Pros: Acceleration in ST and RS models; sporty driving character; high-quality interior trim; impressive fuel economy
Cons: Tight rear-seat space; higher-end models get quite pricey; not all drivers like behavior of automated-manual transmission
CG Says: For 2017, Ford Focus adds a new SEL model. SEL slots between midrange SE and topline Titanium. The Focus is available as either a four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback, in trims ranging from base S to well-equipped Titanium. There is also a sporty ST model and a high-performance RS–both of which are hatchback only. All Focuses are front-wheel drive except the all-wheel-drive RS. The base engine is a 160-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automated-manual transmission. Also available is a fuel-efficient 123-hp turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that mates to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The ST has a 252-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the RS packs a 350-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A six-speed manual is the only transmission choice for both ST and RS. Available equipment includes active park assist, heated steering wheel, blind-spot alert, lane-departure mitigation, and cross-traffic alert. Focus is a sporty, fun-to-drive compact that can be ordered with some unexpected high-end equipment. We like the manual transmission more than the automated manual. Focus prices range from class-competitive to surprisingly expensive for loaded Titanium models. The ST promises lots of muscle, but we were a bit disappointed in the front-drive car’s ability to get it to the road. The AWD RS is a ferocious performance machine with formidable capabilities, but its uncompromising nature and steep price tag make it a vehicle for serious enthusiasts. In any of its forms, the Focus doesn’t quite top its class, but it is still worth your consideration.
| Class | Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA, Germany |
| Base Prices | S sedan: $16,775 SE sedan: $18,175 SE hatchback: $19,765 SEL sedan: $21,175 SEL hatchback: $21,675 Titanium sedan: $23,575 Titanium hatchback: $24,075 ST hatchback: $24,775 AWD RS hatchback: $36,120 |
| Base Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 160 |
| Std. Transmission 5-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automated manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 25-26 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 34-38 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder (Std. SE sedan) |
| Horsepower 123 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 27-30 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 38-40 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (ST) |
| Horsepower 252 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder (RS) |
| Horsepower 350 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 25 |
