Over the last few years, the compact crossover segment has exploded in popularity, with seemingly every major manufacturer entering a horse in the race. With so many options to choose from, you may find yourself wondering what sets each one of these vehicles apart.
We’re going to take a closer look at two of the most popular offerings currently taking over the roads: the 2022 Chevrolet Trax and the 2021 Ford EcoSport.
Exterior
The new 2022 Chevrolet Trax and 2021 Ford EcoSport are subcompact crossovers but they make a bold first impression with their chiseled lines, athletic stances, and eye-catching grilles. These SUVs also feature halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights available on higher trim levels.
At first glance, they may appear to be the same size, but a closer inspection finds that the Trax comes out ahead in a few key areas:
- Wheelbase
- Chevrolet Trax: 100.6 inches
- Ford EcoSport: 99.2 inches
- Length
- Chevrolet Trax: 167.2 inches
- Ford EcoSport: 161.3 inches
- Width
- Chevrolet Trax: 69.9 inches
- Ford EcoSport: 69.5 inches
- Height
- Chevrolet Trax: 66.3 inches (with roof rack)
- Ford EcoSport: 65.1 inches
Chevy offers the new Trax with six eye-catching wheel styles to choose from, including a set of 18-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels, while Ford offers five styles. Both crossovers feature a contemporary color palette as well, with the Trax boasting nine colors to choose from and the EcoSport offering 10.
Advantages of the 2022 Chevrolet Trax
- Larger dimensions
- More wheel styles to choose from
Interior
Chevrolet and Ford weren’t going to be outdone by one another when it came to their interior designs. These compact crossovers both seat up to five people and feature 60/40 split-folding rear seats that lower for added cargo space. In the Chevrolet Trax, you’ll have 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space while the new Ford EcoSport offers 50 cubic feet of cargo space.
The new Trax is available with a leatherette trim that enhances your comfort, while the new EcoSport features an optional high-end synthetic fabric known as ActiveX™. You can also opt for heated front seats on either crossover and they both feature single-zone manual climate control on their base trim levels. On both vehicles, you’ll find keyless open and start that makes it easy to get in and get going.
Technology
Both the 2022 Chevrolet Trax and 2021 Ford EcoSport feature the latest in advanced infotainment systems. The Trax is equipped with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the new EcoSport is paired with Ford’s SYNC® 3 system. These systems provide smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ that let you stream music, answer calls, and look up directions from the touchscreen.
The new Chevrolet Trax and Ford EcoSport feature 4G LTE Wi-Fi® (data plan required) that keep you connected while on the go. They also offer a trial subscription of SiriusXM® Satellite Radio that provides over 150 channels of commercial-free music, talk, entertainment, sport, and more. Both the Trax and EcoSport come standard with a six-speaker premium audio system, though the EcoSport is available with a B&O™ 10-speaker sound system on its most expensive trims.
The biggest difference between the two? The new Trax is available with a 120-volt power outlet while the EcoSport has a 110-volt power outlet.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Trax
- Available with a 120-volt power outlet
Safety
When it comes to safety, the new 2022 Chevrolet Trax and 2021 Ford EcoSport leave nothing to chance. Some of the advanced safety features they both offer include:
- Side blind-zone alert
- Rear park assist
- LATCH child safety-seat system
- Tire-pressure monitoring system
There are a few differences between the two though. The new 2022 Chevrolet Trax earned an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating and comes with 10 standard airbags. It also is available with rear cross-traffic alert that checks for vehicles approaching your rearward path.
The new 2021 Ford EcoSport only earned an NHTSA four-star overall safety rating. It’s paired with seven airbags, including dual-stage front airbags, and is available with an emergency braking system.
Advantage of the 2022 Chevrolet Trax
- Earned an NHTSA five-star overall safety
- 10 standard airbags
- Available rear cross-traffic alert
Performance
When it comes to performance, we begin to see more differences emerge between the new 2022 Chevrolet Trax and 2021 Ford EcoSport.
The new 2022 Chevrolet Trax is paired with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that kicks out 155 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine also helps the new Trax achieve up to 32 mpg highway. Chevy also pairs this compact crossover with a six-speed automatic transmission, StabiliTrak® electronic-stability control system, and an available all-wheel drive.
On the Ford side of things, you’ll find a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an available 1.0-liter EcoBoost® turbocharged engine. The new Ford EcoSport doesn’t hit the same efficiency ratings the Trax does, topping out at only 29 mpg highway. This tiny crossover also features a six-speed automatic transmission, a sport-tuned suspension, and an available intelligent four-wheel drive.
Advantages of the 2022 Chevrolet Trax
- Achieves a higher fuel rating than the EcoSport
- Available with all-wheel drive
Which Should You Buy?
You can’t go wrong with the new 2022 Chevrolet Trax. This compact crossover is larger than its Ford counterpart and features more wheel styles to choose from. The new Trax also earned a higher NHTSA overall safety rating, boasts a higher fuel efficiency, and is available with all-wheel drive. With a starting MSRP of $21,400, we think the choice is clear.
You don’t have to just take our word for it though. Experience everything the new 2022 Chevrolet Trax has to offer today by calling Garber Chevrolet Highland at (219) 924-3344 to schedule a test drive. Or visit us in person at 9700 Indianapolis Blvd, Highland, IN 46322.
