10 Ford EcoSport Competitors to Consider

2019 Ford Ecosport Titanium ・ Photo by Ford

The subcompact crossover SUV segment is one of the fastest-growing parts of the automobile market, and the 2019 Ford EcoSport is one of the leading models in this movement. The base EcoSport sells for $19,995. This model uses a 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine with 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, paired with an automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. You also can get the EcoSport with a 2.0-liter engine and all-wheel drive, but it will cost you $27,610

One unique EcoSport feature is the rear door. Instead of swinging up like a traditional hatch, the EcoSport door opens to the side like a regular car door. The EcoSport offers a generous 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. If you’re intrigued by the EcoSport, you should consider the following 10 competitors before making your final decision.

2019 Nissan Kicks

The 2019 Nissan Kicks was introduced last year to rave reviews. Like the basic EcoSport, the Kicks is a front-wheel-drive vehicle designed to bridge the gap between a hatchback and a more expensive SUV. The Kicks has a starting price of $18,540, and for that low price you’ll get a 1.6-liter engine good for 122 hp and a continuously variable transmission that returns up to 36 MPG on the highway.

The Kicks is a perfect choice for those who don’t plan to do too much driving on ice and snow. There’s no all-wheel-drive option available, but you can upgrade the Kicks with the SV and SR trim levels. These mostly upgrade the infotainment system, with Nissan Connect as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. The top SR trim includes heated front seats and a 360-degree around-view monitor.

Photo by Nissan

2019 Kia Niro

One of the most exciting of the new breed of subcompact SUVs is the 2019 Kia Niro. The Niro is a little more expensive, starting at $23,490, but the gas-powered Niro returns up to 52 MPG on the highway from its 1.6-liter engine and six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Inside, the Niro packs in the technology. Standard features on the base trim include a 7-inch touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Kia’s UVO smartphone integration system. A rear view camera also is standard. Higher trim levels include an 8-inch screen and a Harmon-Kardon 8-speaker premium audio system with a built-in subwoofer, plus safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane change assistance, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Photo by Kia

2019 Mazda CX-3

If you’re a driving enthusiast, you’ll love the 2019 Mazda CX-3. The smallest of Mazda’s crossover line, the CX-3 carries a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 148 hp and 34 MPG on the highway. The CX-3 starts at $20,390 for the basic S trim, with front-wheel drive, cloth seats, and a 7-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system. Smart city brake support, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alerts, and a rear view camera all are standard on the base trim.

The CX-3 can be upgraded to all-wheel drive in any trim for $1,400. In the top Grand Touring trim, you’ll enjoy luxury features like LED headlights, leather, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a Bose 7-speaker premium audio system. But the real reason to consider the CX-3 is the driving experience, which is on par with premium European brands.

Photo by Mazda

2019 Honda HR-V

Starting at $20,520, the 2019 Honda HR-V is among the leading subcompact SUVs on the market this year. Honda brings its outstanding reputation for quality to a fun, useful little crossover with available all-wheel drive. In the base trim, the HR-V comes equipped with advanced features like a multi-view rear camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED brake lights and daytime running lights, and a 1.8-liter engine rated at a healthy 141 hp.

The HR-V also is useful, providing up to 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and up to 8 feet in length with the rear seats folded down. Higher trims pile on the features, including the Honda Sensing system that uses cameras and radar to implement adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane keeping assistance, and road departure mitigation.

Photo by Honda

2019 Toyota C-HR

The head of Toyota famously promised “no more boring cars” a few years ago, and the sporty 2019 Toyota C-HR lives up to that pledge. The C-HR has a rakish appearance and is designed for an up-to-date urban experience. The 2.0-liter engine returns 144 hp and up to 31 MPG on the highway. The 2019 C-HR starts at just $20,995.

Basic features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with Toyota’s Entune integration system, sport seats, and Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features. Higher trim levels are available with heated leather seats, Toyota’s dynamic navigation system, and blind spot monitoring. If you’re looking for a crossover that also could be your sports car, the C-HR is it.

Photo by Toyota

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek continues to be a favorite with active singles and couples. A unique feature of this vehicle is that every Crosstrek comes with Subaru’s extremely capable symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, paired with a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 152 hp, and your choice of a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. The Crosstrek also returns up to 33 MPG on the highway, so if you’re interested in outdoor or winter sports, the Crosstrek should be at the top of your shopping list.

The 2019 Crosstrek starts at $21,895, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard with the Crosstrek’s 8-inch StarLink infotainment system. A Harmon Kardon 8-speaker premium audio system is available. Optionally, Subaru’s EyeSight safety system provides adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning.

Photo by Subaru

2019 Fiat 500L

Fiat often is overlooked, but the 2019 Fiat 500L is worth your consideration. Starting at $21,910, this subcompact SUV offers front-wheel drive and Fiat’s energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 160 hp. The 500L returns up to 30 MPG on the highway. If you need all-wheel drive, you can upgrade to the closely related 2019 Fiat 500X.

Inside, the 500L offers a generous helping of Italian style, and up to 68 cubic feet of cargo space, making the 500L one of the roomiest offerings in the subcompact class. Fiat packs in all the usual features, but what will really sell you on this vehicle is the driving experience. It’s virtually impossible to be sad in a Fiat because you’re comfortable, the 500L has plenty of power, and the interior looks like you spent more than you really did.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

2019 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai brought the Kona to market last year, and it was a huge success. Now the 2019 Hyundai Kona continues to impress buyers. The basic Kona is a front-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, but you can upgrade to a 1.6-liter turbo and all-wheel drive if you want a more powerful and exciting ride.

No matter what driveline you select, the Kona is genuinely comfortable and fun to drive. This little SUV offers crisp handling and a good-looking exterior, and Hyundai has it priced to sell starting at $19,240. Standard equipment at most trim levels includes a 7-inch color touchscreen display, while the top Ultimate trim gets an 8-inch screen with an Infinity audio system. All trims except the base get advanced safety features including blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alerts, and lane change assistance.

Photo by Hyundai

2019 Buick Encore

Buick brings its skills as GM’s pure luxury brand to the 2019 Buick Encore, but this subcompact is economy-priced starting at $23,200. The basic Encore comes with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine good for 138 hp, or an upgraded version of the same engine that delivers 153 hp. All Encore models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as the standard setup. All-wheel drive costs $1,500, and can be ordered on any trim level.

One great reason to consider the Encore is Buick’s QuietTuning system, which includes triple-sealed doors, acoustic windshield glass, and active engine noise cancellation, making the Encore one of the quietest subcompact SUVs you can buy. The Encore is built with 48.4 cubic feet for cargo, or seating for five. Buick tech includes a 4G/LTE data connection and the ability to create a Wi-Fi hot spot in the vehicle.

Photo by General Motors

2019 Jeep Renegade

It might be hard to believe, but you can buy a 2019 Jeep Renegade for $22,025. The Renegade was restyled for 2019, and it looks better than ever. The basic Renegade comes with front-wheel drive and a 2.4-liter engine good for 180 hp. For $23,525, you can get the base Renegade with a single-range Jeep Active Drive all-wheel-drive system. For $27,895, you can get the Limited trim where Jeep upgrades the engine package to a 1.3-liter turbocharged unit, plus heated leather seats with power lumbar support.

If you upgrade to the off-road oriented Trailhawk trim at $27,545, you’ll get Jeep’s Active Drive Low dual-range 4X4 system. This is a true hi-lo range four-wheel-drive system that will take you anywhere you might want to go. The Renegade also offers the unique MySky option with removable roof panels for summertime fun.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles