With their city-friendly size and comfort-loving cabins, the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Honda HR-V are tough competitors. Before you decide between these subcompact crossovers, we recommend giving Lunghamer Ford’s comparison guide a read. Depending on what you want in a daily drive, we’ll help you select the sporty crossover that’s right for you.
Subcompact Comfort: 2020 Ford EcoSport
When you’re shopping the subcompact segment, you want a crossover that’s small enough to zoom around crowded downtown city streets but also roomy enough to accommodate you and your favorite passengers. The 2020 EcoSport comes in strong on both fronts.
Inside, Ford’s subcompact crossover offers roomy seating for up to five people. Whether you’re planning a fuel-efficient road trip or a comfy week of carpooling, the EcoSport’s supportive seats and substantial legroom are a treat.
By comparison, the 2020 Honda HR-V is also pretty roomy and comfortable. Drivers will also appreciate this Honda’s excellent outward visibility. However, wind and road noise can be downright overbearing, putting a damper on your road trip bonding experiences.
Tech-Savvy Drive: 2020 Ford EcoSport
When it comes to tech, these crossovers have a few key things in common. Both offer complete smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, shoppers should note that this technology isn’t standard for entry-level models.
Still, the 2020 EcoSport has the edge in this category. This Ford crossover is gadget-friendly, complimenting your daily drive with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot and two USB ports. Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system—standard on all but the base EcoSport—is easy to use, with an intuitive, fast-acting 8-inch touch screen.
On the flip side, the HR-V skips the Wi-Fi hotspot altogether. The tech features that the HR-V does offer are generally up to date and easy to use, with one exception. Honda’s touch-screen infotainment interface is the weak link, with controls that are hard to find and slow to respond.
Everyday Utility: 2020 Honda HR-V
In terms of sheer usefulness, the HR-V has a bit of an edge—especially when it comes to hauling your stuff. This little crossover is big on cargo space, with 23.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats. For larger items, the rear seat folds down to create 55.9 cubes of maximum cargo space.
For the subcompact crossover segment, the 2020 Ford EcoSport is also pretty roomy. While it’s not quite as big on cargo space, it does give you 20.9 cubes behind the rear seats and 50 cubes max.
Sporty Ride: 2020 Ford EcoSport
Compared to the Honda HR-V, the Ford EcoSport is the sportier option. With its optional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the EcoSport’s 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque help you hit the road in style. Add all-wheel drive and you’re ready for a fun-loving ride down twisting highways.
The Honda HR-V also offers all-wheel drive, making it a lot easier to handle those icy Lakes Region roads. However, Honda’s crossover only offers one engine option—a 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated for 141 horses and 127 pound-feet of torque. It’ll get you going, just not as fast as the EcoSport can.
As it turns out, deciding between the EcoSport and HR-V comes down to knowing what you want. And if what you want is a sporty, high-tech crossover at a fair price, then it’s the 2020 Ford EcoSport you’re after. To find out exactly what we mean, visit us at Lunghamer Auto Group in the Lakes Region, Perry, and Owosso, Michigan.