Sporty, compact crossovers are taking over the auto industry. Every time you hit the road, you probably see dozens of them cruising around town. So, what makes them all different from one another? How do you decide which one to purchase? While we can’t speak to every compact SUV in this one article, we can compare the 2020 Chevy Trax vs 2020 Ford EcoSport. Let’s take a look.
Cabin Space
These two athletic models have room for five passengers and plenty of cargo space. With all five seats in use, the 2020 Chevy Trax offers 18.7 cubic feet of space in the back area. If you need a little more room, you can fold the second row of seating flat to access 48.4 cubes. As for the 2020 Ford EcoSport, it is a bit more spacious. With 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the back row, there’s just a tad more wiggle room. Folding the back seats down will grant you 50 cubic feet.
The Takeaway: The EcoSport has a bit more room, but it isn’t a significant difference.
What’s Under the Hood?
The new 2020 Chevy Trax is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder motor that generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD, it gets incredible gas mileage. The estimated fuel economy is set at 28 MPG combined (26 city/31 highway). It also has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which isn’t too bad for such a petite vehicle. Please keep in mind that you can always opt for AWD if you need the vehicle to be optimized for off-roading.
On the other hand, the new 2020 Ford EcoSport can be powered by one of two engines, but this is heavily dependent on the trim level. The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder that pumps out 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. It comes on the S, SE, and Titanium versions of the EcoSport. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD, it gets about 28 MPG combined (27 city/29 highway). The second engine option is only available on the SES model. It’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. Sporting the same transmission with 4WD, it has an average fuel economy set at 25 MPG combined (23 city/29 highway). It can also haul up to 2,000 pounds.
The Takeaway: While the EcoSport has an extra engine option, comparing the standard powertrains, the Chevy Trax is more powerful while getting the same gas mileage.
2020 Chevy Trax Trims
The new Trax is available in three unique trim levels. The base is known as the LS, and it comes with a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support for the ultimate experience in comfort. The back row of seating utilizes a 60/40 split-folding ability to make cabins configuration easy and fast. This model also comes with advanced tech systems such as the infotainment interface that is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen. Operating with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something you don’t love about this base model. Dual USB ports are provided for you to charge more than one mobile device, and you can stream your favorite music through the six-speaker stereo system. Also, keep in mind that you can cruise control and rear privacy glass with the Tint and Cruise package.
The mid-level LT builds off of the LS base model. With premium cloth upholstery covering the interior, you get the luxury of added storage compartments as well. There is extra storage under the passenger seat for you to stow away valuables safely. A cargo cover has also been added to hide your groceries or shopping bags. If you love tuning into the radio, you will enjoy the addition of satellite radio, and a 110-volt household-style outlet has also been included. If you want a bit of an upgrade to the cabin, you can opt for the LT Convenience package. This adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition/entry, and simulated leather inserts on the seatbacks. Another handy package you might be interested in is the Driver Confidence package. Adding blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, you can rest assured that you are safe inside the Trax LS. Finally, the last package you can add is the Sun and Sound package. It includes a sunroof and a premium seven-speaker Bose stereo system.
Finally, the top-of-the-line trim is the Premier model. All of the aforementioned packages on the LT level come standard on the Premier. It also gets a few additional upgrades, including lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, heated seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror for enhanced visibility at night.
2020 Ford EcoSport Trims
Moving on to the 2020 Ford EcoSport, you will find four available trim levels. The base model is known as the S, and it comes with manually-adjustable front seats that lack the lumbar support of the Trax LS competitor. The back row is 60/40 split-folding, which is the same as the Trax for easier cabin configuration. As for the infotainment interface, this is where you will see significant differences. First, the EcoSport’s base model only offers a 4.2-inch monitor for the infotainment system to be displayed on. That’s barely half the size of the Trax LS. While this system does have Bluetooth capabilities and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot, it is not compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, it does have dual USB ports and a six-speaker stereo system.
Stepping up to the SE model will add keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, power-adjustable heated seats, and leather wrappings on the shift knob and steering wheel. Much needed upgrades to the infotainment system include a larger 8-inch touchscreen interface, satellite radio, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rear parking sensors also come on this version of the EcoSport along with a sunroof.
The athletically-inclined model is known as the SES. It gets a heated steering wheel for comfort during the winter months and leather upholstery with cloth accents. Ambient lighting has been added throughout the cabin as well as a 110-volt household-style power outlet and an upgraded seven-speaker stereo. Advanced safety features include blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Lastly, the top-tier version of the EcoSport is the Titanium. It includes all the features mentioned above, along with a few luxurious add-ons such as leather upholstery and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with ten speakers.
Exterior Paint Colors
Now let’s get onto the issue of paint colors. The 2020 Chevy Trax is available in nine various shades, including Black Cherry Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Satin Steel Gray, Silver Ice Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, Cajun Red Metallic, Red Hot, and Summit White.
Next, the 2020 ford EcoSport is offered in ten unique paint colors, including Moondust Silver, Shadow Black, Smoke, Diamond White, White Platinum, Lightning Blue, Canyon Ridge, Race Red, Ruby Red, and Blue Candy.
The Takeaway: While the EcoSport may have one extra paint color available, the 2020 Chevy Trax is offered in metallic shades that glisten in the sunlight.
Final Takeaway
The 2020 Chevy Trax and 2020 Ford EcoSport have a lot in common. With similar space and performance, it is understandable that deciding which one is best can be difficult. Overall, though, the 2020 Chevy Trax comes out on top with their interior features to keep you entertained, and the metallic exteriors to catch your friends’ eyes. It was a close battle, but the Chevy Trax is the winner.
