2021 MG ZS vs Ford EcoSport Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

As most of you are aware, the local crossover market is practically a battleground for many of the car brands here in the Philippines. Why? Well, these types of cars are selling like hotcakes nowadays. To this end, companies that are relatively new to the local scene like MG have capitalized on this by releasing the likes of the MG ZS.

But how does a newer model like the ZS fare against a veteran like the Ford EcoSport? Well, to find out, we’ll compare the specs of the EcoSport Trend 1.5 AT against the MG ZS Alpha 1.5 AT. Both come with the exact same price, after all.

Which of these crossovers are better on paper? Let's find out

Size-wise, the MG ZS is 4,314mm long, 1,809mm wide, and 1,648mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,585mm in length, and it has a ground clearance of 164mm. 

The MG ZS

In comparison, the EcoSport has a length of 4,325mm, a width of 1,765mm, and a height of 1,656mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,519mm, and a ground clearance of 209mm. 

To sum it up, the ZS is clearly shorter, and it has less ground clearance. The MG-branded model however presents a longer wheelbase length and it’s wider too. The EcoSport in turn is slightly taller compared to the MG model. In addition to dimensions, the ZS Alpha variant has a curb weight of 1,258 kg. The EcoSport Trend is marginally heavier at 1,268 kg.

The Ford EcoSport  

For exterior equipment, both the ZS Alpha and EcoSport Trend come standard with halogen headlamps, halogen turn signal lamps, and turn-signal side repeaters. Both also come with front fog lamps, rear spoilers, and roof rails. The only difference between the two in terms of exterior features is that the ZS Alpha comes with LED taillights. In turn, the EcoSport Trend’s headlamps and liftgate are automatic, while the ZS Alpha’s are not. As for wheels, both models ride on a set of 17-inch alloys. 
 

As subcompact crossovers, both vehicles provide ample room for up to five occupants. The MG model however, has a larger default cargo capacity of 448 liters, while the Ford model has 335 liters. 

Both models are equipped with fabric-covered seats, 12-volt accessory outlets, USB charging ports, an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip computer, and manual air-conditioning. The MG ZS Alpha however, does have a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push to start button, and a sunroof.

Compare the interiors of the MG ZS (left) and the Ford EcoSport (right) using the slider

While the EcoSport Trend lacks a sunroof and only has a turnkey ignition system, it does have a tilt and telescopic steering column, whereas the ZS Alpha only has tilt adjustability. Then again, its steering wheel is urethane covered. 

For on-board entertainment, the MG ZS Alpha is fitted with an eight-inch touchscreen that’s able to connect via Apple CarPlay, USB, Bluetooth, and Aux. The said system is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.  

The Ford EcoSport Trend meanwhile, features a nine-inch touchscreen with USB, Bluetooth and Aux in only. It also has fewer speakers numbering at four. 
 

As for engines, the MG ZS uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. For the Alpha variant, the said engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the front wheels. 

The MG ZS from the rear

On the other side of the coin, the EcoSport Trend is propelled by a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill, which is capable of making up to 121 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Of note, both automatic transmissions on the MG ZS and Ford EcoSport are torque converter types. 

For suspension systems, the MG model uses a MacPherson front end, and a torsion beam for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes all around, as well as a manual, hand-operated parking brake. 

A look at the EcoSport's rear

In turn, the EcoSport comes with a similar suspension and disc brake and parking setup. It also uses a MacPherson strut for its front suspension, a torsion beam for the rear, disc brakes for all four wheels, and a manual hand-operated parking brake.

For safety, both the MG ZS and the Ford EcoSport come standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, a reverse camera, parking sensors, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, an engine immobilizer, and ISOFIX child seat tethers. 

As the top-spec variant in its lineup, the MG ZS Alpha is better equipped in terms of safety. It has six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, speed-sensing door locks, and a security alarm. The Ford EcoSport meanwhile, only comes with four airbags, while lacking the aforementioned safety features that are found on the MG ZS Alpha. 
 

If you’re concerned about having the most features for your money, then the MG ZS might be the car for you. On paper, it simply has more airbags, a better sound system, a better touchscreen, and more default cargo space.  

Then again, the Ford EcoSport’s 1.5-liter mill can make more power. Its transmission also has two more gear than the ZS, and that might translate to better performance on highways. And of course, the Ford subcompact crossover has more in the way of ground clearance – an important feature especially here in the Philippines. Its steering column has more adjustability as well. 

So, which of these two subcompact crossovers floats your boat? For more comparison articles like this, keep it here on Philkotse.com.