The local crossover segment is one of the fastest-growing automobile categories in the country. With many carmakers releasing their own versions of these small and compact SUVs, it’s inevitable that many Filipinos will follow this automotive trend.

Two of today’s hottest crossovers include the Kia Stonic and the Ford EcoSport. Interested to see which among them would be a better fit for your needs? Join us as we pit these two together in this crossover encounter.

Exterior

	Kia Stonic	Ford EcoSport
Dimensions (L x W x H mm)	4,100 x 1,735 x 1,533	4,325 x 1,765 x 1,656
Wheelbase (mm)	2,570	2519
Ground clearance (mm)	185	209

Toe to toe, the Ford EcoSport appears the larger of the two vehicles. Its larger exterior dimensions translate to a slightly better interior space for the American crossover’s passengers. Its higher ground clearance also means that it can move through potholes and road bumps with ease.

Meanwhile, the South Korean SUV offers a longer wheelbase which ideally gives it a more comfortable ride quality.

In terms of their exterior amenities, the Kia Stonic comes with projector-type headlamps across the board accompanied by either LED DRLs or fog lamps, depending on the variant. All models feature a rear spoiler, a high mount stop lamp at the rear, and a nice set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Ford EcoSport, on the other hand, comes with either halogen or projector headlamps depending on the variant. All models, however, get front and rear fog lamps, power side mirrors, and ride on larger 17-inch alloy wheels.

With better exterior features, this round goes to the Ford EcoSport.

Interior

Inside, the Kia Stonic comes with an instrument panel bearing a 3.5-inch digital display, a three-spoke polyurethane steering wheel, cloth seats, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

All the Ford EcoSport models come with fabric seats. Depending on the variant though you get a multifunctional steering wheel (leather-wrapped in higher trims), a 2.3-inch or a 4.2-inch instrument cluster, and either an eight or a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

Still, with better interior amenities, this round goes to the Ford EcoSport.

Engine

The Kia Stonic is powered by a 1.4-liter engine across the board. Depending on the model it can either be mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Depending on the setup, owners can expect anywhere from 94hp to 99hp.

The Ford EcoSport comes with either a 1.0-liter EcoBoost or a 1.5-liter powerplant. Like the Kia Stonic, it can be mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and can produce anywhere between 121hp to 123hp.

With an obvious advantage in terms of engine, this round goes to the Ford EcoSport.

Safety

Safety-wise, the Kia Stonic comes with decent features like airbags, seatbelts, ABS, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and an anti-theft system.

Meanwhile, the Ford EcoSport offers more with its own suite of airbags and seatbelts, ABS, EBD, hill-start assist, hill descent control, traction control, and electronic stability control among others.

With more safety features, the winner of this round is the Ford EcoSport.

Variants and pricing

Kia Stonic

Stonic LX MT – P765,000
Stonic LX AT – P865,000
Stonic Style Edition AT – P895,000
Stonic EX AT – P955,000

Ford EcoSport

EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT – P750,000
EcoSport 1.5L Trend AT – P998,000
EcoSport 1.5L Titanium AT – P1,100,000
EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost Titanium AT – P1,190,000

Verdict

Although priced a little higher, the Ford EcoSport by far wins against the Kia Stonic by a landslide. When pitted against the Kia Stonic, the Ford EcoSport shows that you definitely get what you pay for.

The Kia Stonic though makes for a great choice for those who are more conscious about their budget and offers a decent entry-level crossover SUV for the Filipino car buyer.

Photos from Kia and Ford

Also read: 

Kia Stonic vs. similarly priced subcompact crossover SUVs

Go or no go? Pros and cons of the Kia Stonic