Compare the2024 Lexus UXVS 2022 Ford EcoSport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus UX have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Ford EcoSport doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the UX are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the UX deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The UX’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The EcoSport’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The UX has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Front Seatbacks, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Injury Lessening Front Seatbacks 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 UX 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 UX 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The UX offers an optional Parking Support Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The EcoSport doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The UX’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 UX offers optional Intuitive Parking Assist to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the UX has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Ford charges extra for rear cross-path warning on the EcoSport and its not available on the S.

The UX’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 UX and the EcoSport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

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

	UX	EcoSport
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	116	250
Neck Injury Risk	33%	36%
Neck Stress	371 lbs.	403 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	60 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	376/433 lbs.	495/441 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	290	325
Neck Injury Risk	36%	38%
Neck Stress	163 lbs.	200 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, results indicate that the Lexus UX is safer than the Ford EcoSport:

	UX	EcoSport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	52	71
Chest Movement	.8 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	323 lbs.	337 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	96	195
Hip Force	633 lbs.	685 lbs.

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 UX is 5.1% to 6.4% less likely to roll over than the EcoSport.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the UX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The EcoSport has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

The UX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The EcoSport’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the UX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Ford covers the EcoSport. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the EcoSport ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The UX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the EcoSport’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

The battery on the UX is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the UX’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The EcoSport’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

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 UX’s reliability 35 points higher than the EcoSport.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the UX second among small premium suvs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The EcoSport isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in initial quality. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus above average in long-term dependability. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Ford is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Ford is ranked 18th.

Engine

The UX’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 15 more horsepower (181 vs. 166) than the EcoSport’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Lexus UX is faster than the Ford EcoSport:

	UX	EcoSport
Zero to 30 MPH	3.4 sec	3.9 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	8.8 sec	10.7 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.4 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	16.8 sec	18.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	86 MPH	79 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the UX gets better mileage than the EcoSport:

			MPG
UX
	FWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	43 city/41 hwy
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/38 hwy
EcoSport
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the UX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The UX has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the EcoSport. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Lexus UX higher (7 out of 10) than the Ford EcoSport (5). This means the UX produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the EcoSport every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The UX has a standard 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

For better stopping power the UX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the EcoSport:

	UX	EcoSport
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	11.1 inches	10.7 inches

The UX stops shorter than the EcoSport:

	UX	EcoSport
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	132 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the UX has larger tires than the EcoSport (225/50R18 vs. 205/60R16).

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

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the UX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the EcoSport. The EcoSport’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The Lexus UX’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.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the UX can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The EcoSport doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The UX has 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 UX’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 UX is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the EcoSport.

The UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD handles at .80 G’s, while the EcoSport SE pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The UX 250h F Sport Handling AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the EcoSport SE (28.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 29.3 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the UX’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the EcoSport’s (34.2 feet vs. 35.1 feet).

Passenger Space

The UX has 2.2 inches more front hip room, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.4 inches more rear hip room and 1.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the EcoSport.

Cargo Capacity

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the UX. The EcoSport doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The UX’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The EcoSport’s swing out door blocks loading from the driver’s side.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the UX’s power cargo door can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening cargo door.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Ford. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in service department satisfaction. With a 59% lower rating, Ford is ranked 22nd.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the UX F Sport Handling, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a memory system.

The UX’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The EcoSport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The UX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The UX’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 UX’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 UX 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 Lexus service department.) The driver of the EcoSport can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The UX’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the EcoSport’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen. The UX’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the EcoSport’s projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The UX offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The EcoSport doesn’t offer headlight washers.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the UX 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 avoid possible obstacles, the UX offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The EcoSport doesn’t offer cornering lights. The UX F Sport also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The UX’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.

When the UX F Sport Handling is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The EcoSport’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The UX’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The EcoSport offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the UX (except Base) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The EcoSport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The UX’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 UX and the EcoSport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the UX 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 UX 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 Lexus UX offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The EcoSport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Model Availability

The UX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The EcoSport doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus UX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Ford EcoSport isn't recommended.

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