2018 Ford Focus: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2018 Ford Focus is a standard Quaife front differential for better grip on the final-year RS, along with the former RS2 comfort and tech features as standard. The rest of the lineup is largely a carryover, though a few powertrain and equipment details changed.

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About the 2018 Ford Focus

3rd generation (2012-2018 U.S.), final U.S. model year.

The 2018 Focus is Ford’s compact sedan-and-hatchback family for shoppers who want a small car that feels a little more lively and agile than the average commuter car. Ford markets it as smart, efficient and fun to drive, with a wide spread from simple daily-driver trims to upscale, electric and serious performance versions. For most buyers, the appeal is its easy size, available hatchback utility and a more engaging road feel than many small-car rivals.

For 2018, the Focus ranges from the basic S sedan and practical SE to the more polished SEL and Titanium, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated leather seats on Titanium. The ST is the everyday performance hatch with a 252-hp turbo engine and six-speed manual, while the 350-hp AWD RS is the harder-edged limited edition. The Focus Electric takes a different route with a 33.5-kWh battery, DC fast charging, navigation, and cabin preconditioning.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Flexible-fuel powertrains were dropped from the S, SE, SEL and Titanium. The RS gained a standard mechanical Quaife front limited-slip differential, which helps its front tires put power down more effectively.

Tech

The RS made navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a power driver's seat standard. On the ST, smartphone integration and USB ports moved from standard to optional equipment.

2018 Ford Focus specs and features by trim

Feature	2018 Ford FocusS1 in stock	2018 Ford FocusRS1 in stock	2018 Ford FocusSE23 in stock	2018 Ford FocusST1 in stock	2018 Ford FocusSEL5 in stock	2018 Ford FocusElectric2 in stock	2018 Ford FocusTitanium5 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.3T	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 3-Cyl, EcoBoost, 1.0T	4-Cyl, EcoBoost, 2.0T	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	AC Electric Motor	4-Cyl, 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	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Electric	Gas
MPG City	25 mpg	19 mpg	26–30 mpg	22 mpg	24 mpg		24 mpg
MPG Highway	34 mpg	26 mpg	38–40 mpg	30 mpg	34 mpg		34 mpg
Horsepower	160 hp	350 hp	123–160 hp	252 hp	160 hp	143 hp	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	43.8 cu-ft	13.2–43.9 cu-ft		13.2–43.9 cu-ft	33.2 cu-ft	13.2–43.9 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 in	33.2 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
Safety & Security
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Heated Mirrors
LED Tail Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
LCD Instrument Cluster
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
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

Is the 2018 Ford Focus mostly a carryover from 2017?

Yes. Most of the 2018 Ford Focus lineup carries over from 2017 without major styling, safety or structural updates. The main exception is the final-year RS, and there are a few smaller powertrain and equipment changes.

What changed on the 2018 Ford Focus RS?

The 2018 Focus RS gained a standard mechanical Quaife front limited-slip differential to improve grip when accelerating. It also made the former RS2 equipment standard, including navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a power driver's seat.

Does the 2018 Ford Focus have an electric version?

Yes. The 2018 Focus Electric is a hatchback with a 33.5-kWh battery, a 107-kW electric motor and DC fast charging. It also has an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats and cabin preconditioning.

Did the 2018 Ford Focus keep its flexible-fuel powertrains?

No. Flexible-fuel powertrains were dropped from the 2018 Focus S, SE, SEL and Titanium. Those trims continued with their gasoline powertrains.

Did the 2018 Ford Focus ST equipment change?

Yes, but only slightly. Smartphone integration and USB ports moved from standard to optional equipment on the 2018 Focus ST; its 252-hp turbo engine and six-speed manual continued.

2018 Ford Focus Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2018 Ford Focus.

4.0

2018 Ford Focus

(431 reviews)

5 stars (145)

4 stars (182)

3 stars (84)

2 stars (16)

1 star (4)

“Overall the Ford Focus is a pretty good car for daily commuting. I've only had it a few months so far the gas mileage is good, I haven't had any mechanical issues, the car drives well and is comfortable. The only issue I have found with it is the backup camera display is too small.”

CJChristopher J.
2018 Ford Focus Sedan

“It has a sporty look to it. I was able to find accessories for it to enhance the look. It's great on gas, my favorite part. It handles great on the road and has good pickup speed.”

AMAndrea M.
2018 Ford Focus 4 dr Hatchback

“I had a 2010 Focus that I loved, but after crossing 200,000 miles it had its first significant mechanical issue. It is everything I wanted. It is fun to drive, zippy, has the Ford/Microsoft Sync, sound system is great and is very comfortable. I will hit 300,000 in this one!”

RDRichard D.
2018 Ford Focus Sedan