“The Ford focus se is an ok car. It drives smoothly. It's good on gas but great when you use 88. It's a bit pricey when you have to make repairs.”
2016 Ford Focus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for the 2016 Ford Focus is the first U.S. Focus RS, a 350-hp all-wheel-drive performance hatchback positioned above the ST. This is a trim-change year with technology and equipment updates, not a full redesign.
About the 2016 Ford Focus
3rd generation (2012-2018 U.S.), second year after the 2015 refresh; first U.S. year for the Focus RS.
The 2016 Ford Focus is Ford’s compact car for buyers who want a small car that feels more engaging than the average economy sedan or hatchback. Ford marketed it around agile handling, useful technology, and a broad spread of personalities: simple daily-driver trims, a more upscale Titanium, the sporty ST, the all-wheel-drive RS, and a full electric hatch. Its core appeal is compact size with sharper road manners and more variety than many rivals.
The 2016 lineup stretches from the straightforward S and well-equipped SE to the more comfortable Titanium, which has heated leather-trimmed seats and an 8-inch touchscreen. Performance buyers have the 252-hp, manual-only ST and the more serious 350-hp, all-wheel-drive RS, while the Electric combines battery power with navigation, heated seats, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new RS brings a 350-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and performance all-wheel drive. The ST joins the year's lineup with a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine and six-speed manual, while the 1.0-liter EcoBoost setup adds a SelectShift automatic transmission.
Safety
Focus Electric gains a rearview camera, MyKey programmable driver settings, rear disc brakes, hill-start assist, and a perimeter alarm.
Tech
Ford's newer SYNC 3 touchscreen system replaces MyFord Touch on Titanium and becomes standard on Focus Electric. The SE's USB port becomes standard, and the Electric also gains HD Radio.
2016 Ford Focus specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T | 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, 1.0T / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T | AC Electric Motor | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Powershift | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd Powershift | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 1-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Power/Select |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Electric | Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 19 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 22 mpg | 26 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 40 mpg | 25 mpg | 40–42 mpg | 31 mpg | 38 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 159–160 hp | 350 hp | 123–160 hp | 252 hp | 143 hp | 159–160 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 125–146 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | |||
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.4 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 76 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 105 | |||||
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Video Input | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Ford Focus?
The biggest change is the arrival of the Focus RS in the U.S. It is a 350-hp all-wheel-drive performance hatchback that sits above the Focus ST.
Was the 2016 Ford Focus fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 Focus carries on the third-generation design and the major refresh introduced for 2015. Its changes center on performance trims, technology, and equipment.
How are the 2016 Focus ST and RS different?
The Focus RS is the more powerful and track-focused model, with 350 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The ST has 252 horsepower, front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual transmission, and a more street-focused setup.
Which 2016 Ford Focus models have SYNC 3?
The 2016 Focus RS, Titanium, and Electric have Ford's 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen system. For Titanium, it replaces the older MyFord Touch interface; it also becomes standard on the Electric.
What changed on the 2016 Ford Focus Electric?
The 2016 Focus Electric gains SYNC 3, MyKey, a rearview camera, rear disc brakes, hill-start assist, HD Radio, and a perimeter alarm as standard equipment.
2016 Ford Focus Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Ford Focus.
4.0
2016 Ford Focus
(489 reviews)
“It's a good vehicle it got good gas mileage but the transmission keeps going out of it.”
“The Fors Focus offers reliability that I was looking for in a vehicle. It has good fuel economy, fantastic features, and is overall a comfortable ride. The cost of maintenance is economical and fits in my budget.”