Compare the2022 Toyota Corolla HatchbackVS 2021 Ford EcoSport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages

Safety

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The Corolla Hatchback has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats (WIL), which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WIL system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Corolla Hatchback has standard Pre-Collision System, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The EcoSport doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The Corolla Hatchback has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Corolla Hatchback’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Corolla Hatchback’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Corolla Hatchback and the EcoSport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Corolla Hatchback	EcoSport
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	187	250
Neck Injury Risk	27%	36%
Neck Stress	243 lbs.	403 lbs.
Neck Compression	50 lbs.	60 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	330/310 lbs.	495/441 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	27%	38%
Neck Stress	165 lbs.	200 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/156 lbs.	329/236 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	Corolla Hatchback	EcoSport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.9 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	330 lbs.	337 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	137	195
Hip Force	367 lbs.	685 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	12 inches
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	37 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Corolla Hatchback is 8.6% to 9.9% less likely to roll over than the EcoSport.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Corolla Hatchback the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 121 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The EcoSport has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Hatchback for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the EcoSport.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Corolla Hatchback’s reliability 30 points higher than the EcoSport.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Ford is ranked 22nd.

Engine

The Corolla Hatchback’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 45 more horsepower (168 vs. 123) and 26 lbs.-ft. more torque (151 vs. 125) than the EcoSport’s standard 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder. The Corolla Hatchback’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 2 more horsepower (168 vs. 166) and 2 lbs.-ft. more torque (151 vs. 149) than the EcoSport’s optional 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is faster than the Ford EcoSport (automatics tested):

	Corolla Hatchback	EcoSport turbo 3 cyl.	EcoSport 4 cyl.
Zero to 60 MPH	8.6 sec	11.2 sec	9.9 sec
Quarter Mile	16.5 sec	18.2 sec	17.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	85.9 MPH	76.7 MPH	77 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Hatchback gets better mileage than the EcoSport:

			MPG
Corolla Hatchback
	Manual	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	28 city/36 hwy
	Auto	SE/Nightshade 2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	32 city/41 hwy
		XSE 2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	30 city/38 hwy
EcoSport
	FWD	1.0 turbo 3-cyl.	27 city/29 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback uses regular unleaded gasoline. The EcoSport with the 1.0 turbo 3-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Corolla Hatchback higher (7 out of 10) than the Ford EcoSport (5). This means the Corolla Hatchback produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the EcoSport every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Corolla Hatchback offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

The Corolla Hatchback stops much shorter than the EcoSport:

	Corolla Hatchback	EcoSport
70 to 0 MPH	175 feet	186 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	129 feet	132 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	133 feet	139 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Corolla Hatchback’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the EcoSport (225/40R18 vs. 205/60R16).

The Corolla Hatchback SE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the EcoSport’s standard 60 series tires. The Corolla Hatchback’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the EcoSport’s optional 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Hatchback offers optional 18-inch wheels. The EcoSport’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford EcoSport only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The EcoSport 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Corolla Hatchback has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Corolla Hatchback flat and controlled during cornering. The EcoSport 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Corolla Hatchback has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The EcoSport doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Corolla Hatchback’s wheelbase is 4.7 inches longer than on the EcoSport (103.9 inches vs. 99.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Corolla Hatchback is .5 inches wider in the front and 1.1 inches wider in the rear than on the EcoSport.

The Corolla Hatchback XSE handles at .85 G’s, while the EcoSport SE pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Chassis

The Corolla Hatchback is 7.7 inches shorter in height than the EcoSport, making the Corolla Hatchback much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

Passenger Space

The Corolla Hatchback has 2.3 inches more front hip room, .6 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom and 3.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the EcoSport.

Ergonomics

The Corolla Hatchback’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The EcoSport has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Corolla Hatchback’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The EcoSport’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Hatchback the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the EcoSport can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Corolla Hatchback has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Corolla Hatchback detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The EcoSport doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Corolla Hatchback XSE offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The EcoSport doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Corolla Hatchback’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford only offers heated mirrors on the EcoSport SES/Titanium.

The Corolla Hatchback XSE’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The EcoSport doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Corolla Hatchback and the EcoSport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Corolla Hatchback XSE has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The EcoSport doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Corolla Hatchback has a standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The EcoSport doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Corolla XSE Auto offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The EcoSport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Model Availability

The Toyota Corolla comes in sedan, four door hatchback and four door bodystyles; the Ford EcoSport isn’t available as a sedan or four door hatchback.

Economic Advantages

The Corolla Hatchback will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Corolla Hatchback will retain 52.84% to 53.96% of its original price after five years, while the EcoSport only retains 40.29% to 40.59%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Corolla Hatchback is less expensive to operate than the EcoSport because it costs $246 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Corolla Hatchback than the EcoSport, including $107 less for a muffler, $31 less for front brake pads, $17 less for a fuel pump, $344 less for a timing belt/chain and $528 less for a power steering pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Toyota Corolla Hatchback will be $2944 to $6522 less than for the Ford EcoSport.