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.

2018 Ford Focus RS configurations

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

Edmunds has not yet driven any version of the 2018 Ford Focus RS. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Driving

Few cars have a mode specifically for drifting, and none are four-door hatchbacks. The Focus RS delivers driving excitement in spades, from the acceleration provided by its powerful engine to the tenacious grip and balance from its clever all-wheel-drive system.

Comfort

Adjustable dampers help calm the ride down, but only by a little. After all, prioritizing handling and ultimate performance means sacrificing ride comfort. You could drive the Focus RS daily, but you — and your passengers — will always be aware of its sporty intentions.

Interior

The Focus RS starts with economy car roots, and nowhere is it more apparent than the interior. Excellent side bolsters on the Recaro-branded front seats help keep you in place, but they might be constricting to the wider-bodied.

Utility

The hatchback design means the Focus RS offers more storage space than most sports cars at this price. Plus, the foldable second row more than doubles the cargo volume.

Technology

Though it looks somewhat plain, Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is powerful and user-friendly. It also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, giving plenty of options to owners.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2018 Ford Focus RS.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.02 reviews

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5(50%)

4(0%)

3(50%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Trade in 2014 ST for 2018 RS

R.T,03/23/2018

Con: the ride is horrible, the Sony sound system sounds like boom box, the car is expensive for what it is. Pro: all is forgiven on mountain roads. I traded in my 2014 ST ( a great handling/ sporty daily driver) after 4 yrs. I want to know what's all the hype about the RS, espically the AWD system. The first thing I noticed after delivery was the ride comfort. It is horrible!! It's not the stiffness of the ride, but the tuning. I have my share of "stiff cars", 2000 Acura ITR, 2005 Lotus Elise are among them. Those cars are stiff rides, they went over bumps and would let you know, and moved on. The RS goes over bump, amplified the shock 4-5 times what the bump is, bounds up and down a few times before the suspension settle down. My head feel like the bobbling head figure on dash board. I don't think I can survive in the passenger seat for more then an hour. The Sony sound system is the same as in ST, has not change since then, i.e. Sounds very bad as an upgraded system. The Recaro seat has to be broken in before it can be semi comfy. The RS is expensive for what it is. For the price I paid, I can get almost TWO 2018 ST (with rebates applied). No doubt the acceleration is much better then ST, and I have not fully explore the awd system to see if it's worth the $18k increase vs ST. I could have bought a 2018 ST and save the ~$18k for modification, should be able to match the RS output and performance minus the awd system and the extra weight. The shifting is notchier on my copy of RS vs ST. The price point treaded into BMW/Audi base 3 and 4 series already. I cannot tell if performance is above them yet, but they probably has better interior, and ride compliance. BUT, once goes on back road/ mountain roads, all the above negatives are forgiven. Compared to the ST, the RS turns in/ move out faster on the curves, accelerates faster / effect less, stays betw/ 3and 4 gear instead of 2 and 3 of ST. So far that's all I found out in my RS. On another thought, at the time I was shopping for my RS, if the local Honda dealers had the civic type R with the color I like, I might not be writing this review. Update: Have the car for about 8 months, about 10500 miles, mix in town/ highway driving, just came back from a 1300 mile trip. These are the issues: 1) major issue , sometime last month, during normal driving, rpm surge between gear change ( surge up 2k-4K rpm instead of dropping rpm with clutch down/gas up)!!! Not reproducible every time, went to dealer, test drove, cannot duplicate the issue, ran diagnostics, no code, no issue. They said they can’t don anything. Checks in the forums, it happened in some st and rs!!! 2) the tires are NOISY!!!! Intolerable in 10 hrs driving, they transmit and amplify whatever they contacted with. But they have tons of grip!!!!! 3) the ride is horrible, the pogo stick effect is there, every time it ran over bumps, pot holes, etc, the car hopped up and down a few time before settled down. A few times after lunches, it made me felt I would see the lunches again!! Plan to change the springs, hope that might solve the issue. 4) It’s fun to drive, espically on the back roads!!!!!

I traded up.

Gordon Day,06/14/2018

I traded a 16 ST,for this sexy beast of a vehicle. I could of put a crap-load of money into the ST,but it's still going to be an ST. The awd in this vehicle,outweighs having 500+hp ST. Plus the looks on this vehicle,is soo much better than the ST. The nitrous blue is one sexy looking color. The 2018 Limited Edition,basically the last year of owning an RS,in the usa. I bought the RS for

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$41,120

MPG

19 city / 26 hwy

Seats 5

6-speed manual

Gas

350 hp @ 6000 rpm

See all 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback 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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat4 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.1%

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More about the 2018 Ford Focus RS

Just 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 Hatchback Overview

The 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback is offered in the following styles: 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M).

What do people think of the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Focus RS Hatchback 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 Hatchback.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Focus RS Hatchback featuring deep dives into trim levels including Base, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback here.

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 Hatchback?

2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

The 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback 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 Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $619 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $619 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$41,376.

The average savings for the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is1.5% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.3L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchbacks are available in my area?

2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback Listings and Inventory

There are currently 1 new 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchbacks listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $41,995 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a 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 Hatchback. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $619 on a new, used or CPO 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback available from a dealership near you.

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 Hatchback for sale near you.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback and all available trim types: Base. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety 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.

2018 Ford Focus RS Hatchback

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