Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: The battle of the compact SUVs!

Updated Dec 22, 2022

Old or new, Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport Philippines? Which will come out as the better compact SUV? Let's find out!

In this article...

  1. 1. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Introduction
  2. 2. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Dimensions
  3. 3. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Interior
  4. 4. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Engine and Performance
  5. 5. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Safety
  6. 6. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Philippines prices
  7. 7. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Conclusion

1. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Introduction

Like most car segments in the country, the compact SUV market segment is very competitive and manufacturers have been going at it since the 90s. In recent years though, the competition has ramped up in lieu of newer vehicles like the Toyota Rush. This, of course, has rocked the proverbial boat whose decks are filled with industry veterans. And one of those veterans is the Ford Ecosport.

So for this comparison article, we will compare the specs of two very relevant compact SUVs in the current market, one new which is the Toyota Rush and the other is the much older and very established Ford Ecosport.

Also, to mix things up all the while keeping it simple, Philkotse.com will compare the base variants of these two compact SUVs: Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport. We will still mention other variants from each of these models where relevant.

Let’s get it on!

2. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Dimensions

Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Dimensions

  

Toyota Rush 

Ford Ecosport

Length (mm)

4,435

4,325

Width (mm)

1,695

1,765

Height (mm)

1,705

1,656

Wheelbase (mm)

2,685

2,519

Cargo Volume

514 L

335 L

It is plain to see that the Rush is the larger vehicle. It has a larger overall profile, which of course translates to a larger cargo and passenger space. There’s even a Rush variant that can accommodate seven passengers.

In terms of styling, the Toyota Rush is also the better vehicle in our opinion. Its design is more up to date and is fresher and sprightlier than the aging look of the Ecosport. While Ford did give the Ecosport an update, only a few exterior features had changed. Regardless of our opinion though, styling, in the end, is subjective and the choice of the better-looking vehicle depends on the prospective buyer.

A picture of the Ford Ecosport 2019

Not much has changed despite the Ford Ecosport facelift

A picture of the 2019 Toyota Rush

Whereas the Rush is a fresh-faced, new-comer

>>> To get a comprehensive understanding of these two compact SUVs, kindly refer to our: 

3. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Interior

Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport Philippines: Interior Specs
Feature
Toyota Rush 1.5 E
Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ambiente
Cruise Control
No
No
Front Parking Sensors
No
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Leather Upholstery
No
No
Push Start Button
Yes
No
Air Conditioning System
Dual Climate Control
Manual temperature Control
Entertainment System
 - 7 inch LCD Touchscreen
 - CD player
 - MP3
 - Radio
 - 4 Speakers
 - 9-inch Touchscreen
 - CD Player
 - Mp3
 - Radio
 - 4 Speakers
Connectivity
 - AUX and USB
 - Bluetooth
 - Weblink for iOS and Android
 - Bluetooth and USB
Sunroof
No
No
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Control
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
No

When it comes to interior space, it is of no doubt that the larger Toyota Rush has the Ecosport beat. For the 5 seater E version of the rush, the cargo space is also larger at 514 L compared to the measly 335 L of the Ecosport.

Other variants of the Rush namely the G can even fit up to seven passengers albeit sacrificing a bit of cargo. The fact remains though that the Toyota made compact SUV trumps the Ford in terms of passenger capacity due to the fact that the Ford Ecosport is only a five-seater.

Toyota Rush 2019 front cabin

Here's the Rush's front cabin

Moving on to interior stuff pertaining to entertainment, the Toyota Rush E comes with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display whereas the Ecosport has a larger 8-inch touchscreen unit that comes with Ford’s own connectivity system called the Sync 3.

The Weblink Connectivity on the Toyota Rush is reported by users to be much better than Ford’s offering. There’s even a dedicated website that talks about several issues the Sync has in terms of connection, playback, etc. So in this case, Toyota’s simplicity has paid off.

A picture of the Ford Ecosport 2019 front cabin

And here's the front cabin of the Ford Ecosport

 Also note that in comparing the base models of these vehicles, the Toyota Rush E plainly has more useful features like a multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry, and even a push to start button.

>>> Related: 

4. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Engine and Performance

Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Engine Specs

 

Ford Ecosport

Toyota Rush

Engine size

1.5 L

1.5 L

Displacement

1,498 cc

1,499 cc

Number of Cylinders

4

4

Number of Valves

16

16

Transmission Type

5-speed Manual

5-Speed Manual

Power Train

Front-Wheel Drive

Rear-Wheel-Drive

Max Output (HP)

121

102

Max Torque (Nm)

150

134

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Gasoline

Fuel Capacity

52 L

45 L

Under the hood, it is apparent from the table above that the Ford Ecosport Ambiente is the more powerful vehicle. With regards to engine choices, all the variants of the Rush are equipped with the same engine, the 2NR-VE Inline-4.

toyota rush 2019 engine

The 2NR-VE Inline-4 is under the hood of Toyota Rush 2019

The Ford Ecosport 2019 has two; the 1.0 Turbocharged EcoBoost and the 1.5 L Inline-4 Ti-VCT. Despite having a less powerful engine, the fact remains that the Rush is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle which of course is much more fun for the driver because pushing is easier than pulling after-all.

Ford Ecosport 2019 engine

Ecosport comes with two engine options 1.0 Turbocharged EcoBoost and 1.5 L Inline-4 Ti-VCT

When it comes to available gearboxes, the Toyota Rush 2019 has a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic while the Ecosport also has a 5-speed manual option and the 6-speed automatic.

For this category overall, the Ford Ecosport is better spec-wise. The Rush’s rear-wheel-drive powertrain is a very attractive part of the Toyota made compact SUV.

5. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Safety

As for safety, the Toyota Rush 1.5 E MT appears to be the better vehicle. It has more airbags in the form of side airbags and curtain airbags. Both the Rush and the Ecosport do both have ABS with EBD, engine immobilizers, security alarms, stability control, and ISOFIX.

For driver-assist technology, the Ford Ecosport does come with a hill start assist.

Worth your reading with other car comparo articles of the other vehicles in the same segment: 

6. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Philippines prices

Toyota Rush price in the Philippines - 2019

Variants

Price

Toyota Rush 1.5 E MT

P968,000

Toyota Rush 1.5 G AT

P1,100,000

Toyota Rush 1.5 E AT

P1,008,000

>>> Refer to our full Toyota Rush Philippines price list with estimated monthly payments

A picture of the rear of the Toyota Rush 2019

The Rush as of yet has only three variants but even its base model is really well equipped

Ford Ecosport price in the Philippines - 2019

Variants

Price

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Ambiente MT

P920,000

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Trend MT

P970,000

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Trend AT

P1,030,000

Ford Ecosport 1.5 Titanium AT

P1,100,000

Ford Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost Titanium AT

P1,190,000

 

A picture of the rear of the 2019 Ford Ecosport

The Ecosport has more variants and has a wider spread in-terms of pricing

7. Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport: Conclusion

When it comes to value for your money, we’ll have to give the Toyota Rush and its variants the win. Even the Toyota Rush E which is the model’s base variant has a lot more to offer in terms of features than the trend variants of the Ecosport. Also, there’s the issue of interior space which of course the Rush has loads of.

A picture of the 2019 Toyota Rush in red

Toyota Rush just has more space and features. It looks much more modern too!

The same goes for styling. We also prefer the newer, much modern-looking Toyota Rush. The Ford Ecosport, on the other hand, is already an aging platform with an equally old exterior look. If Ford intends to give the said vehicle a significant styling update, the time is now.

A picture of the 2019 Ford Ecosport

Ford Ecosport is fine as a vehicle, but it has aged a bit. Its top variants are also pricier than the Rush

To broaden your choice, you can also refer to our extensive listing page of cars for sale in the Philippines to find the most suitable car, matching your habit and budget.

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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