CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 4,000
Average Price: Around £10,600

Ford Focus (2018-2025) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Great to drive	Ford doesn't make it anymore
Ample space for tall passengers	Some rivals have bigger boots
Excellent EcoBoost petrol engines	Entry-level cars don't feel as dynamic

Quick Summary

The Ford Focus (2018-2025), known as the Mk4, is a class-leading family hatchback that rewrote the rulebook when it first arrived. This generation stayed true to the attributes that made the original stand out, notably class-leading handling and steering response, combined with a practical and well-finished interior. The Focus offers a 375-litre boot for the hatchback and 635 litres for the estate, with both featuring 60:40 split rear benches. The wheelbase was extended by more than 50mm compared to its predecessor, providing ample room for tall passengers and Isofix child car seat mounting points.

Available with a comprehensive range of petrol and diesel engines, the Focus caters to all needs. Pre-facelift models featured 1.0- and 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engines ranging from 83bhp to 179bhp, alongside 1.5- and 2.0-litre diesel options. Post-facelift models introduced 48V mild-hybrid technology, with 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol offering 98bhp and mild hybrid versions delivering 123bhp or 153bhp. The sporty Focus ST provided 276bhp petrol or 187bhp diesel performance. All models deliver class-leading ride and handling, with accurate, well-weighted steering making every variant a joy to drive. The facelifted model benefited from SYNC4 infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a larger 13.0-inch touchscreen and optional 12.3-inch digital driver display.

Best for: Drivers seeking a well-rounded family hatchback with excellent handling, a wide range of efficient engines, and practical interior space; those wanting a thrilling yet comfortable hot hatch (ST variant).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising striking styling, flashy interiors, or maximum boot space compared to rivals; those seeking the absolute highest reliability ratings.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Focus if: You're seeking a well-rounded family hatchback with excellent handling, a wide range of efficient engines, and practical interior space; or looking for a thrilling yet comfortable hot hatch (ST variant).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise striking styling, flashy interiors, maximum boot space compared to rivals, or the absolute highest reliability ratings.

Competitive Position: The Ford Focus (2018-2025) is a strong contender in the family hatchback market, offering class-leading handling, steering response, and a comprehensive range of petrol and diesel engines. Whilst the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 edges ahead with user ratings and the BMW 1 Series offers more upmarket appeal, the Focus delivers a superior blend of driving dynamics, practicality, and value. The Vauxhall Astra, though practical, doesn't match the Focus's handling prowess. For those prioritising driving enjoyment combined with everyday usability, the Focus remains the benchmark in its class, particularly the engaging Focus ST variant.

Read our full Ford Focus Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.