Those of us with a thirst for adventure have likely dreamed of a vehicle that could do it all. While we might have tried a variety of models in the past, the future seems to be bright in regard to crossover SUVs. Recent models can go from work to play in a jiffy. Two models, in particular, have stood out, and their rivalry is palpable: the 2022 Ford EcoSport vs the 2022 Chevy Trax. These rivals are built for whisking friends and family away for the weekend, or even for a long road trip into the mountains or toward the beach—while also being durable enough to handle an everyday commute.
Comparisons
The 2022 Ford EcoSport and the 2022 Chevy Trax are both under the crossover SUV umbrella, making them compact enough to drive with ease. Each includes room for the entire group, whether they’re college friends on a weekend visit to the mountains, or the family headed to an amusement park for summer vacation. Being able to seat four or five people comfortably—and have room for luggage and some bigger equipment, like camping gear—is a huge boon for an everyday vehicle. Use it for both work and play without compromising comfort or style.
All-wheel drive is available for both vehicles, and both are equipped with a four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, meaning they’re both suited for suburban and rural exploration. Driving around neighborhood yard sales or flea markets during the summer—or following a winding road through a state park to see the fall colors—is attainable in both the EcoSport and the Trax. Plus, it’s downright enjoyable with their large windows and plenty of space to stretch out.
Another commonality is that they’re almost a match for MPG, which makes sense as they’re similar in build and weight. Both average around 23-24 mpg in the city, and 30-32 mpg on the highway, which means you won’t have to stop for gas as often as you would for a van or SUV. Fewer stops means reaching your destination sooner, and I think we all prefer that after being on the road for several hours. With a good tank of gas and some snacks, you can breeze right through your trip and still have the energy to enjoy the beginning of your day, night, conference, or event.
You can also take advantage of the range of trim styles to make your crossover more unique. Both the Ford EcoSport and the Chevy Trax have several trim styles available, as well as plenty of accessories that will make your crossover stand out. It’s fun to pick out different wheel covers, windshield sunshades, seat covers, mats, wheel trims, and the like. You’ll know that you are customizing what will be your home on the road for the next several years.
It’s like decorating your home, putting the unique touches on something that makes it yours and becomes part of your life. Whether you decide on factory trim or just buy a few accessories to jazz up the interior, both the EcoSport and Trax have plenty of options for customizing your new vehicle.
For the EcoSport, Ford offers four trim levels: S, SE, SES, and Titanium. The SE, SES, and Titanium trim level comes with an 8” LED touchscreen infotainment center, which uses the Ford Sync 3 system for navigation and a power moonroof with sunshade. The SES also offers an exclusive, unique copper trim on the leather and cloth seats. You can also add on tech features like a 110V/150W AC power outlet, floor liners, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and ambient lighting.
The Chevy Trax has two trim levels: the LS and LT. With just one trim level above standard, there are still plenty of additions you might want to consider, such as the cargo package or carrier mount (to hold bikes or skis) for the sporty types. Or, consider deep-tinted glass or the tint and cruise package for those who want a more luxurious, private space to drive. There are also several protective, helpful items for both seating and cargo, like the cargo net, tray, organizer, and mat; as well as seat covers and two different types of cloth trim: jet black, or jet black and light ash gray.
Contrasts
The differences between the EcoSport and the Trax might be small enough that you wouldn’t notice them at first glance. However, there are some pretty big differences, such as towing capacity. While the 2022 Chevy Trax can tow around 1,260 lbs, the 2022 Ford EcoSport boasts the ability to tow a whopping 2,000 lbs, meaning you can take more toys on outdoorsy trips, or that fewer work trips are needed.
Another contrast is the technology included in the base model. While the Chevy Trax has a 7” infotainment center with smartphone integration for either Apple or Android, plus WiFi (with a monthly subscription), the Ford EcoSport only has Bluetooth compatibility with its basic display. While this might not matter to some, it is worth taking into consideration, depending on how tech-savvy the driver is. Will they want extra features, or do they want a slimmed-down version so as not to get overwhelmed?
Safety and driver assistance features also vary between models, though many are listed as “available,” which means they don’t come standard. Extras on the 2022 Chevy Trax include side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert, with a standard rearview camera in all models. The 2022 Ford EcoSport, on the other hand, has an entire suite of available driving assistance tools, like the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross traffic alert, hill start assist, auto stop-start technology, rear parking sensors, and a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system.
The ability to navigate with multiple screens and sensors and not have to stress about how close you are to another car or a pedestrian (or even a building) means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your day trip even more. There’s no need to keep straining your neck and shoulders—or to bother your passengers with requests to check and see if there’s space to move over one lane—or if an animal is out of the way. Your vehicle will help guide you every step of the way, with no inconvenience to anyone inside.
It All Comes Down to This: Are You Ready for Your Next Big Adventure?
You’ve considered which vehicle would suit you and your family or friends best. You know how the 2022 Ford EcoSport and 2022 Chevy Trax are similar—and what makes them different. Maybe you’ve daydreamed about taking one for a spin and seeing how well they handle a variety of terrains—helping you reach your favorite vacation destinations.
No matter which crossover SUV you choose, you’re one step closer to fulfilling that dream of adventure. You’ve committed to the idea of exploration, of taking off down the road to see and do new things—whether it’s finding a new antique mall and hole-in-the-wall restaurant, or going to that state park you’ve always wanted to visit. The purpose of these crossovers can change over time, depending on where you are in life. However, the 2022 EcoSport and Trax will always be ready for your new adventures.
