Six-way power driver's seat now standard on SES and Titanium trims.Cargo cover and package tray included on SE trim and above.Minor exterior styling changes.
Pros Above-average cargo space for the class All-wheel drive can be ordered on every trim level Widespread availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Sync 3 infotainment interface is fast and easy to use
Cons Aside from blind-spot monitoring, advanced safety features aren't available Below-average fuel economy Base engine can struggle while carrying passengers and cargo Choppy, jittery ride on most surfaces
Very little is new on the EcoSport for 2021, but it does get an updated appearance package, a standard power driver’s seat on the top SES 4WD trim (oddly, it didn't have one before) , and techy faux-leather seat coverings in the Titanium model.
Pros Affordable, compact and maneuverable, easy-to-use infotainment.
Cons Disappointing fuel efficiency, sleep-inducing acceleration, lacks interior space.
The 2021 Ford Ecosport small crossover forsakes its name and doesn’t offer much by way of driving excitement or efficiency.
Pros Easy to park Big enough back seat Cargo space isn’t bad
Cons No active safety tech Spartan base model Hardly a value Built to a budget Cheap, but somehow still too much
PROS PHEV drivetrain enables limited electric running at speeds up to 135km/h Excellent blend of everyday comfort, refinement and performance 3500kg towing capacity It shares its drivetrain with the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
CONS PHEV drivetrain adds handsomely to the weight Li-ion battery robs 70L of boot space Lacks the traditional hardened performance focus for which Volkswagen R models are renowned
“A curious mix of speed and efficiency with a big dollop of comfort. It's just not especially fun ”
PROS Comfy, plush, quick and a company car bargain
CONS Not as nimble as a Cayenne
The VW Touareg R is comfortable, well-equipped and effortless to drive, but not sharp or engaging enough to be considered a true sports SUV. That leaves it in somewhat of a no man’s land. Put simply, those looking for a fast yet relatively frugal sports SUV would be better served by the similarly priced Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid, while those wanting a luxurious and well-rounded plug-in hybrid luxury SUV would be better off with the BMW X5 xDrive45e.
PROS Well-equipped Spacious inside for up to five people Very quiet in electric mode
CONS Cheap-feeling interior Fussy infotainment system Not very exciting to drive
