2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback
Pros
- Quick acceleration from strong turbocharged engine
- Sharp and playful handling with responsive steering
- Civilized ride quality for a performance car
- No advanced safety tech available
Cons
- No automatic transmission option
- Optional Recaro seats may be too confining
- Smaller back seat and cargo area than rivals
2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Focus ST does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
7.7 / 10There's something to be said for power and charisma. The 2018 Ford Focus ST may be just as old as the regular Focus, sharing most of the same elements that have made that car lose much of its appeal as newer competitors came along. It's certainly not the newest and hottest thing around anymore. Yet the Focus ST remains just as much fun as ever, delivering exactly the same mix of performance, practicality and pizzazz that first drew us to it five years ago. It's a cool car and always will be.
First and foremost, its 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine continues to be a hoot, thrusting you into the ST's Recaro sport seats to the tune of a deep warble. All that power goes through the front wheels only, making it a bit unruly at times, but that's all part of the fun. We also love the six-speed manual transmission, though acknowledge that the availability of a dual-clutch automatic (such as Volkswagen's DSG transmission) would widen its audience. Then there's the ST's entertaining steering and handling. Yes, it's fun to go quickly in a straight line, but the ST has corners licked, too.
As for downsides, the ST's relate mostly to those inherent to the regular Focus' design. The rear seating is cramped, and the base tech interface is behind the times. Cabin quality also isn't as impressive as it once was and is overshadowed by the Volkswagen and Honda competition. Those grippy Recaro seats may also be too confining for drivers of above-average size.
In total, though, the 2018 Focus ST needs to be on the shopping list for anyone looking for a powerful, charismatic car with plenty of practicality at a reasonable price. It was great five years ago and it's still great today.
2018 Ford Focus ST configurations
The 2018 Ford Focus ST is a performance-oriented version of the Focus four-door hatchback. There is no sedan version. Both the regular Focus and the even hotter Focus RS are reviewed separately. Every Focus ST comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 hp, 270 lb-ft of torque), a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. There is no automatic variant available. There's only one trim level, though a variety of equipment packages bolster the standard feature content.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, performance brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, hill start assist, automatic headlights, foglights, LED daytime running lights, an integrated blind-spot mirror, keyless entry and ignition, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, front sport seats (with driver height adjustment), 60/40-split folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, MyKey parental controls, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch central display, Bluetooth, Sync voice controls, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port.
The ST2 package (aka the 401A Equipment Group) adds xenon headlights, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth and leather upholstery, Recaro front sport seats, the Sync 3 infotainment interface with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration, and a 10-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio, a CD player, satellite radio and dual USB ports.
The ST3 package (aka the 402A Equipment Group) adds all ST2 items but also tacks on heated mirrors, a keyless entry keypad, full leather upholstery, heated front Recaro seats (with eight-way power adjustments for the driver), a heated steering wheel, a rear center armrest, multicolor ambient interior lighting, carbon-fiber interior accents and a navigation system.
Stand-alone options include dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels with red-painted brake calipers, high-performance all-season tires and the navigation system (requires the ST2 package).
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Ford Focus ST (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Focus ST is now available with Ford's latest Sync 3 infotainment system (replacing the old MyFord Touch touchscreen), which we have sampled in other Ford vehicles. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Focus ST.
Driving
8.5Acceleration
7.5Braking
8.0Steering
8.0Handling
10.0Drivability
8.0Comfort
6.0Seat comfort
7.0Ride comfort
6.0Noise & vibration
5.5Interior
7.5Utility
6.5Technology
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2018 Ford Focus ST.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Focus ST safety features:
- 911 Assist
- Uses your cellphone to automatically call 911 should the airbags deploy.
- MyKey
- Allows owners, and specifically parents, to set vehicle speed, radio volume and other parameters for teen drivers or valets.
- Integrated Blind-Spot Mirror
- Provides a clear, expanded view of your blind spots. A simple, yet effective solution.
People who viewed this also viewed
2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback 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 valueBuyers of compact performance cars can be a fickle lot. That might make you wonder about the prospects for the Focus ST, a car that hasn't changed much since its 2013 debut. As far as we can see, there is no reason to worry. The ST might be getting a bit long in the tooth, but it's still a hot hatch you have to test-drive.
The Focus ST is based on the Focus hatchback; in deference to the whims of the market, a sedan isn't offered, and for that matter, neither is an automatic transmission. The Focus ST gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine turned up to 252 horsepower, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The EPA hadn't published a fuel economy estimate for the 2018 Focus ST at the time of this posting, but we expect it to be the same 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway) as last year.
A distinctive trait of the Focus ST is its handling. You can make it oversteer (i.e., the rear tires lose grip before the front tires) with relative ease. This is a characteristic rarely seen among front-wheel-drive performance cars, and it is one of the elements that endears the Focus ST to its fan base. The suspension also provides a smooth ride, comfortable enough that buyers can make their daily commute without regretting their purchase. So-called summer performance tires give the Focus ST a strong grip on the pavement, and big brakes and an electronic limited-slip differential round out the ST's performance-enhancing attributes.
We're fond of the Focus ST's cabin, which features an easy-to-use optional infotainment system. But the deeply bolstered Recaro seats can feel restrictive, especially to those who are, shall we say, a little broad in the beam. The back seat offers less legroom than most compact cars, though luggage space is better than that of other performance hatchbacks.
Ford offers the Focus ST in a single trim level (as a step up, it offers the Focus RS, with all-wheel drive and more power). The standard equipment list features lots of performance hardware, and the ST2 and ST3 packages add convenience and luxury features. Which variant is the best to buy? Let Edmunds help find the perfect 2018 Ford Focus ST for you.
2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback Overview
The 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback is offered in the following styles: 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M).
What do people think of the 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback and all its trim types. 0 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 ST Hatchback.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Focus ST 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 ST 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 ST Hatchback?
2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
The 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26,045. The average price paid for a new 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $6,172 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,172 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$19,873.
The average savings for the 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is23.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 9 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 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 ST Hatchbacks are available in my area?
2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchback Listings and Inventory
There are currently 13 new 2018 Ford Focus ST Hatchbacks listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $25,950 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 ST Hatchback. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $6,187 on a new, used or CPO 2018 Ford Focus ST 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 ST Hatchback for sale near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Ford Focus ST Focus ST Hatchback you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Ford Focus ST for sale - 10 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $25,548.
Find a new Ford for sale - 6 great deals out of 6 listings starting at $15,450.
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 ST Hatchback and all available trim types: Base. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Ford Focus ST 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 ST?
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
Related vehicle information
2018 Ford Focus ST Information
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Build and Price TMV®
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Incentives & Rebates
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Consumer Discussions
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Features & Specs
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Pictures
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Review
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Dealer Price Quotes
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Used For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Ford Focus ST Ownership Costs