2018 Ford EcoSport vs. 2018 Chevrolet Trax

2018 Ford EcoSport

The 2018 Ford EcoSport SE model gives you the latest and greatest upgrades including a five-year subscription to Sync Connect. This exciting new technology lets drivers, via a smartphone app, start and stop the engine, lock and unlock the doors, and check vehicle functions.

This fun little crossover has what the savvy car buyer has come to expect: 4G LTE mobile hotspot, a 110-volt outlet in the back seat area, and touchscreens compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2018 Chevrolet Trax

While drivers may be surprised to know that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions are standard on all Trax models, they will be disappointed to find no built-in navigation. While there is standard WiFi drivers must pay for it with a monthly subscription.

2018 Ford EcoSport

Engineers of the 2018 EcoSport clearly had two things in mind: small-looking exterior, large, looking interior. They went out of their way to provide a vastly competitive amount of cargo space and storage. Just one look and you can tell that the interior was designed to be even more efficient for travel with just a few easy, user-friendly steps. The back seats easily fold and the cargo floor can be raised, making the focus of the interior design much more about convenience than other compact SUV models.

2018 Chevrolet Trax

The trick that Chevy engineers used to make the Trax seem roomier, was to provide expansive headroom with a high seating position. Ultimately, however, the rear-seat room and cargo space does not compare to the likes the 2018 Ford EcoSport. Critics also complained that the design of the standard interior was cheap-feeling, with parts being mostly plastic, instead of any leather, or the leatherette interiors. It would cost a pretty penny to score the leatherette upgrades, which would require investing in the all-new 2018 Redline Edition appearance package. If buyers are willing the shell out the cost, they can also get several exterior styling upgrades. Without the upgrades however, the interior mimics the 2017 model.

Critics complained that other models had a more cavernous feel, and that even though the seats in the Trax fold down, it is difficult to do so. They say that the folding rear-seat arrangement is frustrating, requiring more steps and flipping. They note that it requires half the effort to fold down the seats in the 2018 Ford EcoSport. Unlike the EcoSport, folded seats do not provide the driver with a completely flat floor.

2018 Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport does about the same as far as EPA ratings as the Chevy Trax. Both fall within the 25 city/35 highway range. The numbers are pretty standard for the EcoSport as far as crossover SUVs go, when it comes to real-world highway fuel economy.

2018 Chevrolet Trax

The 2018 Chevy Trax’s drivetrain while coming close, has a subpar combination of fuel efficiency and acceleration. Critics had hoped that the 2018 model would change this, but since the powertrain was not altered, aerodynamics have stayed stagnant.

2018 Ford EcoSport

The 2018 Ford EcoSport can get up to 166 hp, with the optional inline-four cylinder. But even the baseline, three-cylinder engine is turbo-charged and get up to 123-hp. The 2018 Chevy Trax cannot boast the same falling somewhere in between with the best engine it has available. And while subcompacts aren’t particularly known for acceleration, the EcoSport has little difficulty getting up to 70 mph. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with all-wheel drive, making it even more powerful. Drivers can thank the six-speed automatic transmission which is quick to upshift, with smooth transitions to down shifting. The drive has a quick, athletic feel and it is perfect as an everyday get around for running errands, dropping the kids off at school, and meeting a friend for lunch.

2018 Chevrolet Trax

Even with a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, the 2018 Chevy Trax only makes it up to 138 hp. Critics were left wanting more when judging the refinement of its engine. This is unfortunate because the 2018 saw no new changes or upgrades under the hood. This is disappointing to many car buyers because the same could be said about the 2017 model. Critics did note that it is comparable to the EcoSport in the way that it gets around town, but highway driving still left something to be desired. It does have the six-speed automatic transmission in common with the EcoSport, but the ride feels less smooth with more sluggish shifting.

Ultimately, drivers complain that driving the 2018 Chevy Trax feels strained, and isn’t as fun as other crossover SUVs.