2018 Ford Focus RS
2018 Ford Focus RS pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Focus RS does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
The 2018 Ford Focus RS has everything you'd expect from a sports car, including a high-output engine, super-sticky tires and stout brakes. Certainly, the RS is a blast to drive. Yet this hatchback also delivers a decent amount of utility.
The Focus RS fits squarely under the "hot hatch" category of cars, meaning it combines the utility of a hatchback commuter car with serious performance. But it also goes beyond more common hot hatches such as the Volkswagen GTI or Ford's own Focus ST. The RS' turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four makes 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, while its all-wheel-drive system can selectively bias power to individual wheels. It even has a drive setting that allows a tail-out "drifting" style of cornering easier.
This year marks the final run of this generation Focus RS. To send it off, Ford is providing a run of only 1,500 cars for North America, each outfitted with performance-enhancing options such as a front locking differential and lightweight forged wheels. We suspect this RS is going to be prized by enthusiasts for a long time to come.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Ford Focus RS is a high-performance hatchback that is available in one fully loaded trim level. As this is the last year of its production, there are only a handful of options to choose from. The RS employs a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four (350 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque) that is connected to a six-speed manual transmission. A torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system is standard.
Standard features include keyless entry, 19-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires, a Quaife limited-slip front differential, LED lights, RS badges throughout, a high-mounted rear spoiler, carbon-fiber interior accents, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a rearview camera, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.
Aside from a moonroof, the Focus RS' options list mostly consists of tire options. Available Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tires dramatically improve tire grip at a significant expense of tread life, while the Winter Wheel and Tire package provides smaller diameter (18-inch) wheels shod with Michelin winter tires.
Trim tested
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Ford Focus RS.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Focus RS safety features:
- Rearview Camera
- Shows what's behind you in order to make reversing safer and easier.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Description: Signals when a vehicle is occupying your blind spot, which makes lane changes safer.
- Hill Start Assist
- Holds the vehicle in place when stopped on a hill, which prevents you from rolling backward.
People who viewed this also viewed
2018 Ford Focus RS for Sale
Get more for your trade-in
Edmunds shoppers get on average $235 more for their trade-in.
Receive offers from our dealer partners fast.
See your car's valueJust when it seemed as though "pocket rockets" — small, powerful, comparatively inexpensive cars with a lot of power — couldn't get any better, here comes the 2018 Ford Focus RS. Though it resembles the standard Ford Focus on which it's based, the Focus RS is a serious performance car, the automotive personification of a wolf in sheep's clothing.
It isn't as though the Focus line didn't already have a performance model. The Focus ST, with 252 horsepower, has already won our acclaim as a fast, fun car with practical appeal. But the Focus RS is a different animal, much more dedicated to performance, to some extent at the expense of practicality.
The Focus RS sports 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that's been turbocharged to put out a muscle-car-worthy 350 horsepower. To make sure all that power can be put to use and kept under control, Ford has fitted the Focus RS with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that makes use of electrically controlled differentials. To counteract the blistering acceleration, stopping duty is down to high-performance brakes that resist fade even after prolonged abuse. Adjustable suspension dampers and fat Michelin tires make sure the car stays planted.
Fortunately, buyers don't have to sacrifice practicality or modern amenities for the sake of performance. Inside, the Focus RS comes standard with Ford's Sync 3 system — a marked improvement over Ford's older Sync systems — which allows for features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, GPS, voice commands and other conveniences. There's a powerful 10-speaker sound system and racing-style seats with a lot of side bolstering. There are also the inherent Focus features such as a roomy hidden compartment beneath the floor of the trunk and a rear seat that can both accommodate adults and fold flat to make space for larger cargo.
That said, the Focus RS is not without drawbacks. It isn't cheap, for one. And this is a complex, moderately high-strung car that can be rough-riding on all but the smoothest roads. The only transmission offered is a six-speed manual; if you want an automatic, you'll have to look elsewhere. But the appeal of the Focus RS is undeniable. If you want the best in hot-hatch performance, let Edmunds help you find just the 2018 Ford Focus RS that you're looking for.
2018 Ford Focus RS Overview
The 2018 Ford Focus RS is offered in the following submodels: Focus RS Hatchback. Available styles include 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2018 Ford Focus RS?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ford Focus RS and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Focus RS 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Focus RS.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ford Focus RS and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Focus RS featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Ford Focus RS?
2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $41,995. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $1,734 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,734 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$40,261.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is4.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Ford Focus RS 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Ford Focus RSES are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Ford Focus RS for sale near. There are currently 2 new 2018 Focus RSES listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $44,510 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Ford Focus RS. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $1,882 on a used or CPO 2018 Focus RS available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Ford Focus RSs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ford Focus RS for sale - 1 great deals out of 14 listings starting at $24,875.
Find a new Ford for sale - 5 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $21,754.
Compare prices on the New Ford Focus RS for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Ford Focus RS?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ford lease specials
Check out Ford Focus RS lease specials
Related vehicle information
2018 Ford Focus RS Information
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Build and Price TMV®
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Incentives & Rebates
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Consumer Discussions
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Features & Specs
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Pictures
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Review
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Dealer Price Quotes
- Used 2018 Ford Focus RS For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Ford Focus RS Ownership Costs