Ford EcoSport vs Toyota Prado
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Ford EcoSport
Price TBC
SUV
Petrol
1.5L Dragon petrol (3-cylinder)
90.5kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
743L
Toyota Prado
From $72,500
SUV
Diesel
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
150kW
7.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
408L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford EcoSport and Toyota Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Prado packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Ford EcoSport.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
The Ford EcoSport features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Ford EcoSport stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. The Toyota Prado counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford EcoSport uses a 1.5L Dragon petrol (3-cylinder) producing 90.5kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout.
The Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 90.5kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford EcoSport measures 4,325mm long on a 2,519mm wheelbase, 665mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Prado generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 743L in the Ford EcoSport and 408L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Ford EcoSport a 335L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 2,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.7m to 12.0m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Ford EcoSport and $2,166/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Ford EcoSport.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Ford EcoSport) vs $2,166 (Toyota Prado). The Ford EcoSport saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford EcoSport) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Prado). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford EcoSport if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford EcoSport and Toyota Prado trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Ford EcoSport will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Ford EcoSport has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford EcoSport and Toyota Prado?
The Toyota Prado is the cheapest at $72,500 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford EcoSport uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford EcoSport and Toyota Prado all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford EcoSport has the largest boot at 743L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Prado makes the most power at 150kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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