2009 Ford Focus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Ford Focus is the new comfort-focused SEL sedan, which brings heated leather-trimmed front seats and standard SYNC. Otherwise, this is a modest update following the 2008 redesign.
About the 2009 Ford Focus
North American first-generation Focus, second year of the 2008 sedan/coupe redesign (2008-2011).
Ford marketed the 2009 Focus as a small car that mixed easy daily driving, strong fuel economy, safety, and then-unusual in-car tech. The brochure leans on four themes: drive quality, drive green, drive safe, and drive smart. In plain terms, this is Ford’s practical compact for commuting, first-car duty, and small-family use, with a choice between a straightforward sedan and a sportier-looking coupe.
The Focus spans from the basic S sedan to the better-equipped SE, the comfort-focused SEL sedan, and the sportier SES. The SEL stands out with heated leather-trimmed front seats and SYNC, while the SES adds darker exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and upgraded suspension.
What changed, by category
2009 Ford Focus specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive / Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33–35 mpg | 33–35 mpg | 33–35 mpg | 33–35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 132–140 hp | 132–140 hp | 132–140 hp | 132–140 hp |
| Torque | 133–136 lb-ft | 133–136 lb-ft | 133–136 lb-ft | 133–136 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Ford Focus?
The biggest change is the addition of the comfort-focused SEL sedan. It has heated leather-trimmed front seats, standard SYNC, ambient lighting, and extra chrome exterior details.
Is the 2009 Ford Focus much different from the 2008 model?
No, the 2009 Focus is only a modest update after the 2008 redesign. The main reasons to favor it are the new SEL sedan, sportier coupe details, and the small power increase for manual-transmission coupes.
Did the 2009 Ford Focus get a new engine?
No, the 2009 Focus did not receive a new engine across the lineup. Manual-transmission coupes get a small horsepower increase, while the rest of the powertrain lineup largely carries over.
Did safety equipment change on the 2009 Ford Focus?
Yes, stability control changed from standard equipment to an option for 2009. There was no broader lineup-wide safety upgrade.
What changed on the 2009 Ford Focus coupe?
The 2009 Focus coupe gets sportier exterior details, and versions with a manual transmission receive a small horsepower increase. The darker trim gives the coupe a more aggressive look than before.