When it comes to modern comfort, efficient cruising, and high-tech features, the 2021 Ford EcoSport and Chevrolet Trax seem a perfect match. On closer inspection, however, there’s only one subcompact crossover that should end up in your driveway.
Best Price: 2021 Ford EcoSport
The EcoSport has one of the friendliest price tags in the segment, starting at $19,995. If you choose the Trax, you’ll automatically end up spending more; Chevy’s small crossover has a starting MSRP of $21,400.
Modern Interior: 2021 Ford EcoSport
Ready for some highway adventure? The EcoSport adds lots of comfort and convenience to your road trips. Seating in both rows is roomy and supportive, which means hours of highway comfort. High-tech infotainment features, including complete smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are easy to use and widely available. And the EcoSport is the roomier model, too, with 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (50 cubes with the rear seats folded down).
The Chevy Trax can also accommodate a pretty comfy road trip, thanks to its relatively roomy seating and impressive infotainment lineup. Every Trax includes Chevy’s infotainment system, with its 7-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto features. However, the Trax isn’t quite as big, with only 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind there rear seats (48.4 cubes total).
Sporty Performance: 2021 Ford EcoSport
Unlike the Trax, which only offers one engine, the EcoSport can be as sporty as you like. Its base three-cylinder engine is the more efficient choice, but the performance-based SES trim delivers extra speed with its exclusive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (166 horsepower, 149 pound-feet of torque). And you can add all-wheel drive to any EcoSport model. This performance gear will help you maintain precision, even when the roads are icy and the trails are sandy.
Both Trax trim models come with the same engine, a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (138 hp, 148 lb-ft). While the Trax doesn’t offer extra speed via an engine upgrade, it does offer optional all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy: It’s a Tie!
This category ends in a draw, because both the 2021 EcoSport and Trax earn up to 28 mpg combined. But keep in mind that fuel economy varies according to which engine and drivetrain you select!
Final Grades
We can’t deny that these small crossovers have a lot in common, but it’s the 2021 Ford EcoSport that you’ll ultimately want in your driveway. Ford’s subcompact crossover not only gives you a great price on a modern cruise, but it also provides plenty of space for your stuff and a sporty, fuel-efficient ride.