Does Ford Focus RS come with turbo?
Yes. The Focus RS is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four—the defining feature of Ford's high-performance hatch—and there is no naturally aspirated RS variant.
Turbocharged powertrain: the engine at a glance
The Focus RS relies on Ford's 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine. In most markets, it delivers about 350 horsepower and around 350 lb-ft of torque, routed to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged setup is paired with an intercooler and a performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system to maximize grip, especially during launch and cornering.
Turbocharging basics
Turbocharging uses exhaust gas energy to drive a turbine, forcing more air into the engine. In the Focus RS, this yields a strong, responsive power curve suitable for quick accelerations and high-speed performance, even at elevated engine speeds.
Note: The Focus RS has a turbocharger as standard; there are no factory options for a non-turbo RS in the lineup.
Market history and availability
Manufacturing and availability context helps explain whether turbo is ubiquitous. The Focus RS debuted in 2016 as part of the Focus Mk3 family and was produced through the late 2010s in most regions. It has never been offered as a naturally aspirated variant. Today, the Focus RS is primarily found on the used-car market, with no new model planned by Ford as of 2024-2025.
Key notes by market (high level):
- Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-four
- Power: roughly 350 horsepower
- Torque: around 350 lb-ft (475 Nm)
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive with dynamic torque vectoring
- Transmission: six-speed manual in most regions
In summary, the turbocharged powertrain is central to the Focus RS's identity, pairing turbocharged output with AWD for high-performance driving dynamics.
How to verify turbo presence in a Focus RS
If you’re evaluating a used Focus RS, there are practical checks to confirm the turbocharged setup is intact. Look for turbo-specific maintenance records, listen for a turbo whistle under acceleration, and inspect under the hood for the turbocharger and intercooler plumbing. All RS models are equipped with a turbo from the factory, and there are no official non-turbo RS variants.
Summary
The Ford Focus RS is definitively turbocharged. It uses a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers about 350 horsepower and is paired with all-wheel drive for serious performance. The RS name denotes Ford’s high-performance, turbocharged hatch, and there is no normally aspirated RS version in production. As of today, the model persists mainly in the used market, with production having ended in the late 2010s.
