Ford EcoSport vs Chevrolet Trax - The American compact-SUV fight

Compact SUVs rule the roost. They make sense given choc-a-block driving conditions. Space in them is comparable to a larger hatchback and they also offer the much coveted driving position. Economy too is decent enough with few of them outgunning hatchbacks as well. This brings us to the topic of two small SUVs that are the preferred choice of multiple car buyers across the Philippines - the Ford EcoSport and the Chevrolet Trax. Both were introduced to the world in 2013 and while the former has got a facelift (yet to come to the Philippines though), the latter is still soldiering on. So, which one makes more sense to you as a discerning buyer. We help you sort out this conundrum.

Looks

This is one department which is subjective. Even the not so nicely designed vehicles will have someone who admires the designer’s vision. That being said, both the compact SUVs here are designed quite nicely. The Ford EcoSport has a nice wide grille flanked by tear drop shaped eyelights. The fog lights too are chrome-ringed. What we like in the EcoSport is the fact that it looks and feels like how an SUV should be - tall. The 16-inch wheels of the EcoSport fill the wheel wells nicely. The overall design seem cohesive while adding to the butchness quotient is the spare wheel at the back. The hatch door of the EcoSport opens sideways and while may be a problem while operating it in limited space. Dimensionally, the Ford EcoSport is 4,245 mm in length, 2,057 mm in width and 1,708 mm in height. It’s wheelbase is calculated as 2,521 mm.

For the Chevrolet Trax, the brief given to the designers was simple. Keep the vehicle as close to a hatchback as possible. This will ensure that the buying public identifies with the brand and design. So, the Sonic hatchback was the inspiration for the Trax. The air inlets are wider than the EcoSport while the grille itself is smaller. The headlights get a LED DRL along with projectors. A skid plate is also added to the equation as it enhances the SUV aspirations of the vehicle. The bigger alloy wheels definitely enhance the style quotient of the vehicle. That being said, the rear looks a bit staid compared to the EcoSport’s unit. In terms of dimensions, the Chevrolet Trax measures 4,245 mm in length, width of 2,035 mm and height of 1,678 mm. Wheelbase of the Trax is 2,555 mm.

Interior

Cabin wise, the Chevrolet Trax features an all-black upholstery. The cabin mimics that of an aircraft. However, if you have owned a Chevy before, you will know that most of their cabins are like this. This means a digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer, more like a motorcycle’s unit. We also like the Mercedes-styled aircon vents. There is a touchscreen infotainment system. However, it isn’t the most intuitive of them all. It is fluid to operate though. Because of the tall roof, even those who are 6ft in the boots will have no issues with headroom. Both the front as well as rear seats are comfortable enough and flopping the latter will give around 1,100 litre of luggage space. What we aren’t fans of are the cheaper looking air con knobs and fascia. We wish Chevy had continued with the dark theme there instead of the brushed aluminium.

The Ford EcoSport too has an all-black upholstered cabin. Things are well put together in here like the Trax. In terms of equipment, the instrument cluster with its blue needles looks outclassed. We are sad to report that the upcoming facelift does precious little to lift the cabin’s ambience. There is climate control and a Sync-enabled music system. The music system is decent but lacks intuitiveness too. The blue backlight does precious little to reduce the confusion. There is comparatively less leg room at the back than the Trax. Head room too is a smidgen lower. The boot space too is lower.

Engine and transmission

Both the vehicles here come with a lone engine option. While the Ford EcoSport gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated mill, the Chevrolet Trax has a 1.4-litre turbo petrol. While the Ford’s unit makes 110 PS of power and 142 Nm of torque, the Chevy manages to pump out 140 PS and 200 Nm. Ford offers the EcoSport with a 5-speed manual as well as 6-speed dual clutch transmissions. For the Trax, there is a 6-speed automatic gearbox. To be honest here, we liked the Chevy’s unit more than the Ford’s automatic. There is a sense of urgency to the gearbox and it responds brilliantly to accelerator inputs. The engine also is a sporty partner. This makes the Trax a hoot to drive. The Ford’s engine and transmission are docile in comparison. They make relaxed motoring enjoyable.

In terms of efficiency, the Ford is slightly more efficient than the Trax. In the top speed stakes, the higher power output of the Trax helps register it a comparatively higher number than the EcoSport.

Safety

Chevrolet has equipped the Trax with six airbags as standard. There is also ABS along with EBD, Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, Hill Start Assist and tyre pressure monitoring system. GNCAP has scored the Trax a four stars based on the kit on offer.

The Ford EcoSport too has scored four stars with the Euro NCAP assessment. The company offers dual airbags, hill launch assist, electronic stability assist, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts.

Ride and handling

Both the cars here offer the same suspension set up. This includes MacPhersons at the front while the rear has a semi-independent twist beam. The Ford is set to give a more sporty handling experience. It delivers to some extent, however, the higher ride height means that there is body roll. The absence of cornering control as found on the Trax means that the Ford is slightly less competent in this aspect. The ride quality too is a bit jittery. However, up the speeds and the EcoSport will handle the rough confidently. The ground clearance of 200 mm helps clear the small rocks and stuff with ease. However, the absence of AWD is felt here when negotiating slippery inclines.

The Chevrolet Trax is also set up on the stiffer side. But this has positive gains with the handling hitting the sweet spot. This makes it a better choice when it comes to negotiating the twisties. For the ride quality, it is composed at all speeds. The steering feedback of the Ford is slightly better in comparison to the Chevy though.

Chevrolet offers all-wheel disc brakes. This make for a wonderful companion to the Trax and helps bring the SUV to a safe stop with predictable feedback at the pedal. The Ford also has good brakes but they are abrupt and could do with more progression. Ford uses a drum setup at the back.

Verdict

We like both this nimble and compact SUVs. This was perhaps the reason they were designed or conceptualised in the first place. At a starting price of Php 1,185,888 for the LS and Php 1,535,888 for the top spec, the Trax is priced right. When you see the EcoSport’s price tag starting from Php 848,000, you see why it makes more sense compared to the now expensive looking Trax. For the premium that it commands, the Trax offers a more enjoyable driving experience along with enhanced safety features. If you are on a budget, the EcoSport makes sense while the more refined Trax is if you want a modern runabout. Wait for the facelifted EcoSport, we say!