Ford Focus model comparisons: Comparing the Ford Focus to different trims and other models

The Ford Focus is one of the most popular cars in Ford’s range and, with so many different options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a new or used Ford Focus, or another Ford model, it can be difficult to know which is the right option for you.

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• Ford Focus vs other Ford Focus models

Learn more about how Ford Focus trim levels compare including the Ford Focus ST, Ford Focus ST-Line, Ford Focus Titanium and Ford Focus Zetec.

• Ford Focus vs other Ford models

Read this section to find out more about how the Ford Focus compares to other Ford models such as the Ford Fiesta and Ford Mustang.

• How do Ford Focus models from different years compare?

Learn more about how Ford Focus models from 2017 to 2019 compare with each other to choose the best one for your needs.

Ford Focus vs other Ford Focus models

There are a number of trims available in the Ford Focus range so let’s have a look at how they compare with each other.

Ford Focus RS vs Ford Focus ST

These cars are both part of Ford’s high-performance range but the Focus RS is designed to work as a performance car, while the other is an everyday family car that combines the sportier features and drive of the Focus RS with the regular hatchback.

Key similarities between the cars include:

• Same footprint
• Headlights
• Both available in petrol or diesel options
• Similar interior features – Recaro seats
• 2-inch infotainment screen

The key differences between the cars include:

• Ford Focus RS offers a higher ride than the Ford Focus ST
• The Ford Focus RS has a larger, more aggressive looking front grille
• The Ford Focus RS has a larger rear spoiler
• Ford Focus RS offers slightly better performance
• Ford Focus ST comes in at a higher cost due to the newer editions available. The Ford Focus RS is currently only available as a used car

Both cars are comparable so there is no clear winner when it comes to choosing between them. The choice you make will depend on what you’re looking for from your car and your budget.

To find out more about the differences between the Ford Focus ST and Ford Focus RS, please read our guide.

Ford Focus ST vs Ford Focus ST-Line

Similarly to the differences between the Ford Focus ST and the Ford Focus RS, the differences between the Ford Focus ST and Ford Focus ST-Line are very subtle.

The Ford Focus ST offers a sportier, higher performance family cars for those who are looking for something a little extra to a normal hatchback. The Ford Focus ST-Line offers the same look and feel of the Focus ST without the higher price tag.

Key specifications for both cars are included in the table below to provide a comparison:

The similarities between the models include:

• Rock metallic paint
• ST badge
• ST gear knob
• Dark roof liner
• Three-spoke steering wheel

Both cars have a very similar style so if the choice between them comes down to your budget, the Ford Focus ST-Line offers a great alternative. The key difference is in the performance of the two cars with the Focus ST-Line featuring a slightly smaller engine.

The ST-Line can offer lower running costs overall due to the smaller engine sizes available.

To find out more about the differences between the Ford Focus ST and Ford Focus ST-Line, please read our guide by clicking here.

Ford Focus Zetec vs Ford Focus Titanium

The Ford Focus Zetec is the most basic, entry-level car in the Ford Focus range. The Ford Focus Titanium offers a higher level trim with more features so understanding the differences and how they fit your needs can help you to find the best car for you.

Find out more about the key features of each car in the table below:

In addition to a standard Ford Focus Titanium trim, more premium trims such as the Focus Titanium X and Focus Vignale are available if you have a higher budget and are looking for an even more luxurious car.

In terms of engine choices, the Focus Zetec and Focus Titanium offer similar choices, and both have a mild-hybrid option too.

The Focus Titanium offers a slightly higher spec than the Focus Zetec which is reflected in the price. As with other models, the trim you choose will depend on your budget and needs.

If you’d like to find out more about the differences between the Ford Focus Zetec and Ford Focus Titanium, please read our guide.

Ford Focus Titanium vs Ford Focus ST-Line

The Ford Focus Titanium and Ford Focus ST-Line both offer similar features. However, the Ford Focus Titanium offers a slightly larger car, whereas the Ford Focus ST-Line provides a sleek design, along with a sporty look and feel. It can be difficult to decide between the two so considering the specifications for each can help you to make a decision.

Key specifications for the Ford Focus Titanium include:

• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic headlights
• Pre-collision assist
• Autonomous emergency brakes
• Intelligent speed assist
• 16” silver, 15-spoke alloy wheels
• LED rear headlights
• Heated front seats
• Ambient lighting

The Ford Focus ST-Line offers:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Reverse parking sensors
• Power-foldable wing mirrors
• Rain sensing wipers
• Sport tuned suspension
• Illuminated cup holders
• Cruise control

Learn more about how the Ford Focus Zetec compares to the Ford Focus ST-Line by reading our guide.

Ford Focus vs other Ford Models

Alongside the trims available when choosing a Ford Focus, it’s also important to consider how the Ford Focus compares with other Ford Focus models to help find the best option for you.

Ford Mustang GT vs Ford Focus RS

Both the Ford Mustang GT and Ford Focus RS provide high performance cars. If you’re looking for a higher speed car with the same quality as other Ford models, these are two great cars to compare.

In terms of fuel options and performance from both cars, both offer similar performance:

When looking for a performance car, rather than a regular family hatchback, these figures will be most important in helping you to choose the right car for your needs.

The Ford Focus RS provides higher engine RPM, horsepower, torque and top speed with slightly lower CO2 emissions.

On the other hand, the Ford Mustang GT is bigger, has more interior features, a bigger luggage capacity and a bigger fuel tank capacity.

Learn more about the similarities and differences between these cars by reading our guide.

Ford Focus vs Ford Fiesta

The Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta are two of Ford’s most popular models. The Ford Focus makes an excellent family car, whereas the Ford Fiesta offers a slightly smaller hatchback. There are a number of similarities and differences you should consider before buying a new or used Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Focus offers slightly more interior room than the Ford Fiesta with:

• Extra legroom
• Extra headroom
• Bigger boot space

The Fiesta also offers a less sporty driving position than the Ford Focus so this may have an impact on your purchase decision.

Both cars are available with EcoBoost engines and both have mild-hybrid options available too. The EcoBoost engine makes the smaller and lighter Ford Fiesta a bit faster and quicker so if you’re looking for a smaller car with more speed, this is the option for you.

The Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta are available in a number of different trim levels so, no matter which model you choose, there are different options for you to choose from to meet your needs.

The Ford Fiesta is a smaller car with a smaller price tag but the model you choose will be entirely dependent on your budget and your needs.

Learn more about the similarities and differences between the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta by reading our guide.

Ford Focus ST vs Ford Fiesta ST

In addition to the standard Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta models, there is an ST version of both cars available. Both versions offer a sportier, faster ride than the standard models but there are subtle differences between the two that you should consider before deciding on the right car for your needs.

Here’s a comparison of the features of both cars:

Knowing the key similarities and differences between the two cars will help you to choose the right one for your needs and your budget.

To find out more about how the two cars differ, please read our guide.

How do Ford Focus models from different years compare?

The Ford Focus has seen many different versions throughout its history so, when buying a used car, you may want to consider the differences between the cars depending on its registration year.

Ford Focus 2018 vs 2019

The Ford Focus launched from 2019 onwards is a very different car to other variations and is also known as the Ford Focus MK4. It’s built upon the same principles as the older cars but offers a more sleek and stylish body in comparison to the MK3 Ford Focus models (2018).

When choosing between a Ford Focus from 2018 or 2019, you can expect to find the following differences:

• Newer Ford Focus models have a longer wheelbase and sit lower than other Ford Focus models
• The 2019 model offers a more sculpted body
• LED headlamps were added in 2019
• 2018 models are available with two engine options
• 2019 models are available with four engine options

Both variants of the car offer a great vehicle so the choice you make will depend on what you’re looking for from the car and whether you would like a newer or older version.

To find out more about the comparison between the Ford Focus 2018 and 2019, please read our guide.

Ford Focus 2017 vs 2018

If you want to look even further back, you will still be able to purchase Ford Focus models from both 2017 and 2018. Finding the right car for your needs and budget is important so comparing them carefully will help you to make a decision.

Both cars offer the following engine options:

• 0-litre engine
• 0-litre engine

Opting for a 2017 Ford Focus will provide you with the additional option of a 1.6-litre engine, whereas the 2018 Ford Focus will provide a 1.5-litre engine.

In terms of in-car entertainment, you can expect to find these features in both models:

• Auxiliary audio input
• CD player
• Bluetooth
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Electric front window
• Electric mirrors

However, if you opt for a 2018 Ford Focus model, in addition to the above, you will also find:

• Ford SYNC communication and entertainment system
• Smart charging USB port and Bluetooth
• Full carpet floor

The exterior of both models include:

• Halogen headlights
• LED signature-lighting and daytime running lights
• Rear high mounted spoilers

Both cars are the perfect choice for a used car and there is very little to separate the two. If you’d like to know more about how they compare, please read our guide.