Upgrading from Ford EcoSport To Best Mid-Size SUV - Buying Advice

I currently drive a 2017 Ford EcoSport Diesel, which I love for its steering and highway stability. Now that diesel options are reducing, I’m looking for a petrol or hybrid SUV with similar driving dynamics and solid build quality. My budget is ₹20–25 lakh, and my running is about 800–1,000 km a month. What should I look at? - Mohan, Thrissur

CarToq's Answer: As an EcoSport owner, you already have high standards for steering feel, handling, and solidity - traits that have become rare in newer SUVs. Fortunately, there are still a few options that can give you that same sense of confidence.

The Volkswagen Taigun 1.5 TSI (and its sibling, the Škoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI) are your closest modern equivalents. Both are built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, designed specifically for India but retaining European driving DNA. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 150 PS and 250 Nm - much more than your EcoSport diesel - and it’s paired with either a smooth 6-speed manual or a lightning-quick 7-speed DSG automatic. The steering is well-weighted, the suspension setup is firm but composed, and highway manners are superb. These cars feel solid, planted, and refined at triple-digit speeds - exactly what you’d expect coming from a Ford.

If you prefer something smoother and more efficient rather than sporty, the Toyota Hyryder Strong Hybrid or Honda Elevate CVT could be alternatives. Both are easier to live with in the city but don’t offer the same driver engagement as the VW or Škoda.

In your case, the Taigun 1.5 TSI DSG strikes the perfect balance - it’s powerful, dynamically sorted, and premium-feeling without being overly expensive to run. It’s the spiritual successor to your EcoSport in many ways.

I’ve been driving my 2017 Ford EcoSport Diesel for about 65,000 km. I’ve always loved its sharp steering & highway stability, but now I want something larger and more modern, still comfortable for highway runs (800–1,000 km/month) and family-friendly (5-seater, good boot space). My budget is about ₹25-30 lakh on-road. I’m open to petrol or hybrid, and value build quality, smooth ride, and strong service backup. What SUV should I consider, and what key things should I look out for?

Neha S, Meerut

CarToq's Answer: Given your background with the EcoSport - a compact SUV with strong dynamics - and your desire to upgrade into something larger and more modern while keeping comfort and quality high, you’ll want to approach the move with three major fronts: (1) segment & size upgrade, (2) powertrain & running-cost suitability, and (3) brand/service & long-term peace of mind.

The EcoSport 5-seater gave you nice driver-centric behaviour, but the next step should deliver more space (especially for passengers and luggage) and a more relaxed ride. You’re looking at mid-size SUVs - roughly in the 4.2-4.4 m length range (or slightly above) rather than compact sub-4m types. These will give you better rear-seat accommodation, more boot capacity, more comfort at speed, and a more premium feel.

Because you do substantial highway running (800-1000 km/month), the extra space and composure will pay off. The larger size will also help avoid feeling like you’ve “moved laterally” rather than “up”.

Powertrain & Running Cost

Since you’re moving from a diesel EcoSport and want smoothness and strong build quality, petrol or hybrid make sense - especially if you’re concerned about future diesel availability, servicing burdens, or ageing safe resale. Look for:

A reasonably powerful petrol (or turbo-petrol) engine with enough torque for highway overtakes without feeling strained.

An automatic (dual-clutch or CVT) gearbox for comfort on longer runs.

If you favour lower running cost and smoother behaviour (especially in city/traffic), a hybrid is worth serious thought - although initial cost may be higher.

Also check service network & maintenance history: as EcoSport’s brand service network has contracted (after Ford India’s production pull-back) this is something you want to avoid repeating at the new level.

Brand/Service & Long-Term Peace of Mind

Because you’re upgrading and investing a higher chunk of money, warranty cover, service network reach (especially in Kerala/Kochi region), parts cost, and resale potential should all factor in. Choose a brand with strong after-sales support locally, proven reliability, and future-proofing (e.g., in electrification/engine compliance). Avoid getting trapped in niche brands where service/support may be weaker.

So, here are recommended vehicles

In your ₹25-30 lakh budget, some viable options could be:

A vehicle from the premium mainstream Japanese/Korean segment - offer smooth petrol/ hybrid powertrain, strong service support.

A slightly premium brand’s entry-large SUV model, if you spot a good deal or waiting period is acceptable.

A turbo-petrol version of a well-regarded mid-size SUV that has strong dynamics and comfort.

Based on your EcoSport heritage (you value driving solidity and build), I’d suggest zeroing in on something like the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mid-size SUV with 6-speed/7-speed AT and optionally looking at strong hybrid versions of similarly sized models. Prioritise ride comfort, build solidity, good service backup and size-upgrade rather than just premium badge.

Because you do a lot of highway driving, and you like the “solid, planted” feel and driver engagement, the VW Taigun 1.5 TSI is perhaps the best fit of all three here. It migrates you to a more refined, more premium experience while staying in your budget ball-park (with careful variant choice).

If you want “premium feel + driving involvement” but perhaps slightly more focus on solid construction than outright sportiness, the Kushaq is a fine alternative to the Taigun. It gives you many of the same advantages. Between the two, if you prefer sharper driving behaviour maybe go Taigun; if you prefer slightly more comfort/quiet but still performance, Kushaq is very good.

If you value comfort, reliability, low running cost and less driver stress (especially in city + highway mix), the Toyota Hyryder is a very good choice. But if your priority is “driving feel + solid chassis/engine” then number 1 or 2 may give you more of what you liked in your EcoSport.