Ford EcoSport vs Fiat 500

Updated December 2021 by Savvy Dealer Inc.

Combine sporty performance with modern fuel economy in the 2020 Ford EcoSport and Fiat 500X. These small crossovers also put an emphasis on commuter-style cabin comfort. With so much in common, it can be tough to choose between them. But our comparison guide is here to help.

Passenger Space: 2020 Ford EcoSport

Inside the EcoSport, up to five passengers can count on generous head and legroom. It’s the type of compact crossover that surprises you with its roomy cabin. Its extra-large cargo area – 20.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, 50 cubes max – also makes the EcoSport a great pick for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.

The Fiat 500X also puts an emphasis on comfort. As with the EcoSport, you can climb the trim hierarchy for an increasingly luxurious ride with options like leather upholstery and heated seats. However, the 500X shorts you on cargo space, with only 12.2 cubes behind the rear seats.

User-Friendly Tech Features: 2020 Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport’s standard tech lineup is a big draw. Every trim model keeps your devices charged (with two standard USB ports) and connected (with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot). The EcoSport SE and up include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone integration technology that displays apps on the central 8-inch touchscreen.

We have to say that the Fiat 500X also impresses with its tech lineup. Of the above features, all but the Wi-Fi hotspot come standard on the base Pop trim (though the touchscreen is slightly smaller at 7 inches). However, there may come a day when your smartphone only has one bar and you’ll be wishing you’d selected the small crossover with the standard Wi-Fi hotspot.

Sporty Performance: 2020 Fiat 500X

Every 500X trim model comes standard with all-wheel drive, performance technology that adds extra traction to your daily ride. Whether you’re speeding down winding highways or navigating sharp corners, you’ll appreciate this Fiat’s grip on the pavement.

You can add optional all-wheel drive to the EcoSport’s base S, midgrade SE, and upscale Titanium trim models. Only the sporty EcoSport SES comes standard with this traction-boosting performance gear.

Thrifty Fuel Economy: 2020 Ford EcoSport

The EcoSport has the edge here, giving you up to 28 mpg combined (27 city/29 highway mpg). Because of its standard all-wheel drive, the Fiat 500X isn’t quite as efficient, earning 26 mpg combined (24/30 mpg).

In the end, we’d choose the 2020 Ford EcoSport every time. The Fiat 500X might give you a little more horsepower, but it’s the EcoSport that caters to commuters with its thrifty performance, modern tech features, and comfy cabin.