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 DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily 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
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
5-speed Manual
Drive Type
Front Wheel Drive
RWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Rear Wheel Drive
LSD Available
None
Mechanical Differential
Transfer Case
None
None
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Claimed Mileage
17.2
12.0
City Mileage
12
10
Highway Mileage
17
14
Fuel Tank Capacity
52
70
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Airbags
6
2
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Not Available
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
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
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 Only
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
None
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
None
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Seat Material
Premium Leatherette
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Heated Seats
None
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
None
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Hydraulic Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt
Ambient Lighting
Ambient Footwell Lighting
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Not Available
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All Windows
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Charging
None
Not Available
Sunroof
None
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
None
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Infotainment Screen
8-inch SYNC Touchscreen
Basic Radio
Apple CarPlay
Wired
Not Available
Android Auto
Wired
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Integrated
Not Available
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
LED Headlamps
Projector Halogen
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Fog Lamps
Front
Front Only
Roof Rails
Silver
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
Steel Wheels
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Approach Angle
23
29
Departure Angle
32
26
Wading Depth
550
700
Terrain Modes
None
None
Locking Differential
None
Rear Differential Lock
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Tyre Size
205/50 R17
195/75 R16
Wheel Type
Alloy
Steel
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Ladder Frame
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Moderate
Battery Warranty
24 Months
24 Months
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
Warranty Years
4
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
4 Years
3 Years
Specification
EcoSport
Hiace
CO2 Emissions
150
225
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
None
None
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.