Which Ford Focus is fast?
The fastest Ford Focus is the Focus RS, specifically the Mk3 model produced from 2016 to 2018, which features a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering about 350 horsepower and all-wheel drive.
That RS variant represents the peak of speed in the Focus lineup, combining turbocharged power, advanced all-wheel-drive, and a lightweight hatchback chassis. It sits above the Focus ST in terms of straight-line speed and track capability. Note that Ford discontinued the Focus in the U.S. after the 2018 model year, so the fastest Focus you can buy new today is not available in U.S. showrooms; the fastest option for most buyers now is to seek a well-preserved used RS Mk3 in markets where it was sold. The ST remains the next-fastest member of the family, offering strong performance with front-wheel drive in most markets.
Fastest Focus in Production History
Key performance figures for the Focus RS Mk3 (2016–2018) illustrate why it is regarded as the speed benchmark in the Focus line.
- Engine: 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged inline-4
- Power: about 350 horsepower
- Torque: roughly 350 lb-ft (475 Nm)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive with dynamic torque vectoring
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): approximately 4.5–4.7 seconds
- Top speed: around 165 mph (267 km/h)
In concise terms, the Focus RS Mk3 delivers a combination of raw power, AWD grip, and a driver-focused setup that eclipses the other Focus variants in straight-line speed and cornering capability.
How the RS Stacks Up Against the ST
Power and drivetrain
Compared with the Focus ST, the RS uses a higher-output turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, which collectively translate to quicker acceleration and stronger traction, especially in adverse conditions.
- RS: ~350 hp, AWD with torque vectoring
- ST: typically ~250–280 hp, front-wheel drive (depending on market and model year)
- Transmission: RS uses a 6-speed manual; ST variants commonly use a manual or, in some markets, a different setup depending on generation
For most drivers seeking maximum speed and track-ready performance, the RS is the clear leader. For those who prioritize a blend of everyday usability with engaging driving dynamics, the ST remains a compelling alternative.
Performance figures and practicality
In real-world terms, the RS’s acceleration and grip come at the cost of premium fuel, stiffer suspension, and a higher price than the ST. The ST offers strong performance without the same extreme setup, making it more practical for day-to-day use while still delivering entertaining driving dynamics.
- RS: superior acceleration, AWD, torque-rich delivery
- ST: strong performance with more traditional handling and typically lighter footprint
Overall, the RS outpaces the ST in speed and cornering confidence, while the ST remains a highly capable performance hatch with broader everyday appeal.
Additional Notes on Availability and Market Context
As of the latest available information, Ford has not released a new Focus RS since the Mk3 generation, and the Focus nameplate has been discontinued in the U.S. market. In Europe and other regions where the Focus was sold, the RS Mk3 remains the fastest production Focus ever offered. If you’re seeking speed in today’s lineup, options include vehicles from Ford’s performance-oriented models or other manufacturers, but within the Focus family, the RS is the benchmark.
Summary
The Ford Focus RS Mk3 is the fastest Focus ever produced, with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering about 350 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a quick 0–60 time in the mid-4-second range. It outclasses the Focus ST in power, grip, and speed, though the ST remains a highly capable and more practical performer. With Ford not offering a new Focus RS in recent years and the Focus nameplate largely retired from the U.S. market, the fastest authentic Focus available today is found in the used market for RS Mk3 copies in regions where it was sold. In brief, if speed is the goal, the Focus RS is the benchmark in the Focus lineup.
