The 2017 Ford Focus is now in the eighth (and possibly the last) year of its current generation. So it’s a demonstration of how good of a car it is that it’s still one of the better choices in its class. It’s one of the great compact cars.
Some variants come as a hatchback only, while others are also available as a sedan. In each cabin, however, is a pleasing design with good-quality materials. Some active safety features that were once exclusive to premium cars are now finding their way into mainstream vehicles, and the Focus is a fine example of this trend.
The range runs from zero emissions (the 2017 Focus Electric is reviewed separately) to high performance. And each model comes with decent equipment for the price, along with a driving experience that’s rare in any class. There aren’t many cars that are comfortable city runabouts and yet will also reward a driver who takes a country road corner with gusto.
What’s New for 2017?
An SEL package is new, containing a power moonroof, fog lamps, black headlight frames, and 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with black indents. White Gold is added to the palette of exterior colors.
What We Like
Great styling; confident handling; extensive features; impressive fuel economy.
What We Don’t
Automatic transmission should be smoother; less-than-spacious back seat.
How Much?
$17,650 to $36,995
Fuel Economy
The standard engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, making 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 6-speed automatic transmission (technically a dual-clutch automated manual) is optional. The latter operates like a regular automatic, and a manual mode is included on the high-end Titanium trim. Fuel economy is 26 miles per gallon in the city, 38 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in combined driving with the automatic. The stick shift is a tad thirstier: 25 mpg city/34 mpg hwy/28 mpg combined.
A 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine rated at 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque is an option solely for SE trim. It has a stop/start feature and connects to either a 6-speed manual transmission or the aforementioned 6-speed automatic. Fuel economy is 30 mpg city/40 mpg hwy/34 mpg combined with the manual, dipping to 27 mpg city/38 mpg hwy/31 mpg combined with the automatic.
The Focus ST has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder developing 252 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, and it only comes with a 6-speed manual. Considering the power output, fuel economy is impressive at 22 mpg city/30 mpg hwy/25 mpg combined.
A turbocharger is also employed in the Focus RS, but here it’s bolted to a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine to endow the car with a breathtaking 350 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. That muscle hits all four wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel consumption is 19 mpg city/25 mpg hwy/22 mpg combined.
Standard Features & Options
The 2017 Ford Focus is offered in S, SE, SEL, Titanium, ST and RS trim levels.
The sedan-only Focus S ($17,650) comes with basic features like 15-in steel wheels, cloth upholstery, power accessories, manual height adjustment for the driver’s seat, air conditioning, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, automatic headlights, hill-start assist, Bluetooth with voice controls, and a 4-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and two USB ports. It also includes a rearview camera, a 4.2-in display and Ford’s MyKey, which allows owners to preset several features for when other drivers are at the wheel.
The SE ($19,050) comes as a sedan or hatchback and adds 16-in alloy wheels, a trip computer, a front center armrest, rear air conditioning vents, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system and satellite radio. The hatchback SE sports a rear spoiler.
The SEL ($22,050) sedan/hatchback adds dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a configurable gauge cluster, a power moonroof, LED daytime running lights, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, rear disc brakes, 10-speaker Sony audio, SYNC 3 with an 8-in touchscreen, and 17-in alloy wheels.
The well-stocked Titanium ($24,450) sedan or hatchback brings upgrades such as 17-in aluminum wheels, LED running lights, keyless entry/start, remote start, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated mirrors with puddle lamps.
The hatchback-only ST ($25,650) comes with 18-in alloy wheels, LED signature lighting, an aerodynamic body kit, a performance-tuned suspension, various sporty styling cues, sport gauges, Sony audio, a flat-bottom steering wheel and the option of figure-hugging Recaro sport seats.
Sporting equipment and styling cues are taken several steps further with the RS hatchback ($36,995). Those Recaro seats are standard, and 19-in alloy wheels wear summer tires (track-focused Michelin tires are an option), yet the RS still packs the high-end Sony audio system and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also has selectable drive modes that go from civilized to trackworthy.
Some of the higher trims’ standard features are offered as options on the less expensive trims. Other extras include a sunroof, navigation, a heated steering wheel, a self-parking system, and carbon fiber interior trim for the ST.
Rear passenger space is a downside, with knee room being particularly tight. The better news is that the sedan has above-average trunk space — 13.2 cu ft. — and the seats fold down (60/40) for extra flexibility. The hatchback is more generous, at 23.3 cu ft. behind the rear seats and 43.9 cu ft. with the seats folded.
Safety
Anti-lock brakes are standard, but only the SEL, Titanium, ST and RS have 4-wheel discs; the S has rear drums (an older, simpler and cheaper setup), while the SE offers rear discs as a cost option. Traction control, stability control and six airbags (dual-stage front, front side and full-length side curtain) are standard in every version. A lane-keeping assist system and a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims.
In government crash tests, the Focus scored five out of five stars, including four for frontal impacts and five for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Focus its top score of Good on all tests except for the small-overlap front crash test, where the car still gets the second-best rating of Acceptable.
Behind the Wheel
There’s a sophistication that’s far from common in this segment, with high-quality materials and a sleek, contemporary dashboard design.
The 2.0-liter engine is quite eager, delivering smooth and satisfying acceleration. The automatic transmission gets confused at times, however, hunting for the right gear and pausing before downshifting. We prefer the 5-speed manual, which adds a sporty character more in line with the car’s essential nature.
Most people will appreciate the 3-cylinder’s smooth torque off the line, but it runs out of oomph quickly. That’s the price of enjoying the best fuel economy in the Focus lineup.
The turbocharged ST is one of the best-handling front-drive cars around. The rush of acceleration is addictive and the short-throw 6-speed manual adds to the whole experience. The manual-only approach makes sense here, since the ST is aimed at enthusiasts who are likely to prefer three pedals. But the ride is not so jarring that everyday driving feels like punishment.
With 350 hp in a compact car, the RS shows just how sporting and capable the Focus chassis can be. On top of that, it has torque vectoring by brake, where individual wheels are subtly slowed to help the RS achieve high cornering speeds with massive levels of grip. Take this to a track and you’ll embarrass more expensive machines.
Although the ST and RS are undeniably athletic, even the entry-level model provides dynamics similar to those of upscale sport-luxury cars. In any trim and specification, the Focus is composed, refined and satisfyingly responsive. Automatic transmission hiccups aside, it’s never less than a pleasure to drive.
Other Cars to Consider
2017 Honda Civic — A fine reputation for quality and strong resale values join sharp looks and a well-tuned chassis.
2017 Volkswagen Golf — Sophisticated and well-rounded. The GTI model is a drivers’ favorite. If you’d prefer a sedan, try the spacious Jetta.
2017 Mazda3 — Sleek styling plus handling that’s a match for the Focus. Fuel economy is also compelling. Updated for 2017.
2017 Kia Forte — Stylish, well equipped and keenly priced. Also updated for 2017.
Used Ford Fusion — The next size up and great to drive, with poise and comfort in equal measure. Equipment levels are tempting, and this sedan offers plenty of rear passenger space.
Autotrader’s Advice
The RS is naturally a niche vehicle, but while you’re at the dealership, it couldn’t hurt to take the ST for a quick test spin. Back in the real world, a Focus SE with the standard 2.0-liter engine and the Luxury package offers an affordable mix of useful equipment and pleasant road manners. If you have the luxury of time, it’s rumored a new generation will launch for the 2018 model year.
