Against 500 other 4-cyl cars rated 2016–2018, the Focus beats their 27.3 mpg average by 5.2 mpg, about $225 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2000, the 1L 3-cyl (2015–2018), does 34 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (2000–2018), 28.9: $200 a year apart.
Every Ford Focus engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L 3-cyl | 30 / 40.5 | 2015–2018 | $1,129 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 25.2 / 34.8 | 2000–2018 | $1,329 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Versa gets 34 mpg, the Audi A4 30.7 mpg and the Volkswagen Jetta 33.3 mpg, next to 32.5 mpg for the 2018 Focus.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2018) | $0.098 |
| Fuel per year | $1,182 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,910 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2016–2018 | −$225 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,104 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2018 Ford Focus gives up 11 mpg in town: 39 on the highway against 28 in the city, $386 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2018) | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 39 mpg | $985 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Focus changed over the years
The Focus peaked in 2018 at 32.5 mpg (28 city, 39 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 26 — 6.5 mpg apart, or $295 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2012: 29 to 32 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 28 / 39 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2017 | 28 / 39 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2016 | 28.5 / 40 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2015 | 28.5 / 39.5 | 2 | $1,182 | |
| 2014 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2013 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 28 / 39 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2011 | 25 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2010 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2009 | 24 / 35 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2008 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2007 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2006 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2005 | 22 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2004 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2003 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2002 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2001 | 25 / 32 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2000 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 23 EPA ratings of the Ford Focus — 2 engines across 2000–2018. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,104. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2018 Ford Focus get?
32.5 mpg combined, 28 city and 39 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 31 to 34. Across every year since 2000 the Focus has averaged 29.8 mpg.
Is the 2018 Focus more efficient than the 2017?
About the same: 32.5 against 32.5 mpg combined.
Which Focus year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 32.5 mpg combined (28 city, 39 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Focus get better gas mileage than the Nissan Versa?
No: 32.5 mpg for the 2018 Focus against 34 for the 2019 Nissan Versa, about $53 a year more to run.
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