Which 2021 Ford EcoSport variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

Initially launched way back in 2003, the Ford EcoSport is a subcompact crossover SUV that changed the game for Ford in the said market segment. Here in the Philippines, the EcoSport is one of the most popular subcompact crossover and one of the first of its kind at launch.

Currently, the EcoSport’s second-generation model competes against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Suzuki Vitara, Nissan Juke, Subaru XV, and the SsangYong Tivoli.

As a small yet adequately-equipped vehicle with just the right amount of space, the EcoSport is also very popular among city dwellers. So if you’re reading this, you might be considering this as your next vehicle.

Hold up though, because the EcoSport now has five variants. So how are these different from each other and which one should you buy?

Ford Ecosport variants: Dimensions

When it comes to size, all variants of the EcoSport are 4325mm long, 1765mm wide, 1656mm high, and have a wheelbase length of 2519mm. It also has a 209mm ground clearance which is of course better than most vehicles of its size.

It's a small car but it has this sharp look to it that we really dig

Exterior amenities for the Ford EcoSport include “Follow-me-home” lighting, a power sunroof, a front and rear fog lamp. It also has very useful features that both contribute to practicality and style like front and rear splash guards, scuff plates, a rear spoiler, and a roof rails.

Note, however, that only the top-of-the-line variant comes with an HID projector headlight, while the rest gets a pair of halogens.

Also exclusive to the top variant is the automatic headlights and the signature LED daytime running lamps. The base 1.5L Ambiente MT variant also has smaller wheels, no roof rail, and a black front grille finish.

Again, not that sexy of a car but it does have its own personality

>>> Related: 

• 2021 Ford EcoSport: Expectations and what we know so far
• Ford EcoSport 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium 2020 Philippines Review: Old dog, new tricks

Ford Ecosport variants: Interior

In terms of interior features, both the range-topping 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium AT and the 1.5 Titanium AT come  with all the bells and whistles like eight-inch color and capacitive touchscreen, seven audio speakers, SYNC 3 Phone connectivity with Applink and voice control, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, leather wrapped steering wheel and seats, illuminated USB ports, Bluetooth, an electronic automatic temperature control system, a rear retractable armrest, a push to start button, and an overhead console with a sunglasses holder. Only the 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium has an electrochromic rearview mirror.

Simple, well-arranged, no fuss no muss

For the Trend and the Ambiente, these lower variants have a more basic nine-inch color touchscreen, four audio speakers, and a smaller 2.3 inch instrument cluster display screen. The Ambiente MT doesn’t have the one-touch power windows, and the cooled glove box that comes with the other variants.

Common among all variants is a load compartment lamp, a sun visor with a vanity mirror for the front passenger, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

>>> Related: 

• 2020 Ford EcoSport Interior: A Closer Look
• 2020 Geely Coolray vs Ford EcoSport Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

Ford Ecosport variants: Engine and Performance

The current available Ford EcoSport for the Philippine has two engine options; the 1.0 liter EcoBoost and the 1.5 liter Ti-VCT.

For the base Ambiente, the Trend, and the 1.5 Titanium AT, it is powered by the gasoline powered, 1.5-liter Ti-VCT. It makes 120 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. For the top-spec Titanium variant, its 1.0 liter EcoBoost is a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 122 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque.

It won't win you races, but it'll get you to your office reliably everyday

Only the Trend can come with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The Ambiente is only available with the manual, while the Titanium only comes with the automatic.

For all the EcoSport variants, power is sent to the rear. Also, only the 1.0 liter EcoBoost Titanium AT comes with auto start-stop technology.

Ford Ecosport variants: Safety

For a very small vehicle, the 2020 Ford EcoSport, regardless of trim, is packed full of safety features. It comes standard with things that you’d expect from a modern car like power door locks, anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution, parking camera, traction control, stability control, an emergency brake light, child proof door locks, hill start assist, and a seatbelt reminder for the driver.

Note, however, that the Ambiente has the least amount of airbags in the form of dual front airbags, the Trend has that plus front side airbags, while the Titanium trim has all of those plus front curtain airbags.

And lastly, only the Titanium and Trend comes with hill descent control, and only the Ambiente doesn’t come with a rear park assist.

Ford Ecosport variants: Price

>>> Refer to the latest changes in Ford Ecosport Philippines price

Ford Ecosport variants: Conclusion

As you can see, the difference in the amount of features from the base Ambiente to the top-of-the-line EcoBoost Titanium is greatly reflected by the price difference.

Do note that in itself, the base Ambiente is already a great buy. It has a decent engine and it can comfortably fit in five just like the other EcoBoost variants sans the fancy touchscreen and the other great features that come on the Trend and the Titanium. 

Family car or personal transport, the EcoSport is ideal for many people. 

However, the latter two comes with more airbags, which quite frankly are very important features that we wish could come with more cars, even the base models nowadays. Also note that if you like driving and if you want to get a manual EcoSport, only the Trend MT and the Ambiente can meet your needs.

For more variant comparison articles like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.