2019 Ford EcoSport vs. Honda HR-V

Ford Ecosport vs. Honda HR-V at Ford of Dalton

For commuters and space-conscious urbanites, the Ford EcoSport and the Honda HR-V are two great options in the compact SUV class. Though each have their pros and cons, there is one that we think wins the race, but we’ll let you decide. Check out some of their top features in the comparison below.

Engine and Safety Features

The Ford EcoSport offers two different engine options that pair with either front or all wheel drive and a 6-speed transmission: the standard 123-hp turbo I3 or the 166-hp I4. Amazingly, these peppy engines can tow up to 2000 lbs., which helps expand cargo space for long trips with lots of luggage. The suspension system on this compact SUV crossover keeps the ride smooth and free of jolting bumps. Plus, its small size makes getting through traffic a breeze. Both the 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines get decent fuel economy: 28 mpg and 30 mpg respectively, making the EcoSport a smart and affordable option for city dwellers or those with active lifestyles. The Honda HR-V offers a single engine option: a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 141 hp and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The fuel economy is slightly better with an average of 29 mpg, but even with the optional all-wheel drive, the HR-V tends to lag, taking almost 9.7 seconds to get from 0 to 60. The HR-V offers around 1,100 lbs. of towing capacity and a very comfortable ride, though large bumps can send it into very choppy territory. In terms of safety features, both the HR-V and EcoSport come with impressive safety features for its small package. The EcoSport offers a reverse camera, rain sensing wipers, park assist with rear parking sensors, stability control with hill descent control and hill start assist, FordPass Connect for roadside assistance, easy anchor points for car seats, and teen driver tech that allows parents to adjust vehicle settings like speed and music volume. The Honda HR-V has similar features including auto emergency braking, full-forward collision warning, lane departure warning, reverse camera, and auto high-beam headlights.

Tech and Interior

The base model of the Ford EcoSport hosts fantastic tech for its size and class with a 6.5-inch touchscreen (8-inch on upper trim packages) and Ford’s voice-controlled Sync 3 media system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, 6-speaker system (10 B&O speakers on upper trim packages), two smart USB ports, 4.2-inch digital information screen in the center of the instrument cluster, a power sunroof, push button start, keyless entry, and leather seats in the upper trim packages. One of the other great things about the EcoSport is the cost; with only a $7000 differential between the base and the top trim package, all the bells and whistles are doable, even for someone on a budget. The Honda HR-V has similar tech, but mostly on the upper trim packages. Base level offers cloth seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, a four-speaker stereo, a 5-inch display system, and a rearview camera. Upper trim packages yield more exciting features like automatic climate control, a moonroof, keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, a six-speaker stereo, an additional USB port, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The cost differential between the base and top trim package is similar to the EcoSport, but since Honda starts its price higher at the base model, it costs an additional $2,000-3,000.

Test Drive the Top Compact SUV at Ford of Dalton: Ford EcoSport

Because of its superior tech (even in the base model), the agile turning and maneuverability, and its smart suspension system, we rank the Ford EcoSport as the winner. To test drive the Ford EcoSport and see how it can fit into your lifestyle, visit Ford of Dalton in Dalton, GA today.