which was once paired exclusively with the turbocharged three-cylinder, is no longer offered.
Instead, every EcoSport now comes standard with all-wheel drive and a non-turbo four-cylinder engine. In addition, the 2022 EcoSport is only offered with a 166-hp four-cylinder engine car , a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode, and an all-wheel drive.
The four-door EcoSport hatchback has a spacious interior with seats that can be folded down to accommodate up to three adults in the back to accommodate a total of five passengers.
Just in case, fuel efficiency-wise, you thought the “Eco” in EcoSport stands for economical, then you thought wrong. The Ford EcoSport is available in several variants and body types that are powered by ULP and PULP fuel types.
Despite its size, the EcoSport’s lone powertrain and standard all-wheel-drive system are rated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 6.9L/100km for SUV /ULP depending on the year the model was manufactured.
When it comes to cargo and towing, the EcoSport surprisingly has competitive cargo space and storage and a 2000-pound tow rating- more than most subcompact crossovers can consider pulling.
Despite this and its relatively good pricing, however, the small SUV has over the years struggled to compete in a segment full of alternatives that drive better, have nicer interiors, and are more fuel-efficient.
SUVs similar to and competing in the same space as the Ford Ecosport are the…
1. Hyundai Kona
Also known as the Hyundai Kauai in Portugal and Hyundai Encino in China. Like the EcoSport, the Hyundai Kona is also one of the smaller offerings in the subcompact SUV segment. In the 2022 model, new wheel designs, updated exterior lighting elements, and rear skid plates are all-new styling features.
Inside, the Kona receives a redesigned dashboard and a few new optional goodies, including a new digital gauge display, wireless smartphone charging, and heated rear seats-all of which make driving it all the more fun.
Speed-wise, the Kona is a lot quicker off the mark. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. A clear 2.5 seconds faster than the EcoSport.
When it comes to engine type and transmission, the 2022 Hyundai Kona is a lot more similar to earlier configurations of the EcoSport than the current one. It offers two four-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter four, and a more desirable and punchy turbocharged 1.6-liter four.
A little less powerful than the EcoSport, the Kona’s two powertrains, the SE and SEL models, come with a 147-hp four-cylinder. However, it also has a six-speed automatic transmission like that of the EcoSport.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona range of configurations is currently priced from $23,000 (SE), $30,000 (Limited) and $35,000 (Electric). Exactly like those of the EcoSport! As with the EcoSport, seating is also the conventional five passengers.
Fuel consumption for the 2022 Hyundai Kona is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Hyundai Kona is available with the following fuel types: ULP, Electric, and PULP.
Understandably, with a turbocharged engine under the hood, the Kona delivers an impressive 32 mpg on the highway and manages 33 mpg with the base four-cylinder. Way better than the EcoSport.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona carries a most impressive braked towing capacity of up to 1600 Kg (3527 pounds). Better than the EcoSport. However, do check to ensure this applies to the configuration you’re considering.
This is because some models offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options that can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities also vary depending on engine, transmission, model, and options chosen.
2. Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander Sport
Based on the CJ Lancer small-car platform, the Mitsubishi ASX, also known as the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, is also similar to the EcoSport in size, pricing, and fuel economy.
Add to these good looks, lots of interior space-the Outlander Sport’s 60/40 split-folding back seats easily fold to create a flat cargo floor-and you might just have a contender.
Speed-wise, the 2.4-liter Outlander Sport, which is most similar to the EcoSport, manages an 8.0-second trip to 60 mph, 1.8 seconds faster than the EcoSport.
When it comes to engine and transmission, the standard Outlander Sport has no similarities to the EcoSport. Its 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder is much slower than that of the EcoSport.
The more powerful 168-hp is closer to the EcoSport but comes with a 2.4-liter engine, making for both cars’ bad fuel economy. Both the Outlander Sport’s engines pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the EcoSport’s is a six-speed automatic.
Much like the EcoSport, the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport range of configurations calls from $23,000 for the S and $29,000 for the GT.
Both vehicles come standard with five seats each.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is available with the ULP fuel type. Fuel consumption for the 2022 Mitsubishi ASX is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model you choose. Currently, the Mitsubishi ASX/Outlander Sport offers quite a hefty fuel consumption of around 7.6 to 7.9L/100km.
In terms of fuel, the 2.0-liter is rated up to 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The all-wheel-drive version earns 1 mpg less in both categories. The 2.4-liter variant is estimated at up to 23 mpg city and 29 on the highway.
The 2022 Mitsubishi ASX braked towing capacity is not bad at up to 1300 Kg (2866 pounds). However, I advise checking with the manufacturer or your vehicle’s handbook before attempting to tow anything-especially on the heavy side.
3. Honda HR-V
Also called the Honda Vezel in Japan, both it and the EcoSport are notably Japanese, slow to 60mph at over 9 seconds each.
However, in addition to its heated front seats, passive entry, a sunroof, and several driver assists (adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist), the HR-V’s second-row fold flat to create a huge area that can accommodate large items bigger crossovers would struggle to fit.
It’s the best option for buyers looking for the most practical vehicles in the segment.
Much like the EcoSport, the HR-V’s all-wheel-drive manages 0 to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds, 0.4 of a second slower than the EcoSport.
Like the EcoSport, the HR-V carries a four-cylinder engine but a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The result is a paltry 141hp at 6500 rpm.
The 2022 Honda HR-V range of configurations will demand from $23,000 for the LX and $28,000 for the E-XL.
Notably, and of interest, the 2022 Honda HR-V features seating for only four passengers. The middle seat in the second row does not have a seat belt. The base model has cloth seats, while the E-XL model has leather.
Fuel consumption for the 2022 Honda HR-V is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The 2022 Honda HR-V is available with a ULP fuel type. Its fuel consumption is quite economical at 4.3 to 5.8L/100km.
4. Kia Seltos
Like the EcoSport, the Kia Seltos is slightly larger and roomier than other subcompact SUVs. Combine this with such niceties as a large 10.3-inch infotainment screen, automatic climate control, and remote start; that are all now standard on more of the Seltos’s trim levels, except the LX trim, and you have something to talk about.
Similar to the EcoSport, the Kia Seltos reaches 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds. Its base configuration offers a 2.0-liter non-turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 146 horsepower-15 less than the EcoSport.
However, akin to previous EcoSports, upmarket trims have a turbocharged 1.6-liter that pumps out 175hp and does 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Very much within the price range of the EcoSport, the Kia Seltos 2022 is currently available from $24,000 (LX) to 29,000 (SX).
Similar to the EcoSport, the Seltos range also has a five-seat option available. The rear seats are 60/40 split-fold. The standard trim is cloth, but you can get premium synthetic leather trim on the higher-spec models, as well as ventilated and heated front seats for comfort. Something the EcoSport does not offer.
As with most cars, fuel consumption for the 2022 Kia Seltos is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, and the model you finally settle on. The Kia Seltos is available with a ULP fuel type.
It offers fuel consumption from 6.8 to 7.6L/100km. EPA estimates highway fuel economy to be as high as 35 mpg for front-wheel-drive models with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the all-wheel-drive Seltos with the turbocharged 1.6-liter manages 30 mpg.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Seltos cannot compete with the EcoSport. The Kia Seltos’s towing capacity ranges from 1100kg to 1250kg. However, do check to ensure this applies to the configuration you’re considering.
This is because some models offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options that can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities also vary depending on engine, transmission, model, and options chosen.
5. Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 is technically the smallest SUV in the Mazda range of SUVs. It shares space in the subcompact SUV segment with the slightly larger and only slightly more expensive EcoSport and CX-30. However, what is outstanding about this little minx is that it has excellent crash-test ratings.
The CX-3 received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Slightly less than the EcoSport, the Mazda CX-3 2022 is currently available for between $22,000 for the Sport and $23,000 for the Sport AWD.
An all-wheel-drive CX-3 on a 1.6-liter turbo engine has been known to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. However, with a 146-hp four-cylinder engine at 6000 rpm, the base CX-3 is not as powerful as the EcoSport.
Both, however, come with an all-wheel drive. As with the EcoSport, the transmission is a six-speed automatic with a manual shifting mode.
Fuel consumption for the 2022 Mazda CX-3 is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Mazda CX-3 offers a fuel consumption of between 6.3 to 6.7L/100km.
It uses ULP-type fuel. The EPA estimates front-wheel-drive models on 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highways. While all-wheel-drive models have ratings of 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Interestingly, the Mazda CX-3 has a maximum towing capacity of 1200kg (2646 pounds) more than that of the EcoSport. However, do check to ensure this applies to the configuration you’re considering.
This is because some models offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options that can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities also vary depending on engine, transmission, model, and options chosen.
6. Mazda CX-30
Tall in appearance, the 2022 Mazda CX-30’s curvaceous exterior design gives the CX-30 an upscale EcoSport appearance. At 24 city, 31 mpg, and 26 mpg for its non-turbo models, it has fuel economy figures to match. However, its near-premium cabin and handsome, well-crafted interior soon set it apart.
When it comes to speed, 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds is 2,2 seconds faster than the EcoSport. Looking under the CX-30’s hood, you soon understand why.
The CX-30’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower which, like the EcoSport, is paired with a six-speed automatic. While all of the non-turbo trim levels come with the same 2.5-liter engine as the EcoSport all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 range of configurations is currently priced from $24,000 (Base) to $36,000 (Top Turbo Premium Plus)-both are close to and beyond the EcoSport’s cost range.
The Mazda sits the conventional five passengers.
Fuel consumption for the 2022 Mazda CX-30 is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Mazda CX-30 currently offers fuel consumption from 6 to 6.8L/100km.
The Mazda CX-30 is available with ULP and Hyb/ULP fuel types. The CX-30 receives fuel-economy estimates of 24 city, 31 mpg, and 26 mpg for non-turbo models and 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined with the turbocharged engine.
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 carries a braked towing capacity of up to 1200 Kg (2646 pounds). It surpasses that of the EcoSport. However, I advise checking with the manufacturer or your vehicle’s handbook before attempting to tow anything-especially on the heavy side.
7. Ford Maverick Pick-Up
Similar to the EcoSport in towing capacity and fuel consumption is the Ford Maverick pick-up. All Mavericks are crew cabs and have a fairly roomy back seat. Making it just right for both work and play.
Depending on the trim, the Maverick is at 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds quicker than the average EcoSport.
Although the standard powertrain of the 2022 Maverick is a hybrid setup of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive, like the EcoSport, it also offers all-wheel drive, but only with the optional nonhybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
All trims come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s assisted by an electric motor for a combined 191-hp. This setup only comes with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The price range for the Maverick varies based on the trim level you choose. The XL will cost you around 21,000 while a Lariat model will cost $27,000. Both are within the price range of the EcoSport.
The Maverick comes standard with four doors and five passenger seats.
Very much like the EcoSport, nonhybrid Maverick pick-ups are rated for 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Similarly, like the EcoSport, front-wheel drives are pegged at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.
With the turbocharged four-cylinder and the optional Towing Package, the Maverick can tow up to 4000 pounds. Akin to the EcoSport, the base hybrid powertrain offers 1500 pounds of payload capacity and 2000 pounds of towing capacity.
Should the above list of vehicles similar to the Ford EcoSport not suffice, you could also look up the 2023 Kia Soul (Cost range:$21-25,000); Nissan Rogue Sport (Cost range:$26-30,000); Volkswagen Taos (Cost range:$25-33,000); Toyota Yaris Cross (Cost range:$17-20,000) and the Jeep Compass (Cost range:$28-38,000) for possible similarities. Good luck!
In the meantime, below are some frequently asked questions relating to the Ford EcoSport you might be interested in too.
FAQs
Q. Which Ford EcoSport model is best?
A: The Ford EcoSport is available in 5 variants with the Titanium S being the top-spec one. The Titanium features significant differences from its sibling variants.
Q. Are Ford EcoSport cars reliable?
A: For the 2019 model year, U.S. News reported that the EcoSport had a respectable reliability rating of 3 out of 5, which gives it relatively average reliability.
Q. Which year models of used Ford EcoSport should be avoided?
A: Quick answer, 2014 and 2018. If you’re in the market for a used Ford EcoSport, avoid models from 2014 and 2018. The 2014-year model has had the most complaints of any model, including an unreliable audio system and a problem with the car shuddering when you come to a stop. These problems can come into fruition at mileages as low as 5,000 miles.