Each year it seems more and more drivers are choosing vehicles from the subcompact SUV class, and for good reason. These SUVs offer excellent handling and fill the void between sedans and larger SUVs. But, which subcompact SUV is the right choice for you? Two vehicles in this class that are commonly compared are the 2019 Chevy Trax vs 2019 Ford EcoSport. Both of these vehicles have a lot to offer, but there are a few major differences between these two popular choices.
#1. Tons of Entertainment Technology vs Minimal Entertainment Technology
One of the best selling points of the 2019 Chevy Trax is that it comes with an abundance of standard features, and this could not be more true than in the category of entertainment. On the based model of the 2019 Chevy Trax, drivers will find a 7-inch touchscreen display, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a built-in WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. Meanwhile, available features also include satellite radio and a 7-speaker Bose sound system.
However, the 2019 Ford EcoSport offers very little on its base model, forcing tech-savvy drivers to upgrade to higher trim levels and packages. The only features you’ll find onboard the base model of the 2019 Ford EcoSport is a 4.2-inch display, without touchscreen capabilities, as well as two USB ports and a 6-speaker sound system. In order to experience a more advanced set of features, you’ll have to upgrade to the 2nd-row or 3rd trim level, which means a substantial boost in price. Onboard higher trim levels of the EcoSport, you’ll find either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is also available, but it doesn’t get too much more impressive than that.
Overall, drivers looking for a subcompact SUV with plenty of entertainment features will want to choose the 2019 Chevy Trax over the 2019 Ford EcoSport. This will also allow drivers to stick to the base trim level while experiencing these features, which ensure you’re able to follow your budget.
#2. 5-Star Overall Safety Rating vs 4-Star Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
Safety is an important aspect of any vehicle, but especially in a smaller vehicle that you’re planning on transporting passengers in. Thankfully, both the 2019 Chevy Trax and 2019 Ford EcoSport are safe vehicles; however, the Trax certainly has the edge. The 2019 Chevy Trax earned a 5 out of 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA based on its performance across multiple crash test and safety categories. Helping it earn these scores are a variety of standard and available safety features, as well as its high-quality construction. On the base model of the Trax, you’ll find a standard rearview camera, while available features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.
On the 2019 Ford EcoSport, drivers will find a rearview camera and use of MyKey, which allows drivers to set speed and volume restrictions for any secondary drivers. Meanwhile, the EcoSport also offers a short list of available driver assist features including rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. Despite its safety features, the 2019 Ford EcoSport scored only a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, mostly due to its frontal crash and rollover test scores.
Based on scores from the NHTSA and the number of standard and available driver assist features on each vehicle, the 2019 Chevy Trax takes the win in the category of safety.
#3. Interior Quality, Comfort, and Space
Both the 2019 Chevy Trax vs 2019 Ford EcoSport offer seating for up to five passengers, however each of these interiors are quite different, Since its release, drivers and critics have consistently noted that the second row of the 2019 Ford EcoSport offers very little space for passengers, including limited legroom and a lack of small storage compartments for belongings. The interior of the EcoSport is also appointed with cheaper materials than many of its competitors, most likely in an effort to keep the price slightly lower than the competition. Overall, the comfort of the cabin is minimal, especially with every seat full.
Meanwhile, the 2019 Chevy Trax offers more space for its 2nd-row row passengers and is appointed with higher quality materials, making for a much more comfortable ride. The 2019 Chevy Trax does offer slightly less cargo space behind its 2nd-row row, but uses this slight difference to account for more legroom for passengers. If you’re looking for a subcompact SUV and plan on having passengers in your 2nd-row row, you’ll want to opt for the Trax over the EcoSport.
#4. Efficiency, Drivetrains, and Power
The 2019 Chevy Trax comes standard with a 138 hp engine and is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Trax is the more efficient vehicle between the two, offering fuel economy ratings of up to 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. In terms of handling, the Trax offers a maneuverable and responsive ride which is fairly smooth overall. The 2019 Ford EcoSport is more powerful than the Trax but less fuel efficient. The base engine of the EcoSport is a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 123 hp; however, a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is also available with horsepower ratings of up to 166 hp. When it comes to fuel economy ratings, the EcoSport offers up to 27 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which are some of the lowest numbers in its class. The 2019 Ford EcoSport is capable of very light towing; however, this quickly becomes difficult for the vehicle when full of passengers. When it comes to the 2019 Chevy Trax vs 2019 Ford EcoSport in terms of performance, the Trax is more efficient and offers better handling, while the EcoSport is more powerful and capable. Determining the winner in this category will come down to your personal preferences.
#5. Exterior and Interior Designs
The 2019 Chevy Trax offers sleek design elements on the inside combined with an exceptionally modern feel. With its large touchscreen display and smartly appointed cabin, the interior of the Trax is nearly futuristic looking and is refreshing among others in the subcompact SUV class. On the outside, the Trax is more bold with a large modern grille and sharp accents. Overall, the design of the Trax is exceptionally attractive. Meanwhile, the 2019 Ford EcoSport offers a simpler design which seems slightly outdated. On the inside, the EcoSport offers very little modern touches, which is more noticeable given its bare entertainment suite. Hard plastics and cheap upholstery make for a less premium design than its competitors, which is very noticeable on its base trim level. On the outside, the EcoSport has a simplistic design with very few modern accents. If you’re looking for a stylish subcompact SUV, you’ll appreciate what the 2019 Chevy Trax has to offer.
The 2019 Chevy Trax vs 2019 Ford EcoSport Final Results
When comparing the 2019 Chevy Trax vs 2019 Ford EcoSport side-by-side, it is clear that the Trax emerges as the clear winner in most categories. It is the more attractive vehicle and offers more advanced standard technology and plenty of space for its passengers. It is also more fuel efficient than the EcoSport and earned higher safety ratings from the NHTSA. Drivers looking for their next subcompact will certainly want to choose the 2019 Chevy Trax over the 2019 Ford EcoSport.
