Ford Focus vs Volkswagen GTI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen GTI
Overview
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | Golf GTI S |
| Body style | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 7-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,950 (best) | $34,590 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 32 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 13 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 241 hp (best) |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,928 lbs (best) | 6,366 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in (best) | 104 in |
| Length | 178.7 in (best) | 169 in |
| Width | 71.8 in (best) | 70 in |
| Height | 57.8 in | 58 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Focus | Volkswagen GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S $17,950 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Golf GTI S $34,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SE $19,245 MSRP | SE $39,080 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $20,540 MSRP | Autobahn $42,480 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL $21,870 MSRP | — |
| 5 | SEL $22,070 MSRP | — |
| 6 | Titanium $24,270 MSRP | — |
| 7 | Titanium $24,470 MSRP | — |
| 8 | ST $25,170 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Electric $29,120 MSRP | — |
| 10 | RS $41,120 MSRP | — |