2017 Ford Focus Hatchback

Beginning at the base price of $19,765, the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has various avatars to offer differing in powertrain options, body styling and trim packages.

The Ford Focus hatch has 3 trim options: SE, SEL, and Titanium. The base is priced at $19,765 and the top trim at $24,075. All the trims are equipped with a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine which comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Trim	SE	SEL	Titanium
MSRP	$19,765	$21,675	$24,075
Key Features	SYNC Voice Recognition Communications and Entertainment System with 4.2" color LCD screen AppLink and 2 smart-charging USB ports AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with MP3 capability and 6 speakers SiriusXM with 6-month prepaid subscription Climate controls – Manual air conditioning Remote Keyless Entry System	SYNC 3 which includes 8" color LCD capacitive touchscreen in center stack with swiping capability AppLink and 2 smart-charging USB ports Audio System from Sony with 10 speakers and HD Radio Technology2 SiriusXM® with 6-month prepaid subscription Climate controls – Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control Daytime running lights – Dedicated with LED signature lighting	SYNC 3 which includes 8" color LCD capacitive touchscreen in center stack with swiping capability, 911 Assist, AppLink and 2 smart-charging USB ports Audio System from Sony® with 10 speakers and HD Radio™ Technology2 SiriusXM® with 6-month prepaid subscription Climate controls – Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control Daytime running lights – Dedicated with LED signature lighting

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The SEL trim level of the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback is the most suitable which comes with a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch wheels and dual-zone automatic climate control options. An optional Cold Weather package includes the heated steering wheel and heated seats. 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback 

Much like its upscale interior, the driving characteristics of the 2017 Ford Focus help it stand out in its class even after several years on the market. For starters, it's one of the most comfortable compact cars to drive on the highway, and it has very enjoyable handling manners- Edmunds 

Engine and Transmission

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has a 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection that produces 160 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 146 pound-feet of torque at 4450 rpm, which is low performing than the turbocharged inline 4 cylinders found in its rivals. The transmission is a standard 6-speed automatic transmission coupled with front wheel drive suffers from slow shifting problems and blundering pattern at slow speeds.

Models	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
MSRP	$19,765	$21,920	$20,145	$19,800
Engine	2.0L I-4	1.4L turbo DOHC 4-cylinder	2.0L SKYACTIV-G DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder	2.0L GDI I4
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Horsepower	160 hp @ 6500 rpm	153 hp @ 5600 rpm	155 hp @ 6000 rpm	173 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm	177 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	154 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

With a 2-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, the Hyundai Elantra has the maximum horsepower of 173 at 6500 rpm, much better than any of the other three rivals. However, in terms of torque, the Chevrolet Cruze is seen have been bigger numbers of 177 pound-feet at 4000 rpm while the Hyundai comes next with 154 pound-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has the least torque of 146 pound-feet at 4450 rpm as compared to others though it has the second highest horsepower of 160 at 6500 rpm. The Mazda 3 Sport with 155 horsepower at 6000rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque holds a balanced position.

Acceleration

The acceleration produced by the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback is gets hampered due to the low performing engine with low horsepower, torque, and a clogging transmission with slow shifting. The car takes 7.6 seconds to reach 60 MPH from still and 16.2 seconds for the quarter-mile run. Pretty slow isn’t it?

Models	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
0-60 MPH	7.6 sec	8.4 sec	8.4 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter mile	16.2 sec	16.0 sec	16.6 sec	15.9 sec
Engine	2.0L	1.4L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.7	5.5	5.7	6.6

Having a powerful engine gives an advantage to the Elantra over all its rivals as it whooshes to the 60 MPH mark in just 7.4 seconds and takes 15.9 seconds to travel 1/4^th of a mile. Mazda 3 sport and Cruze tie in the 0-60MPH run but Mazda 3 falls really short when it comes to quarter-mile run.

Handling and Steering

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback is an excellent driving unit on twisty roads and rough terrains due to its well-balanced chassis and quick and responsive steering. The suspension doesn’t compromise with comfort which is reputed for its composed ride and isolated interior environment even at scorching speeds. Braking The 10.9-inch front brake discs and 9-inch rear brake discs, 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback is seen to be struggling while braking even though it has great working pedals.  

Model	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
Brake Front (in.)	10.9	10.8	11.0	11.0
Brake Rear (in.)	9.0	10.4	10.4	10.3
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2948	2917	2940	2904
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	130	127	118

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has the second best braking distance of 120 feet coming from 60 to 0 mph which is commendable given its heavy curb weight, right after the Hyundai Elantra with an impressive 118 feet of covered ground to bring the car at halt from 60 mph which makes great use of its light curb weight. Next comes the Mazda 3 with a distance of 127 feet followed the Chevrolet Cruze with 130 feet of distance for coming to halt from 60 mph.

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback makes up for its lacking performance with an impressive fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the cities, 38 mpg in the highways and a combined rating of 31 mpg which is worthy of some praises.

Model	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
MPG (city)	26	29	28	24
MPG (highway)	38	38	37	32
MPG (combined)	31	32	31	27

The Chevrolet is the most efficient in the cities and combined with 29 mpg and 32 mpg of fuel economy rates respectively. The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback shares an equal 38 mpg in highways with the Chevrolet and shares a combined 31 mpg with the Mazda. The Hyundai Elantra is the least efficient among the four in spite of its powerful engine.

Ford’s 2017 Focus compact comes with a host of interior upgrades to enhance usability. For example, there's a small cubby and USB port ahead of the shifter, perfect for your phone. The climate controls and steering-wheel buttons are easy to use, and the blue backlighting is both stylish and easy on the eyes- KBB

Seating and Comfort

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback likes its performance lacks behind in its interior spacing as the rear seat passengers get a congested feeling due to less legroom. The small windows make the environment somewhat suffocating, putting it on a disadvantageous position for long drives.

Model	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.3/55.6/41.9	38.9/54.9/42.0	38.6/57.2/42.2	40.1/55.9/42.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.9/53.7/33.2	37.3/53.2/36.1	37.6/54.4/35.8	37.9/54.9/34.6

All the four cars have a capacity of 5 passengers. The Hyundai has the largest front passenger headroom while the Mazda exceeds in the front passenger legroom, leaving behind the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback with least front passenger headroom and legroom. As for the rear passengers, it’s quite a close competition, although the Hyundai and the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback quite surprisingly lead in the rear passenger headroom. While the Chevrolet boasts the most spacious rear passenger legroom, the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback suffers significantly than the others in this aspect.

Interior Features

• 6-way adjustable driver seat
• Split folding rear seatback
• External temperature display
• Tilt and telescopic power steering wheel
• Rear ventilation ducts
• Interior air filtration
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
• Overhead console with storage

Infotainment

The base SE trim of the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback features a Sync setup infotainment system with a 4.2-inch screen controlled by dashboard buttons and voice commands. The SEL and Titanium trim levels offer an advanced Sync 3 infotainment system featuring an 8-inch touch screen enabled with Smartphone integration and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Satellite radio service
• 6 total speakers
• USB with external media control and auxiliary audio input
• Speed sensitive volume control
• AM/FM Stereo

Cargo Capacity

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has a pretty decent storage area being a small car; it does need some tweaking to increase practicality.

Model	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
Cargo Volume rear seat up (ft.3)	23.8	22.7	20.2	23.0
Cargo Volume rear seat folded (ft.3)	44.8	47.2	47.1	51.0

When the rear seats are up, the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has the maximum cargo volume of 23.8 cubic feet while the Mazda has the least with 20.2 cubic feet. However, when the rear seats are folded, the Hyundai swoops in and move right up to the top with an amazing 51 cubic feet cargo volume, leaving the Ford behind at 44.8. Even the Mazda boasts a volume bigger than Ford with 47.1 cubic feet.

Its sleek, raked windshield and tastefully flared fenders give the new 2017 Ford Focus a substantial look that belies its price. The sedan is attractive, but the hatchback is the real looker. And it’s more versatile- KBB

Dimensions and Weight

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback has clean and tidy dimensions with subtle exterior styling making it ideal for driving in the cities as well as the highways. The car has an acceptable length of 171.6 inches and a height of 57.7 inches. It is the widest car amongst the competition and also the heaviest.

Model	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback	Mazda 3 Sport	Hyundai Elantra GT
Curb weight (lbs.)	2948	2917	2940	2904
Length(in)	171.6	175.3	175.6	169.3
Width(in)	71.8	70.5	70.7	70.1
Height(in)	57.7	57.7	57.3	57.9
Ground clearance (in)	N/A	N/A	6.1	5.5
Wheelbase (in)	104.3	106.3	106.3	104.3
Track width (in) F/R	61.2/60.4	60.1/61.1	61.2/61.4	61.0/61.5

All the four cars are well balanced against each other in terms of dimensions. The longest car here is the Mazda 3 which is followed by the Chevy Cruze Hatch. Both of these cars have a similar wheelbase of 106.3 inches whereas the Elantra GT and Focus Hatch have the same wheelbase of 104.3 inches.

Exterior Features

• Rear defogger
• Rear spoiler
• Variable intermittent wipers
• Front license plate bracket
• Engine block heater
• PowerCode Remote Start system

The 2018 Ford Focus Hatchback comes with a full safety suite. It has a backup camera, ABS and ESC. There are some really intuitive tech features available too like the 911 Assist Emergency SOS and MyKey system.

911 Assist Emergency SOS

Mykey System-inc: Top Speed Limiter, Audio Volume Limiter, Early Low Fuel Warning, Programmable Sound Chimes, and Beltminder w/Audio Mute

Back-Up Camera

Rear Child Safety Locks

Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags

Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ABS And Driveline Traction Control

IIHS Rating

Child seat anchors (LATCH)

Acceptable

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5-star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	5-star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5-star
Overall side crash rating	5-star
Side barrier rating	5-star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5-star
Combined side rating rear seat	5-star
Rollover rating	5-star
Side barrier rating driver	5-star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5-star
Combined side rating front seat	5-star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5-star

  

Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback vs Ford Focus 

With quiet interiors, smooth ride and stylish exteriors, the Chevrolet Cruze LT Hatchback constitute a tempting car of its class. The 1.4 liter turbo DOHC 4 cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic put out a performance that is pretty decent. It revs up quite a competition with the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback in terms of acceleration and has an excellent fuel efficiency rates boosts its practicality to a greater extent. It lacks in interior seat spaces and has quite a spacious cargo storage area.  

Mazda 3 Sport vs Ford Focus

What many vehicles fail to do, the Mazda 3 Sport does it eloquently by combining style and dynamics into a compact package. A 2 liter 4 cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission is standard and has an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It facilitates the driver with great handling and responsive steering. Accept for its slow acceleration, it is the closest competition to the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback is aspects like fuel economy, seating and comfort and cargo space.  

Hyundai Elantra GT vs Ford Focus

After improving generation after generation, the 2017 version of the Hyundai Elantra GT is the most promising in the line. With a 2-liter GDI inline-4 engine and 6speed automatic transmission, its massive output of 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque puts it way ahead of the game than the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback, performance wise. Along with that it has better braking, roomier interiors and spacious cargo; it does suffer in fuel economy due to its monstrous engine but it still doesn’t make it any less as the toughest contender to the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback.  

The 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback is a well-balanced car, and given its price range and small dimensions, it performs better than one can accept. It might need some work on its practicality but it almost makes it up to it with impressive fuel efficiency. To summarize it all, the 2017 Ford Focus Hatchback wouldn’t make a bad deal as a small car and can be considered over other pricy alternatives in order to enjoy daily usability.