Starting at
Starting at
| 166 HP | Horsepower | 141 HP |
| 149 LB-FT | Torque | 127 LB-FT |
| 2,000 LBS | Towing Capacity | 1,100 LBS |
If you are in the market for an affordable compact crossover, you should compare the 2020 Ford Ecosport vs 2020 Honda HR-V. These two vehicles are both solid picks for anyone looking for a petite SUV that’s great on gas and has plenty of room.
Both models can carry five passengers, making them ideal for small families, people with dogs, and even singles who like to roam around town with their friends. The Ecosport offers 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the back row, and it also has a maximum cargo area of 50 cubic feet. All you have to do is fold down the back seats. As for the Honda HR-V, it is slightly larger, with 24.3 cubic feet of storage space behind the back row. Folding down that row will give you 58.8 cubic feet of storage, which is a lot for such a small vehicle. Where the Ecosport makes up for the slightly lower cargo room is in the performance and features.
Now that you have an idea about the sizes of these two models, let’s dig a little deeper into the performance, interior features, and exterior styling elements of each.
Never judge a book by its cover or a vehicle by its size! The 2020 Ford Ecosport may be small in stature, but it packs a punch under the hood with two powertrain options. Standard on all models except the SES is a turbocharged 1.0L 3-cylinder engine. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, it produces 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty of power for city driving. Plus, it has an exceptional fuel economy set at 28 mpg combined (27 city/29 highway). As for the SES version, it is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder motor mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. With a four-wheel drive system in place, it generates 166 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. This drops the average gas mileage down to 25 mpg combined (23 city/29 highway), but the maximum towing capacity tops out at 2,000 pounds.
As for the 2020 Honda HR-V, it is only available with one powertrain. So, you can’t make any choices here. Revving under the hood is a turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Together they generate 141 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. The estimated fuel economy is slightly higher as well. This model gets 31 mpg combined (28 city/34 highway) and has a maximum towing capacity of 1,100 pounds. If you want a compact SUV for city driving that you can still take out on adventures with a pop-up camper or small boat, then the Ecosport is definitely the better choice.
Once you step inside the new Ecosport, you will be greeted by a slew of advanced features, even on the base S model. This standard version comes with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column for maximum comfort. The back area is easily configured by folding down the 60/40-split rear seats. You can listen to your favorite artists through the 6-speaker sound system, and the infotainment interface is displayed on a 4.2-inch monitor. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling, and dual USB ports are provided for charging your smartphones and tablets. One more note to take on the Ecosport S is the added 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. You can stay connected to your favorite apps, no matter where you go.
The second trim is known as the SE. This model includes keyless entry/ignition and heated/power-adjustable front seats. Leather wrappings on the shift knob and steering wheel add a touch of elegance to the cabin, and climate control helps keep you comfortable all year long. The upgraded infotainment interface is now Sync 3. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen and operates with satellite radio for more music options. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a given at this level, and rear parking sensors come in handy when you have to parallel park on the street. There is also a sunroof, which pushes this trim further into a luxurious category.
For athletic folks, the SES is a solid pick. This sporty-styled ride gets a heated steering wheel and sophisticated leather upholstery throughout the cabin. Cloth inserts add even more style to the seats, and ambient lighting sets a relaxing mood. Blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert have been added for enhanced safety, and you can also opt for a navigation system, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, and a 7-speaker sound system if you want. Lastly, the premium Titanium trim includes complete leather upholstery covering the seats for the ultimate experience in luxury. A 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system has been installed for top-quality sound, and HD radio has also been included.
On the other hand, the 2020 Honda HR-V is offered in five trim levels. The base LX model includes remote entry and 60/40-split rear seats that are similar to the Ecosport’s. The infotainment interface is displayed on a 5-inch LCD monitor that operates with Bluetooth for phone and audio connectivity. A rearview camera is also included along with a USB port for charging. The Sport version is more athletic with paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel for racecar vibe. Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the upgraded infotainment interface gets a 7-inch touchscreen and one more USB port. Leather wrappings have also been added to the shift knob and steering wheel for a sleek look.
Updates to the EX model include push-button start, heated seats, and a one-touch power moonroof. HD and Sirius XM Radio have both been added for more music options, and the Honda Sensing safety suite is also included. This comes with emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The EX-L gets a few cosmetic upgrades, including leather seats and a 180-watt stereo system with chrome speaker rings for optimized sound. Finally, the top-of-the-line Touring version includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a handy navigation system. You won’t have to worry about getting lost in a new city again.
Lastly, let’s take a look at some of the exterior styling elements between the Ecosport and the HR-V. These vary depending on the trim level you choose.
For the new Ecosport S, automatic headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels are standard. Moving up to the SE will get you foglamps and LED daytime running lights. Body-colored accents add a nice touch to the overall look, and roof rails come in handy when you have a lot of luggage or oddly shaped items to transport. For the winter months, the windshield wiper de-icer is also a great thing to have. On the sporty SES, you will find black accents, heated side mirrors, and larger 17-inch wheels. A spoiler has been added for aerodynamics, and a sport-tuned suspension is provided for optimized handling. The top-tier Titanium trim gets chrome and metallic accents along with rain-sensing wipers. If you want the Black Appearance package, you will get a spoiler, roof rails, and decorative decals all done in black for a darkened aesthetic.
The HR-V LX rides on 17-inch wheels and features LED daytime running lights. Next, the Sport model gets larger 18-inch wheels, roof rails, foglamps, and a spoiler for a more athletic look. The EX and EX-L both ride on a different set of 17-inch wheels and add the aforementioned moonroof. Lastly, the Touring model gets LED headlights and body-colored underbody spoilers for better aerodynamics.
As for paint colors, the Ecosport is available in ten beautiful shades, including Diamond White, White Platinum, Shadow Black, Moondust Silver, Smoke, Lightning Blue, Ruby Red, Race Red, Canyon Ridge, and Blue Candy. On the flip-side, the HR-V is only offered in eight shades. These include Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Midnight Amethyst Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Orangeburst Metallic, Aegean Blue Metallic, and Milano Red.
Here in Albany, NY, our team of auto experts at DePaula Ford are ready to get you behind the wheel of your dream car! With over 500 new Ford models in stock, we’ve got the perfect ride for you. Even if you are looking for a used vehicle, we have over 100 certified pre-owned options for you to look at. We take the hassle out of buying a vehicle, and our finance team can help you secure the most competitive loan option to suit your budget. Once you’ve made a purchase, you can always bring your vehicle back for maintenance and repairs. Our highly-trained technicians will have you back on the road in no time. What are you waiting for? Give us a call or stop by DePaula Ford for a test drive today!
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
