Whether you're a daily commuter looking for fuel efficiency, a student in need of a reliable car, or a driving enthusiast craving sporty performance, the Focus delivers a compelling package. With multiple trims and engine options—including the efficiency-focused EcoBoost, the sporty Focus ST, and the high-performance Focus RS—the 2018 Ford Focus appeals to a wide audience. It also features modern tech like Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and advanced driver-assist options that make it feel contemporary even several years after its release.
Exterior Design
The 2018 Ford Focus showcases a sleek and contemporary exterior that reflects Ford’s global design philosophy—modern, dynamic, and slightly aggressive, especially in its sportier trims. It strikes a strong balance between practicality and style, making it equally at home in a crowded urban street or parked in a suburban driveway.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the signature trapezoidal front grille, which gives the Focus a bold face. The elongated, swept-back headlights add a touch of sophistication, while sculpted body lines along the sides give the car a sense of motion even when it’s standing still. The overall look is clean and aerodynamic, helping both performance and fuel economy.
The sedan offers a more traditional and streamlined silhouette, ideal for drivers who prefer a classic look. Both styles are attractively designed, but the hatchback, in particular, appeals to younger drivers and those who need more flexible storage.
Trim levels also influence the exterior styling. The SE and Titanium trims offer a more refined, upscale appearance with chrome accents and stylish alloy wheels. At the top of the performance range, the Focus RS amps things up with a wider stance, larger air intakes, a sporty rear diffuser, and optional 19-inch alloy wheels—all designed to enhance both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Available exterior color options, such as Hot Pepper Red, Lightning Blue, and Shadow Black, allow buyers to customize the look to match their personal taste.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the 2018 Ford Focus, and you'll find a thoughtfully designed cabin that prioritizes functionality, driver engagement, and comfort. Lower trims use a more basic version of SYNC, but even this is relatively intuitive and functional.
The front seats are generally regarded as comfortable and supportive, making the Focus a good choice for longer drives or daily commutes. Legroom and headroom are acceptable for average-sized adults, but if you frequently carry back-seat passengers, the Focus may not be the roomiest choice in the compact class. That said, children and shorter adults should ride comfortably in the back.
Where the Focus really shines is in versatility, especially with the hatchback version. This makes the Focus hatchback ideal for road trips, moving small items, or accommodating outdoor gear. The sedan also has a reasonably sized trunk, though less flexible in terms of storage capacity.
Sound insulation in the cabin is decent, and road noise is well managed, especially in the more premium trims. Climate control is straightforward, and available dual-zone automatic climate control ensures both driver and passenger can stay comfortable regardless of outside conditions.
Performance Options
The 2018 Ford Focus offers one of the most diverse engine lineups in the compact car segment, making it a standout for drivers with varying needs—whether you’re seeking fuel efficiency, everyday practicality, or thrilling performance.
Base Engine: 2.0L 4-Cylinder
Most Focus models—like the S, SE, and Titanium trims—come equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers respectable performance for city and highway driving, with smooth acceleration and solid mid-range power. It can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed PowerShift automatic, depending on the trim. While not the most powerful in the class, this engine offers a well-balanced ride and confident handling.
EcoBoost Option: 1.0L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
For those who prioritize fuel economy, the Focus SE is also available with a 1.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost three-cylinder engine. It's mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. This version is ideal for urban commuting, offering great mileage without sacrificing too much in drivability.
Sport Model: Focus ST
If you're looking for a more performance-oriented experience, the Focus ST delivers. It’s only available with a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing driver involvement. It’s a thrilling drive, with quick acceleration, sharp cornering, and a punchy exhaust note.
High-Performance Model: Focus RS
At the top of the performance spectrum is the Focus RS, a true hot hatch designed for serious driving enthusiasts. Under the hood, it features a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine borrowed from the Mustang EcoBoost, delivering a massive 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Unlike other Focus models, the RS comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a performance-tuned suspension system with selectable driving modes, including a track-focused Drift Mode.
With advanced performance tech and a muscular, aggressive design, the Focus RS was one of the most exciting hot hatches available during its time.
Ride and Handling
Across the lineup, the 2018 Focus is praised for its sharp handling, responsive steering, and well-balanced suspension. Whether you're navigating city streets or carving up a twisty back road, the Focus feels lively and fun to drive.
Technology and Features
The 2018 Ford Focus doesn’t just focus on driving dynamics—it also delivers a solid suite of technology and convenience features, many of which were advanced for a compact car at the time. From infotainment and connectivity to driver-assist systems, the Focus offers a range of modern amenities that enhance both everyday usability and the overall driving experience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
At the heart of the Focus’s tech offerings is Ford’s SYNC® infotainment system. While basic, it’s functional enough for drivers who prioritize simplicity.
For those who want a more advanced and user-friendly setup, the SYNC 3 system—standard on higher trims like Titanium and ST—is a significant upgrade. It features an 8-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice recognition, and a smartphone-like interface that’s quick and easy to use. SYNC 3 also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, messaging, music, and apps.
Additional infotainment features available in upper trims include:
- Navigation system with pinch-to-zoom capability
- Satellite radio with SiriusXM®
Convenience Features
Available features include:
- Push-button start
- Keyless entry
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Ambient interior lighting (Titanium trim and up)
Driver-Assistance and Safety Technology
While the Focus doesn’t come standard with many advanced safety technologies on base models, several driver-assistance features are available on higher trims or as part of optional packages. These include:
- Rearview camera (standard on most trims)
- Lane-Keeping System
- Reverse sensing system
Smart Add-Ons and Innovations
Additionally, hill start assist, which prevents rollback on inclines, is standard on manual transmission models, adding peace of mind during steep starts.
Fuel Efficiency
Standard 2.0L 4-Cylinder Efficiency
Opting for the five-speed manual transmission reduces those figures slightly, but still keeps it competitive within the compact car segment.
EcoBoost 1.0L 3-Cylinder: The MPG Champion
If maximum fuel economy is your top priority, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged 3-cylinder engine is the standout choice. Available on the SE trim, this small but mighty engine was specifically engineered for efficiency. The EcoBoost engine offers a nice compromise of decent power with low running costs, making it ideal for urban environments and highway cruising alike.
Focus ST and RS: Performance with a Trade-off
While lower than the standard trims, it's still relatively efficient for a hot hatch, especially when driven conservatively. It comes with a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine and all-wheel drive, delivering 350 horsepower—but only 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
Fuel Economy Summary by Trim/Engine:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Multiple Engine and Trim Options
The Focus offers a wide range of choices—from the efficient 1.0L EcoBoost to the high-performance ST and RS models—making it appealing to a variety of drivers.
Sharp Handling and Engaging Drive
One of the most praised aspects of the 2018 Focus is its responsive steering and composed handling.
SYNC 3 Infotainment System
Available in higher trims, SYNC 3 is one of the better infotainment systems in this class—featuring a user-friendly interface, fast response times, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Great Fuel Economy with EcoBoost Engine
The 1.0L EcoBoost engine delivers exceptional gas mileage, making the Focus SE with this engine a solid choice for budget-conscious drivers or those with long commutes.
Cons
Cramped Rear Seat Space
Rear legroom is limited, especially for taller passengers. While fine for kids or short trips, the back seat can feel tight during longer drives or for larger adults.
Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission Issues
Some models with the six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission have been known to suffer from reliability concerns and jerky performance, particularly in earlier production years.
Limited Standard Safety Tech on Lower Trims
Advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert are only available on higher trims or as part of optional packages—not standard across the lineup.
