“Focus St is the second best focus on the market. Behind the Rs, it's probably the best fun hatchback for the price.”
2017 Ford Focus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Ford Focus was the return of the SEL trim between SE and Titanium. This was otherwise a light, late-cycle update rather than a redesign.
About the 2017 Ford Focus
3rd generation (2012-2018), after the 2015 refresh; late-cycle, second-to-last U.S. model year.
Ford positioned the 2017 Focus as a compact car for drivers who wanted sharper handling than the class norm without giving up everyday usefulness. The core message across Ford’s materials is that the Focus is fun to drive, available as either a sedan or hatchback, and offered in a wide spread of personalities—from basic commuter to upscale small car to serious performance hatch. Its big differentiator was chassis feel and variety, not cabin space or outright value.
The 2017 Focus lineup ranged from the straightforward S and everyday SE to the better-equipped SEL and comfort-focused Titanium, while the Electric provided a plug-in hatchback alternative. The ST paired a 252-hp turbo engine with a six-speed manual, and the RS topped the range with 350 hp, all-wheel drive, and selectable driving modes. Titanium added heated leather-trimmed seats and an 8-inch touchscreen system for a more polished daily-driver feel.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The Focus Electric received a larger 33.5-kWh battery, raising its EPA-rated driving range from 76 to 115 miles.
Styling
The returning SEL trim brought standard 17-inch machined wheels, fog lamps, and a power moonroof. The moonroof also became standard on Titanium.
Tech
The SEL arrived with Ford's SYNC 3 system and an 8-inch touchscreen. Satellite radio became standard on SE, while Titanium gained a standard heated steering wheel.
2017 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 | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter / 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, 1.0T | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0L | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | AC Electric Motor | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Powershift | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Powershift / Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Power/Select | Automatic, 1-Spd | Auto, 6-Spd Power/Select |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Electric | Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 26–27 mpg | 19 mpg | 26–30 mpg | 22 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 40 mpg | 25 mpg | 40 mpg | 30 mpg | 36–38 mpg | 36–38 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 159–160 hp | 350 hp | 123–160 hp | 252 hp | 159–160 hp | 143 hp | 159–160 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft | 125–146 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2–23.3 cu-ft | 23.8 cu-ft | 13.2–23.3 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 13.2–23.3 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.2 in | |||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 115 | ||||||
| MPGe Combined | 107 | ||||||
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Ford Focus redesigned?
No. The 2017 Ford Focus remained part of the third generation and carried over the basic design introduced before this model year. Its updates centered on the returning SEL trim, the improved Focus Electric, and a few equipment changes.
Which trim joined the 2017 Ford Focus lineup?
The SEL returned for 2017 and sat between SE and Titanium. It came with a power moonroof, 17-inch machined wheels, fog lamps, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, and an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen.
How did the 2017 Ford Focus Electric improve over the 2016 model?
The 2017 Focus Electric received a larger 33.5-kWh battery and an EPA-rated range of 115 miles, up from 76 miles for 2016. It also had a 107-kW electric motor and a single-speed transmission.
Was the 2017 Ford Focus RS still offered?
Yes. The 2017 Focus RS remained the highest-performance model, with a 350-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, all-wheel drive, selectable driving modes, launch control, and Brembo front brakes.
2017 Ford Focus Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Ford Focus.
4.1
2017 Ford Focus
(495 reviews)
“Great vehicle. Little more run down than I thought but overall great and exactly how explained. Radio was all jacked up.”
“The interior is overall garbage. The fuel mileage is great and a decent ride. There's lot of suspension noise.”