If your Ford Ecosport is feeling more bone-jarring than you’d like especially compared to a smoother crossover like the Ford Kuga Titanium you’re not alone. Many drivers find that switching to a vehicle with lower-profile tyres can lead to a harsher ride. But can this be easily reversed by swapping tyres? Here’s what to consider if you’re aiming to improve ride comfort without compromising safety or legality.
Why the Ride Feels Harsh
Much of the Ecosport’s firm ride comes down to its suspension design and tyre choice. If your particular model is equipped with low-profile tyres those with a short sidewall height you’re more likely to feel every pothole and road ripple.
Tyres Play a Big Role
Low-profile tyres are popular for their sharper looks and improved handling response, but they sacrifice comfort. Less sidewall means less cushioning over bumps. Switching to a taller-profile tyre seems like a quick fix, but it’s not always straightforward.
Can You Change Tyres for a Smoother Ride?
Yes, but not without caveats. Simply installing tyres with taller sidewalls will increase the overall rolling radius of the wheel, which can lead to:
- Inaccurate speedometer readings
- Potential clearance issues with suspension or bodywork
- Increased ride height and more body roll in corners
These changes might also raise eyebrows with your insurance provider, especially if the modification deviates from factory specifications.
What’s the Safer Alternative?
A more effective and safer route is to investigate if your Ecosport model supports a smaller wheel size. For example, if you currently have 17-inch wheels, you may be able to switch to 16-inch factory-approved wheels with higher-profile tyres maintaining the original rolling radius but gaining comfort.
Using manufacturer-spec wheels ensures better fitment and preserves your speedometer accuracy. Be sure to notify your insurer beforehand to avoid policy issues many companies accept original equipment swaps, but a quick call can prevent surprises.
Other Ways to Improve Comfort
Consider the Tyre Compound
If your Ecosport is fitted with summer tyres, switching to all-season versions may help. All-season tyres typically have a slightly softer rubber compound, which adds a bit more give over imperfections in the road. The difference won’t be night and day, but it could offer a small improvement in ride quality.
Don’t Expect Miracles
Even with tyre and wheel changes, the Ecosport’s ride quality is inherently firm. It’s a common critique from road testers and owners alike. The suspension is tuned more for responsiveness than plushness and there’s only so much tyre tweaks can do to smooth things out.
Is It Time to Reconsider Your Vehicle?
If you’ve tried all the above and the ride still leaves you and your passengers wincing, it may be worth thinking about whether the Ecosport is the right car for your needs. Vehicles like the Ford Kuga, Citroën C3 Aircross, or even a used Toyota CH-R tend to offer more compliance over rough roads without extensive modifications.
Ultimately, comfort is a personal matter and while there are ways to fine-tune your Ecosport’s ride, there’s no substitute for a suspension designed with softness in mind from the start.
None of these small SUVs is exemplary in this regard, but you should find the Skoda Kamiq to be a little softer.
