New subcompact crossovers have merits
The 2018 Hyundai Kona and 2018 Ford EcoSport are two allnew subcompact crossover SUVs that are getting a lot of attention this year. Like similar vehicles such as the Honda HRV, the Kona and EcoSport provide an elevated riding position and everyday utility, but are more manoeuvrable and typically less expensive than more established compact SUVs. Edmunds takes a look at each to determine which one holds a clear advantage. SPEC SHEET DIFFERENCES Both the Kona and EcoSport start around the US $20,000 mark and climb to about US $27,000 at their maximum. The EcoSport is about three inches taller, but three inches shorter in length, too.
Neither model is a powerhouse in the base trim level. The Kona starts you off with a rather lacklustre 147horsepower 2.0-litre fourcylinder engine. The EcoSport’s 123-hp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder is even less inspiring. However, both of these pint-size SUVs offer optional engine upgrades. The Kona can be had with a pleasantly powerful 175horsepower 1.6-litre turbocharged engine on the top Limited and Ultimate trim levels. Ford offers a 166horsepower 2.0-litre fourcylinder option that is available on all higher EcoSport trims and comes standard on the sporty SES version.
All-wheel drive is included with EcoSport’s upgraded engine and is an option for all Konas. You should also consider getting all-wheel drive on the Hyundai because it comes with an upgraded suspension, which gives the Kona more composed handling. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Kona maintains a fuel economy advantage of 2 mpg over comparable EcoSports.
When it comes to standard features, the Kona generally outpaces the EcoSport. Most items typically found on rivals are available on both SUVs, but the EcoSport requires that you add them as options or step up to the next trim level. The Kona widens its features lead by offering more advanced safety features (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and a driver attention monitor), a head-up display and a wireless charging pad. These are not available for any EcoSport.
• GREATER DIFFERENCES IN PERSON
The nine-horsepower difference between the premium engines might not seem like much. But you’ll feel the difference when you’re behind the wheel. The turbocharged Kona should accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-6-second range, which is very quick for the subcompact SUV class. By contrast, the EcoSport, even with its upgraded four-cylinder engine, needed a sluggish 10.5 seconds in Edmunds testing to do the same sprint.
Neither model is what we’d consider sporty, but the Kona feels more confidently anchored to the pavement when the road curves. When the pavement ends, the Kona is more capable of light offroading thanks to a locking centre differential, which helps improve traction. Normally, more accomplished handling and off-road abilities mean a less comfortable ride, but that’s not the case here. The Kona transmits a fair amount of road imperfection into the cabin, but the EcoSport’s ride is even choppier.
According to the specifications, the EcoSport holds a marginal lead over the Kona for cargo capacity, with 20.9 cubic feet and 19.2 cubic feet, respectively. In the real world, though, the Kona’s space is just as good, if not better. The EcoSport‘s cargo area is very shallow and upright compared to the Kona’s.
Furthermore, the Kona’s rear seats fold flat with the cargo floor, while the EcoSport’s seats protrude a few inches above the floor.
Then there’s the difference in the cargo hatches themselves. The Kona has a conventional liftgate that is hinged at the top, while the EcoSport’s swing-out hatch is hinged on the driver’s side. Each has its fans, but we think most owners will find the Kona’s top-hinged hatch easier to live with.
• OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
The Hyundai gains yet another advantage when it comes to outward visibility. It’s only average for the class, but the EcoSport is below-average because its thick roof pillars and narrow rear window limit what you can see from the driver’s seat.
On more subjective ground, finding true beauty in either the Hyundai or the Ford might be difficult.