2012 Ford Focus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Ford Focus is a complete redesign on Ford's global third-generation platform. This is a big-change year and the first U.S. model year for the new generation, not a carryover.
About the 2012 Ford Focus
3rd generation Focus (global C346), first U.S. model year; first year for Focus Electric.
Ford positions the Focus as a compact car that feels more polished and more fun to drive than the class norm. The big themes are sleek styling, precise steering, good fuel economy, and a cabin that aims to feel a class above basic economy-car standards. In sedan, hatchback, and electric form, the Focus is the small Ford for shoppers who want everyday practicality without giving up technology or a more connected driving feel.
The SE served as the mainstream 2012 Focus, with sedan and hatchback versions and useful features such as automatic headlights and steering-wheel audio controls. The SEL emphasized comfort and connectivity, while the new Titanium topped the gas lineup with an 8-inch touchscreen, Sony audio, and push-button start. The new Focus Electric paired the hatchback body with battery power, navigation, and a rearview camera.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford Focus specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, FF, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, FF, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, FF, 2.0L | AC Electric Motor | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, FF, 2.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Automatic, 1-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Electric | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 27–28 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 27–28 mpg | 27–28 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 37–38 mpg | 37–38 mpg | 37–38 mpg | 37–38 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 159–160 hp | 159–160 hp | 159–160 hp | 123 hp | 159–160 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2–44.8 cu-ft | 13.2–44.8 cu-ft | 14.5 cu-ft | 13.2–44.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.5 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 76 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 105 | ||||
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Parental Control System | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| HID Headlights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| SD Card Slot | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Ford Focus fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2012 Focus is the first U.S. model year of the global third-generation car, with a new body, chassis, engine, exterior design, and cabin.
Did the hatchback return for the 2012 Ford Focus?
Yes. The hatchback returned to the U.S. Focus range for 2012 alongside the redesigned sedan.
What engine does the 2012 gas Ford Focus use?
The 2012 gas Focus uses a new 160-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection. Flexible-fuel versions also joined the S, SE, and SEL trims.
What is different about the 2012 Ford Focus Electric?
The Focus Electric is a new battery-electric hatchback for 2012. It has a 107-kW motor, a 23-kWh liquid-cooled and heated battery, and a 6.6-kW onboard charger that supports charging in about four hours on a 240-volt connection.
Which Ford Focus trims changed for 2012?
Titanium and Electric joined the Focus lineup for 2012, while the SES trim ended. Titanium became the tech-focused top gas trim, and Electric added a battery-powered hatchback.