What is the difference between a Ford Focus SE and ST?
The Focus SE is the practical, value-oriented trim with a standard engine and everyday features, while the Focus ST is the performance-focused variant with a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned handling, and sportier styling. Availability and specs vary by model year and market, so below is a detailed comparison to help you understand the key differences.
Power and performance
Explore how the two trims differ in power, acceleration, and driving dynamics.
- Engine power: The SE typically uses a standard, non-performance engine with modest horsepower, roughly in the 120–180 hp range depending on market and year. The ST uses a turbocharged EcoBoost engine with substantially more power, usually in the 250–280 hp range across most model years.
- Transmission: SE models are commonly offered with a manual or automatic transmission, depending on year and market. ST is traditionally paired with a manual transmission in many markets, with automatics being rare.
- Handling and chassis: ST receives a sport-tuned suspension, stiffer springs, larger brakes, and other chassis enhancements for sharper handling and quicker response. SE focuses on comfort and everyday drivability with standard suspension tuning.
- Performance feel vs. efficiency: The ST delivers noticeably stronger acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, while the SE emphasizes practicality and fuel economy.
In short, the ST is purpose-built for speed and road-holding, whereas the SE is intended for value, comfort, and efficiency.
Design and equipment
Look and feel differences between the trims, from exterior styling to interior upgrades.
- Exterior styling: ST wears a sportier look with a more aggressive front fascia, larger wheels, possibly a rear spoiler, quad exhaust setup in many generations, and distinctive badging. SE has a more conventional hatchback appearance with standard wheels and trim.
- Interior features: ST seats are sportier (often with specialized upholstery and reassurance such as Recaro options in older generations), a performance-oriented instrument cluster, and unique trim accents. SE interiors focus on comfort and practicality with typical seating and standard tech features.
- Technology and options: ST commonly includes or offers as an upgrade performance-oriented tech and driving modes, enhanced audio, and visualization for performance data. SE provides standard features and options aimed at everyday usability, with higher trims adding more comfort and tech.
- Wheels and brakes: ST typically rides on larger, sport-tuned wheels and upgraded braking systems to handle higher speeds and aggressive driving, while SE uses standard wheels and brakes suited to daily driving.
Overall, ST materials, trim details, and styling emphasize performance, while SE focuses on practicality and value with comfortable equipment levels.
Market availability and ownership considerations
Understand where each trim is offered and how that can affect your purchase or ownership experience.
- Market availability: In many regions, the Focus ST has been offered as the sportier variant of the Focus, while the SE remains the lower- to mid-level trim. The exact engines, transmissions, and features can change by year and market.
- U.S. vs. international availability: The U.S. market historically saw Focus SE and ST offerings, but Ford has discontinued the Focus in the U.S. after the 2018 model year. ST remains common in several European and other markets, though availability varies by generation.
- Used-car considerations: If you’re shopping used, an ST will typically demand a higher price and have higher maintenance costs than an SE, reflecting its performance hardware and sport-tuned components. Condition and service history are important for both trims.
In summary, the ST is aimed at enthusiasts and markets where the Focus lineup persists with sport variants, while the SE is designed for everyday practicality. Always check the specific model year and regional availability when comparing trims.
Which should you choose?
If your priority is everyday usability, fuel efficiency, and lower cost of ownership, the SE is the smarter pick. If you crave speed, sharper handling, and sport styling, the ST offers a markedly more engaging driving experience. Consider your budget, local availability, and how you plan to use the car.
Summary
The Ford Focus SE and ST sit at opposite ends of the Focus spectrum. SE concentrates on value, comfort, and efficiency with less aggressive performance, while ST delivers significantly more power, sport-tuned dynamics, and distinctive styling aimed at driving enthusiasts. Market availability varies by region and model year, so always verify the exact specs for the trim you’re considering.
What does SE mean on a Ford Focus?
"SE" in a Ford Focus stands for a mid-level trim, a step up from the base model with more standard features and options than the entry-level "S" trim. It often includes enhanced convenience and technology, such as SYNC infotainment, a rearview camera, alloy wheels, SiriusXM satellite radio, and available upgrades like heated seats or a heated steering wheel.
This video provides an overview of the Ford Focus SE's features, including safety and performance: 45sLong McArthurYouTube · Mar 24, 2018
Key features and differences
- Trim level: SE is a more upscale trim than the base "S" model but below higher trims like the "SEL" or "Titanium".
- Standard equipment: Common standard features include the SYNC infotainment system, a rearview camera, and keyless entry.
- Engine and performance: It often features a more fuel-efficient engine than the base model. For example, some SE models come with a 1.0L EcoBoost engine that achieves higher MPG, while the base "S" model may have a different 2.0L engine.
- Interior and comfort: The SE often includes cloth seats, but it offers options for upgrades such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
- Customization: The SE trim is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.
This video explains how to use sport mode in a Ford Focus: 22sFord Motor CompanyYouTube · Jan 28, 2017
What is the difference between the Focus ST and the Focus SE?
The Ford Focus SE gets 30 mpg in the city and a whopping 40 on the highway, while in contrast, the ST is lucky to reach 30 on the interstate. As far as raw power goes, the Focus SE is several rungs below the Focus ST, but if fuel efficiency is the name of the game then the former would be your best bet.
What does ST mean on a Ford Focus?
On a Ford Focus, "ST" stands for Sports Technologies and indicates a high-performance version of the standard model. These models feature more powerful engines, enhanced handling with a sport-tuned suspension, and sportier interior and exterior styling, such as unique badging, larger wheels, and body kits. The ST badge differentiates these performance-focused vehicles from the standard or ST-Line trims, which are primarily appearance packages.
Key features of the Focus ST
- Engine: Equipped with more powerful, high-performance engines for greater speed and acceleration.
- Handling: Features a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension for improved and more responsive handling.
- Performance modes: Includes driver-selectable modes like "Normal," "Sport," and "Track" to adjust performance characteristics.
- Exterior: Has a more aggressive and sporty look with unique grilles, front and rear fascias, side skirts, and sometimes spoilers.
- Interior: Comes with sportier seats, such as Recaro seats, and other enhancements like alloy pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
- Brakes: Often includes upgraded brake packages, like Brembo front brakes on the ST Edition, to ensure powerful and consistent stopping power.
What does SE mean on Focus?
Sport Edition models usually have a larger or more potent engine and/or cosmetic modifications like aerodynamic designs or rear spoilers. Basically, Sport Edition trims are specced to have improved speed and performance over the standard model. However, not every model and vehicle type has sport models.
