Choosing between the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Toyota C-HR can be complicated – especially since these subcompact crossovers seem to have so much in common. But our comparison guide is here to help. Continue on to figure out which crossover you should drive home.
Long-Lasting Comfort: 2020 Ford EcoSport
Thanks to its subcompact dimensions, this crossover fits nicely into parking spaces. Inside, though, it’ll surprise you with its roomy cabin, with generous seating for five. Driver’s seat adjustments make it easy to find the perfect spot for lasting comfort, and all seats supply impressive support.
Seating inside the Toyota C-HR is also pretty impressive, with enough cushioning and support to last through long drives. We will say that a patch of rough road can cut in on ride comfort, however, making for a bumpy trip and creating a lot of cabin noise.
Features Lineup: It’s a Tie!
Here, the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Toyota C-HR have more in common than not. Both crossovers come standard with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, which comes in handy when your smartphone signal is dwindling. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are also available, so you can access smartphone apps using voice controls or the infotainment touchscreen. Both crossovers feature a standard six-speaker audio system, though you can always upgrade sound quality by moving up the trim levels.
Sporty Performance: 2020 Ford EcoSport
Of the two, the EcoSport is definitely the sportier crossover. The base engine is a turbocharged three-cylinder that makes 123 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. If you crave extra speed, you can always upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which gives you 166 horses and 149 pound-feet of torque. Best of all, the EcoSport offers all-wheel drive with any powertrain, upgrading performance on light off-road trails and slick pavement.
The 2020 Toyota C-HR also gives you the power you need to get off to a great start. Under the hood, every trim model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 144 horses and 139 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, though, the C-HR doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, so it isn’t quite as sporty as the EcoSport.
Overall Thriftiness: 2020 Toyota C-HR
If you’re looking for the thriftiest ride around town, the C-HR is your subcompact crossover. Every trim model earns the same EPA ratings: 29 mpg combined (27 city/31 highway mpg). However, front-wheel-drive EcoSports come in very close behind, earning 28 mpg combined (27/29 mpg). With all-wheel drive, fuel mileage drops slightly, to 25 mpg combined (23/29 mpg).
The Toyota C-HR has its high points, but the 2020 Ford EcoSport has many more. In addition to a robust standard lineup and thrifty ride, Ford’s small crossover is comfy and very fun to drive.