Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both EcoSport and GR86 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
GR86
+6 pts
Efficiency
EcoSport
+3 pts
Safety
GR86
+2 pts
Practicality
EcoSport
+4 pts
Ownership
EcoSport
+4 pts
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
16/20
GR86
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
EcoSport
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
GR86
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best For:Highway Driving
Who Should Buy Which?
EcoSport
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
GR86
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Ground Clearance
200
130
Wheelbase
2519
2575
Length
4325
4265
Width
1765
1775
Height
1653
1310
Kerb Weight
1290
1270
Gross Vehicle Weight
1740
1660
Seating Capacity
5
4
Boot Space
352
237
Towing Capacity
950
Not Rated
Front Track Width
-
1520
Rear Track Width
-
1540
Turning Radius
-
5.4
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Engine
1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol
2.4L Naturally Aspirated Boxer
Engine Type
Inline 3 Turbocharged
Horizontally Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement
998
2387
Cylinders
3
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
92
173
Torque
170
250
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct + Port Injection
Top Speed
185
226
0-100 km/h
10.5
6.9
Power @ RPM
-
7000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
3700 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Not Available
Compression Ratio
-
12.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
None
Torsen LSD
Transfer Case
None
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Claimed Mileage
17.2
10.9
City Mileage
12
8
Highway Mileage
17
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
52
50
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Airbags
6
7
ABS
Standard
Standard with Sport Mode
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard with Track Mode
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
None
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
None
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
None
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
None
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
None
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
None
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
None
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Seat Material
Premium Leatherette
Sport Fabric/Suede
Seat Adjustment
Manual Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Heated Seats
None
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
None
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Footwell Lighting
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
50/50 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Manual AC
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
None
Not Available
Sunroof
None
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
None
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Infotainment Screen
8-inch SYNC Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wired
Standard
Android Auto
Wired
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Integrated
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
7-inch Digital
USB Ports
-
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
LED Headlamps
Projector Halogen
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Front
LED
Roof Rails
Silver
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
18-inch BBS Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Rear Spoiler
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Approach Angle
23
-
Departure Angle
32
-
Wading Depth
550
-
Terrain Modes
None
-
Locking Differential
None
-
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
215/40 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc Brembo
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Space Saver
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Double Wishbone
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R5,500
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
Warranty Years
4
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
4 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
EcoSport
GR86
CO2 Emissions
150
177
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
70
Final Verdict
🏆Ford EcoSport
wins with 63 pts
vs 60 pts for GR86
In structured scoring, EcoSport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, GR86 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.