Ford Focus Vs. Toyota Corolla: Which is Better?
Ford Focus vs. Toyota Corolla: it’s the battle of affordable, compact cars. But which compact car can go the distance?
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- Pricing
- Performance
- Fuel efficiency
- Technology
- Reliability
- Interior
- The final word
- How to find cheap car insurance
- FAQs
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The 2018 Ford Focus surpasses the Toyota Corolla when it comes to its starting price tag and performance. But the updated Corolla provides better fuel economy and reliability ratings, along with tons of standard safety features.
While the Corolla and Focus have a lot in common as compact economy cars available in either a sedan or hatchback body style, there are also some pretty big differences between the two vehicles.
That’s why
Jerry
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comparison shopping a breeze, has created this side-by-side comparison of Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla to help you make a decision on your next affordable compact sedan or hatchback. Pricing
The Ford Focus was discontinued in 2018, so you can expect the compact sedan or hatchback to have a much lower starting price compared to the brand-new 2022 Toyota Corolla. Take a look at the table below for pricing information on all 2018 Focus and 2022 Corolla vehicles.
Model | MSRP | Model | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla L | $21,450 | 2018 Ford Focus S | $10,000–$13,000 |
2022 Toyota Corolla LE | $21,900 | 2018 Ford Focus SE | $12,000–$15,000 |
2022 Toyota Corolla SE | $23,900 | 2018 Ford Focus SEL | $14,000–$17,000 |
2022 Toyota Corolla XLE | $25,850 | 2018 Ford Focus Titanium | $14,000–$18,000 |
2022 Toyota Corolla XSE | $27,350 | 2018 Ford Focus ST | $18,000–$21,000 |
2018 Ford Focus RS | $33,000–$37,000 | ||
2018 Ford Focus Electric | $15,000–$19,000 |
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With the exception of the high-performance
Ford Focus RS
, all other Focus trim levels are more affordable than even the base Corolla model. But we should also take into account the true cost of ownership for both compact cars. According to Edmunds, ownership costs for the Corolla LE can possibly add up to $28,107 over five years. That’s including $3,315 for maintenance and the annual $2,344
Toyota Corolla LE insurance cost
. On the other hand, ownership costs for the Focus SE might stretch even further and add up to $36,810 over five years! That’s $6,424 for maintenance and the annual $7,161
Ford Focus SE insurance cost
. So even though the Corolla might initially cost you more, the compact sedan will save you more over time. Performance
When it comes to performance, the Ford Focus dominates over the Corolla due to its potent turbocharged engine options, along with sporty steering and handling.
The 2018 Focus’s 160-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder base engine beats the Corolla’s 1.8-liter engine, which only generates 139 horsepower. But if you upgrade to the
Focus ST
, you’ll get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that cranks 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque compared to the Corolla’s 169-hp upgrade. And if you want to go really crazy, consider the high-performance RS with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that growls with 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while a manual transmission is only available in combination with the 2.0-liter upgrade engine. On the flip side, the base Focus model only comes in a five-speed manual while the electric Focus is equipped with a single-speed automatic transmission. All other trim levels have the option between a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What does this all mean for on-road performance? While both the base Focus and Corolla may have a harder time accelerating at highway speeds, the performance-oriented Focus trims equipped with a peppy turbocharged engine will leave the competition in the dust. But even without the stronger engine option, the Focus is still a fun-to-drive compact vehicle that can beautifully handle any twists and turns that come your way.
Fuel efficiency
No surprise here—the Ford Focus Electric takes the top spot for fuel economy with an impressive 107 MPGe combined. However, all other Focus vehicles miss the fuel-efficiency mark compared to Toyota Corolla, especially the Corolla Hybrid with a 52 mpg combined. Look at the table below to compare the EPA ratings for each model and powertrain configuration.
Model | Engine | Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) |
|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla | 1.8L four-cylinder (base) | 30/38/33 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla | 2.0L four-cylinder | 31/40/34 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | 1.8L four-cylinder | 53/52/52/ mpg |
2018 Ford Focus S | 2.0L four-cylinder (base) | 25/34/28 mpg |
2018 Ford Focus SE | 1.5L four-cylinder turbo | 30/40/34 mpg |
2018 Ford Focus SEL and Titanium | 1.5L four-cylinder turbo | 24/34/28 mpg |
2018 Ford Focus ST | 1.5L four-cylinder turbo | 22/30/25 mpg |
2018 Ford Focus RS | 1.5L four-cylinder turbo | 19/26/22 mpg |
Technology
When it comes to technology, it’s safe to say that the 2018 Focus is not as up-to-date as the newer 2022 Corolla.
Both cars come standard with a rear camera and Bluetooth, and that’s pretty much where the similarities end tech-wise. Apart from that, standard features that come in the Corolla such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and driver-assistance safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, and forward collision mitigation did not come standard on the Ford Focus.
Additionally, the Corolla comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen while the Focus includes a SYNC system with a 4.2-inch display. Models with the SYNC 3 system have an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with a 10-speaker Sony audio system, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start for the Focus. You can also upgrade your safety features with active parking assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors too.
Reliability
Compared to the 2018 Focus, the 2022 Corolla has better reliability ratings from experts like J.D. Power and RepairPal.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla received an 85/100 predicted reliability score from J.D. Power, compared to the 2018 Focus’s 76/100. And RepairPal gave the Corolla a 4.5/5.0 rating for reliability, while the Focus slightly dipped to a 4.0/5.0 rating for reliability. But the Corolla ranks at #1 among out of 36 compact cars, while the Focus really falls behind at the #27 spot.
Interior
Even when the 2018 Focus first came out, critics were already complaining that the interior was outdated. Fast forward four years later, and this critique still holds true. By comparison, the 2022 Corolla provides a decent, well-built cabin with easy-to-use buttons on the central console.
However, the Focus slightly outperforms when it comes to cargo space and overall legroom. Check out the table below to compare cargo volume, legroom, and headroom measurements for the 2018 Focus and 2022 Corolla in either the sedan or hatchback styles.
Measurement | Toyota Corolla Sedan | Toyota Corolla Hatchback | Ford Focus Sedan | Ford Focus Hatchback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo volume | 13.1 cubic feet | 17.8 cubic feet | 13.2 cubic feet | 23.3 cubic feet |
Headroom (front seats) | 38.3 inches | 38.4 inches | 38.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
Legroom (front seats) | 42 inches | 42 inches | 43.1 inches | 43.1 inches |
Headroom (rear seats) | 37.1 inches | 37.6 inches | 38 inches | 38 inches |
Legroom (rear seats) | 34.8 inches | 29.9 inches | 33.2 inches | 33.2 inches |
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The biggest difference we can see is the amount of cargo volume you’ll get with a 2018 Ford Focus Hatchback, which is 5.5 inches more than the 2022 Corolla Hatchback.
The final word
While the Ford Focus is cheaper and faster (if you've got a turbocharged engine) than the Toyota Corolla, the Corolla is a better option when it comes to overall fuel economy, technology, and reliability.
If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills compact sedan or hatchback, then a used base 2018
Focus S
trim will only cost you about $10,000 to $13,000 according to Kelly Blue Book. But if you’re willing to spend a little more money on a brand-new car with spectacular fuel efficiency and best-in-class safety features, then even the base Corolla L
trim will serve you well. How to find cheap car insurance
Ford insurance costs
are going to be more affordable for a tiny Focus rather than one of Ford’s heavy-duty trucks, but you could still end up paying more than you should on these or Toyota insurance costs
if you don’t shop around first. Luckily, with super app Jerry
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FAQs
Is a Ford Focus bigger than a Toyota Corolla?
The 2018 Ford Focus is slightly smaller than the Toyota Corolla, with a wheelbase of 104.3 inches—two inches shorter than the Corolla.
Which is better on gas, the Corolla or Focus?
Overall, the Corolla is better on gas with an average 33 mpg combined fuel efficiency rating with the base engine, compared to the Focus’s 28 mpg combined rating. However, the Focus EV takes the top spot for fuel efficiency with an extraordinary 107 MPGe combined.
Is the Ford Focus more expensive than the Toyota Corolla?
A used 2018 Ford Focus will be less expensive than a brand-new 2022 Toyota Corolla, with the exception of the high-performance Focus RS trim level. But the five-year ownership costs of a Ford Focus are higher in comparison to the Toyota Corolla.
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