What is the load capacity of the Ford Focus?
The load capacity of a Ford Focus varies by model year and body style, but you can expect a typical payload around 350–600 kg (770–1,320 lb) and cargo space generally between about 12 and 24 cubic feet, depending on whether you have a sedan or hatchback and whether the rear seats are up or folded.
Across its multiple generations and markets, the Focus has offered two primary measures of load: payload (the maximum weight the car can carry, including passengers and cargo) and cargo space (the volume available in the trunk or rear cargo area). This article outlines those two aspects, highlighting how figures differ by body style (hatch vs. sedan) and generation, and provides guidance on how to verify the exact numbers for a specific vehicle.
Cargo capacity by body style and generation
The following figures describe typical cargo space for common Ford Focus configurations. Exact numbers can vary by year, trim, and regional market; check the official spec sheet for your vehicle.
- Ford Focus hatchback (most recent widely sold generations): approximately 23.8 cubic feet (0.67 cubic meters) of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to about 43.0–43.9 cubic feet (1.22–1.24 cubic meters) with the rear seats folded.
- Ford Focus sedan (when offered in markets where the sedan was available): roughly 12.5–13.0 cubic feet (0.35–0.37 cubic meters) of trunk space with the rear seats up.
- Notes for other markets and newer variants: some regions offered only hatchback bodies, while others offered different trim-specific configurations; as a result, cargo volumes can differ modestly from above figures.
Conclusion for cargo space: Hatchbacks typically provide substantially more cargo room than sedans, especially when rear seats are folded. For exact figures, consult the vehicle’s brochure or Ford’s official product pages for your model year and market.
Payload capacity and weight ratings
Payload is the maximum allowable weight of passengers and cargo the vehicle can carry, and it is constrained by the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). The payload you can actually carry depends on how many people are aboard and how much cargo is loaded.
- Typical payload range (approximate): about 350–600 kg (770–1,320 lb), varying by generation, trim, and whether the car is a hatch or sedan.
- GVWR context: most Ford Focus models list a GVWR in the neighborhood of roughly 1,900–2,200 kg (4,190–4,850 lb); you can find the exact figure on the door jamb sticker or in the owner's manual for a given vehicle.
Conclusion for payload: To determine your exact payload, subtract the curb weight from the GVWR for your specific car. Always rely on the official spec sheet or the vehicle’s door sticker to confirm these numbers for your year and market.
Generation-by-generation notes
Load figures have shifted somewhat across Focus generations due to changes in body style, materials, and tuning. Early generations tended to have lower trunk volumes in sedans and modest payloads, while later hatchbacks generally offered more versatile cargo space. Always verify the precise numbers for your exact model year and market, as there are regional variations and trim-dependent differences.
How to verify the load capacity for your Focus
Because Ford released multiple generations with regional variations, the most reliable way to confirm load capacity is to check:
- The door jamb sticker (GVWR and payload capacity).
- The official Ford specification sheet for your model year and market.
- Your owner’s manual for detailed dimensions and weight ratings.
Conclusion: If you’re planning trips with a lot of gear or regular passengers, use the published GVWR and payload numbers to compute your safe load. When in doubt, err on the side of a lighter load to preserve handling and safety margins.
Summary
In brief, the Ford Focus offers a practical balance of cargo space and payload that varies with generation and body style. Hatchbacks typically provide more versatile cargo space than sedans, while payload generally sits in the hundreds of kilograms range. For exact figures, consult the specific model year’s Ford specifications, the owner’s manual, or the door sticker on your vehicle, as regional differences and trim levels can shift the numbers.
