Comparison: Ground clearance Ford EcoSport vs. competitors 2025
Imagine strutting through the urban jungle in your Ford EcoSport, dodging potholes like they're mere puddles, thanks to its towering ground clearance. You might not be conquering the Andes, but for the city slicker with a penchant for the occasional off-road adventure, ground clearance isn't just a number—it's your vehicle's passport to versatility. Today, we're diving deep into the Ford EcoSport's underbelly, comparing its ground clearance across generations, how it stacks up within the Ford family, and sizing it up against some of its fiercest rivals. Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be an enlightening ride.
Table of contents:
Ford EcoSport - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?
The Ford EcoSport has strutted through two generations, swaggering with a ground clearance that's seen both peaks and valleys. Initially, the 1st Generation (2014-2017) boasted a clearance of 190 mm, allowing you to glide over obstacles with the grace of a gazelle. But then came the facelift—1st Generation (1. Facelift) 2017-2022—where the clearance dipped to 162 mm. While still respectable, it was a clear nod towards urban practicality over rough terrain bragging rights. A baffling choice for some, yet a calculated move by Ford in navigating the compact SUV's identity crisis.
The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (1.Generation) from 2014 and last generation (1.Generation (1. Facelift)) from 2017 is 2.8cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of EcoSport is 160 mm.
The ground clearance compared to other Ford models
In the broader Ford family, the EcoSport's ground clearance is akin to a middle child—not the tallest, yet far from the shortest. It outshines siblings like the Ford Focus ST and the Fiesta, making them look like they're grazing the ground with their measly 120-135 mm clearance. Yet, when it stares up at the towering Ford Ranger or the Bronco, with their ground clearance reaching the heavens at 266 and 237 mm respectively, the EcoSport can't help but feel a tad inferior. It comfortably nests itself among the more practical, city-friendly options while still offering a glimpse of adventure to the daring driver.
Ford EcoSport vs other current cars by Ford
(Ground clearance)
1. Focus ST Turnier
118 mm
2. Focus ST
120 mm
3. Fiesta
126 mm
4. Focus Turnier
134 mm
5. Focus
135 mm
6. Mustang Convertible
144 mm
7. Mustang Fastback
144 mm
8. Tourneo Connect
144 mm
9. Transit Connect Kombi
144 mm
10. Transit Connect {VAN}
146 mm
11. Mustang Mach-E
147 mm
12. Mustang Mach-E Rally
147 mm
13. Puma ST
152 mm
14. Kuga
160 mm
15. Focus Active
163 mm
16. Focus Active Turnier
163 mm
17. Puma
166 mm
18. Tourneo Courier
170 mm
19. Kuga Active
171 mm
20. Transit Courier {VAN}
179 mm
21. Transit Courier Kombi
179 mm
22. Capri
187 mm
23. Explorer EV
193 mm
24. Explorer
204 mm
25. Ranger
235 mm
26. Bronco
237 mm
27. Ranger Raptor
266 mm
How does the ground clearance of the Ford EcoSport compare to it's nearest competitors?
Now, let's pit the EcoSport against the titans of terrain from other realms. The Jeep Compass and Nissan Qashqai, with their 200 mm clearance, loom over the EcoSport like skyscrapers, offering daunting capabilities for the off-road enthusiasts. The Subaru XV further widens the gap with a clearance of 220 mm, making it clear who's boss in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the EcoSport does manage to peek over the fence at the Toyota Urban Cruiser, which comparatively hugs the ground at 140 mm. It's a mixed bag, really—on some grounds, the EcoSport reigns supreme, while on others, it's humbly reminded of its urban roots. Among peers like the Chevrolet Captiva and Citroen C4 Aircross, it finds company in the middle ground, neither dwarfed nor towering, striking a balance that appeals to a broad audience seeking practicality with a side of adventure.
Ford EcoSport vs. similar cars
(Ground clearance)
1. Volvo XC60 2008
230 mm
2. ALPINA XD3 2013
212 mm
3. Jaguar E-Pace 2018
204 mm
4. Infiniti QX30 2016
202 mm
5. Hyundai Tucson 2004
195 mm
6. DS Automobiles DS 7 2022
190 mm
7. Renault Koleos 2008
188 mm
8. Ford Kuga 2008
188 mm
9. Hyundai ix55 2009
185 mm
10. Dodge Nitro 2007
180 mm
12. Skoda Karoq 2017
176 mm
13. Citroen C-Crosser 2007
174 mm
14. Peugeot 4008 2012
168 mm
15. Jeep Renegade 2018
166 mm
16. Mazda CX-3 2015
160 mm
17. Ford EcoSport 2017
160 mm
18. Chevrolet Trax 2013
158 mm