Ford EcoSport vs Toyota Hiace

In-depth comparison in South Africa covering price, performance, fuel efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership costs.

Ford EcoSport in South Africa

Ford EcoSport

1.0 EcoBoost Titanium Automatic Petrol Automatic
ZAR 395,000 ex-showroom
⚡ 92 kW (123 hp)
🔧 170 Nm
⛽ 17.2 km/l
VS
Toyota Hiace in South Africa

Toyota Hiace

2.5D Panel Van MT Diesel Manual
ZAR 680,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 75 kW (101 hp)
🔧 200 Nm
⛽ 12.0 km/l
+

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Quick Winners

Performance EcoSport
Mileage EcoSport
🔑 Ownership EcoSport

Overall Comparison Score

🏆 Winner
#1

EcoSport

63
/ 100
+24
pts
#2

Hiace

39
/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

Executive Summary

EcoSport holds a noticeable edge over Hiace, especially in key ownership areas.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance EcoSport +1 pts
Efficiency EcoSport +1 pts
Safety EcoSport +12 pts
Practicality EcoSport +6 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

Hiace

Performance 7/20
Efficiency 8/20
Safety 6/20
Practicality 6/20
Ownership 12/20

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

EcoSport

Pros
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • Stronger safety package
  • More practical for daily use
  • Better long-term ownership value
Cons
  • No major weaknesses identified
Best For: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Hiace

Pros
  • No major strengths identified
Cons
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Less comprehensive safety features
  • Less practical in daily usage
  • Shorter warranty coverage
Best For: General Use

Who Should Buy Which?

EcoSport

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
  • Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
  • Large families needing more practicality and usability
  • Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Hiace

  • Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle

Full Specification Comparison

Specification EcoSport Hiace
Ground Clearance 200 155
Wheelbase 2519 2985
Length 4325 4695
Width 1765 1880
Height 1653 1990
Kerb Weight 1290 1780
Gross Vehicle Weight 1740 2800
Seating Capacity 5 3
Boot Space 352 0
Towing Capacity 950 2800
Specification EcoSport Hiace
Engine 1.0L EcoBoost Turbo Petrol 2.5L Turbodiesel
Engine Type Inline 3 Turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder 2KD-FTV
Displacement 998 2494
Cylinders 3 4
Valves per Cylinder 4 4
Power 92 75
Torque 170 200
Fuel System Direct Injection Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed 185 148
0-100 km/h 10.5 17.5
Power @ RPM - 3600 rpm
Torque @ RPM - 1800 rpm
Turbocharger - Turbocharged

Final Verdict

🏆 Ford EcoSport wins with 63 pts vs 39 pts for Hiace

In structured scoring, EcoSport emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Hiace may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, EcoSport performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

EcoSport scores 9 while Hiace scores 8 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, EcoSport scores 18 and Hiace scores 6. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

EcoSport scores 16 versus Hiace scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives EcoSport 12 and Hiace 6, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows EcoSport scoring 8 compared to Hiace scoring 7, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest EcoSport may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. EcoSport performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives EcoSport the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between EcoSport and Hiace in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: EcoSport scores 8 vs 7.

Efficiency: EcoSport scores 9 vs 8.

Safety: EcoSport scores 18 vs 6.

Practicality: EcoSport scores 12 vs 6.

Ownership: EcoSport scores 16 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives EcoSport the advantage in this comparison.