Suzuki Vitara Vs Ford Ecosport Comparison

2013_ecosport_1
Ford Ecosport
VS

2016_vitara_1
Suzuki Vitara

This is the new Suzuki Vitara Vs Ford Ecosport Comparison. Continuing on with our series of the comparisons featuring the Suzuki Vitara and its competitors this time we revisited the Ford Ecosport since they are in the same price range and class. The Ford Ecosport has so much going for it let down by a number key factors, namely the interior and odd specification.

Ford Ecosport Vs Suzuki Vitara exterior comparison: We like the Ford Ecosport exterior styling due its conservative but smart design language. The large front grill gives it some aggression but flows nicely to the side and rear end. Everything looks good apart from the small wheel and tyre combo. The Suzuki Vitara has similar but different issues where it has aggressive front end following down the side but odd rear end. It’s wheel and tyre combo are also a little undersized but not as bad as the Ecosport. Overall the Ford EcoSport looks better but not by much.

Ford Ecosport Vs Suzuki Vitara interior comparison: The overriding impression of the Ecosport interior is budget or entry level the dreaded word economy car also comes to mind. The design its self is the same as the Ford Fiesta but it appears cheaper here thanks to hard plastics that don’t look good. The Vitara is noticeably better and a more conventional design and while a little ordinary at least the hard plastics look and feels better than the Ecosport. Both are not large interiors but the Vitara feels like the bigger SUV. The higher riding position in the Ecosport is preferable but that’s basically it.

Ford Ecosport Vs Suzuki Vitara engine and technology comparison: Both have decent tech for the price range but there is nothing that sets them apart, all have multiple air bags, and braking systems. The Ecosport’s Dual Clutch gearbox has been problematic in the Fiesta so there’s no reason to expect any difference here.  The auto can’t be paired with the 1.0 litre turbo which annoying as the this engine is more powerful and efficient that the bigger engine. The nearly 1300Kg EcoSport engine has the same power as the Toyota Yaris! so it’s not going to be a fast car. The Vitara as we’ve said before is a good drive and the option of AWD puts it ahead of the Ford.

Ford Ecosport Vs Suzuki Vitara drive comparison: We like the way the Vitara drives – 1.4 turbo being the best choice. Have not driven the EcoSport yet and unlikely too!

The Suzuki Vitara is the SUV it has just enough of everything to justify the price tag and buyer interest and the winner in this comparison. The Ford Ecosport is a good package, just the slow engine combined with a problematic gearbox and the best engine in the range limited appeal thanks to the manual only option. The Ecosport’s price tag tops at around $30,000 on the road which is overpriced as it’s competitors especially the CX-3 and Vitara offer so much more performance, quality and features for the price. Maybe if Ford fixed the interior and updated the engine/transmission it will pick up more interest as on the outside it is quite a good looking small SUV. That said there are plenty of deals on Ford EcoSport demos and new ones that haven’t been sold so check them out for a great deal!

Ford Ecosport Suzuki Vitara
2013_ecosport_2 2016_vitara_2
Engines
3 Cylinder Ecoboost
0.9 Litre (999cc) petrol
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 92Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 170Nm @ 1400RPM
4 Cylinder petrol (K14C)
1.4 Litre (1373cc)
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM
Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM
IL4 Cylinder
1.5 Litre (1498cc) petrol
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 82Kw @ 6300RPM
Claimed 140Nm @ 4400RPM
IL4 cylinder Diesel
1.6 Litre (1596cc)
Turbo-charged – DI – CR
Claimed 88kW @ 3750rpm
Claimed 320Nm @ 1750rpm
4 Cylinder petrol (M16A)
1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM
Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1242 kg
Towing capacity up to 700kg
From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1200kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 42 litres
IL4 0.9 Petrol Turbo 5.7 litres per 100km
IL4 1.5 Petrol 6.5 litres per 100km
Up to 47 litres
IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km
IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 5.9 litres per 100km
IL4 1.6 Diesel 4.9 litres per 100km
Other specifications
6 Speed Auto or 5 speed manual transmission
Overall height/width 1708/2057
Overall length/wheelbase 4245/2521
4WD system: None
ANCAP safety rating 5/5
Tyre size: 195-65-15 or 205-30-16
5 or 6 speed Auto 5 speed Manual
Overall height/width 1610/1775
Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500
4WD system: None AWD or 2WD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size:
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2014 $20,790 – 29,990 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD