Is a Ford Focus a 3 or 4 cylinder?
In most cases, the Ford Focus is powered by four-cylinder engines, but there are notable European-market variants that use three-cylinder EcoBoost units. The exact cylinder count depends on the model year and regional specification.
Engine configurations through the years
The Focus lineup has used a mix of inline-four and inline-three engines, plus diesels, with high‑performance variants relying on turbocharged four‑cylinder power.
- Inline-4 gasoline engines (4‑cylinder) — including naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants used across most generations.
- Inline-3 EcoBoost engines (3‑cylinder) — small-displacement turbocharged units offered in several European markets from the mid‑2010s onward.
- Inline-4 diesel engines — common European options such as 1.6 TDCi and 2.0 TDCi.
- High-performance turbocharged four‑cylinder variants — used in Focus ST and RS models.
The list shows that while four‑cylinder power is the baseline, Ford did offer three‑cylinder EcoBoost options in some regions, especially for efficiency-focused trims. Check the specific model year and market to confirm the exact engine.
Regional variations and notable models
Regions differ in typical powertrains. In North America, Focus variants have more often used four‑cylinder gasoline engines; in Europe and other regions, three‑cylinder EcoBoost units have appeared in smaller hatchbacks including the Focus, along with diesel options. Performance versions continue to rely on turbocharged four‑cylinder engines.
High-performance variants
Ford's Focus ST and RS lines are powered by turbocharged four‑cylinder engines, underscoring Ford's preference for four cylinders in its hot hatch offerings while still using three‑cylinder options in non‑performance trims in some markets.
Summary
The Ford Focus has used both 3- and 4-cylinder engines across its history. The most common configuration in recent mainstream models is a four‑cylinder engine, with three‑cylinder EcoBoost options available in select European markets and generations. Always verify the exact engine count for a specific car by checking the VIN and model year.
