2019 Ford EcoSport vs Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is the cool new kid on the block, but how does this subcompact sport utility vehicle compare to, say, the 2019 Ford EcoSport.? And which one might appeal to you more? That all depends on the kind of consumer you are and what you’re looking for in an SUV. Do you want a subcompact that takes itself seriously, or something a little more fanciful?
Legroom: 2019 Ford EcoSport
One thing you’ll notice on a walkaround is that, though the Hyundai Kona is longer, the Ford EcoSport is taller than the Hyundai Kona. As a result, you’re going to sit higher above the ground in the EcoSport. Taller drivers might have to watch their heads while ducking into the Kona.
Despite the EcoSport’s length, or perhaps because of its height, the Ford SUV has more legroom than its rival, in both front and back. There’s 1.4 inches more in the front, and there’s 2.1 inches more in the back. If you’ve ever been on a plane, you know what a difference an inch or two of legroom make.
Cargo Room: 2019 Ford EcoSport
Closely tied to passenger room is cargo room. And, again, the 2019 Ford EcoSport wins this category, with 20.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the back seat compared to the Hyundai Kona’s 19.2 cubes of cargo room. You can extend this space further into the cabin by putting down the back seat, but the EcoSport still wins out, with 50 cubic feet to the Kona’s 45.8 cubes. Who wouldn’t want room for four to ten extra bags of groceries?
Styling: 2019 Ford EcoSport
While the Ford EcoSport is definitely more rounded than its larger, bulkier siblings, there’s still something slightly rugged about this Ford SUV. Stylistically, we like the back door opening on a side hinge and the two-bar chrome grille. There’s no denying that the EcoSport’s exterior is one handsome mug.
The Hyundai Kona has narrow headlights that make this SUV look like it’s always squinting into the Hawaiian sun. No doubt, there are many people who find the Kona cute, but that whimsical look is off-putting to us. Where the EcoSport is bold and chiseled with a door on the back that opens to one side, inevitably reminding us of a jungle excursion, the Kona is bubbly and puffy, looking more like a hatchback than an SUV.
Towing: 2019 Ford EcoSport
On a final note, the 2019 Ford EcoSport has more utility than the Hyundai Kona. The EcoSport can tow trailers bearing loads of up to 2,000 pounds, when properly equipped. By contrast, the Hyundai Kona can only manage load of about 1,100 pounds maximum. A lot of people don’t even think of towing when looking at subcompact SUVs. But think of what you could do, given the option.