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 GTIS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | S |
| Body style | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,950 (best) | $34,590 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 13.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 GTIS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft | 34.5 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 915 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,928 lbs (best) | 3,183 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 4.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 in (best) | 103.6 in |
| Length | 178.7 in (best) | 168.9 in |
| Width | 71.8 in (best) | 70.4 in |
| Height | 57.8 in (best) | 57.7 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford FocusS | Volkswagen GTIS |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 7 | None reported (best) |
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) | 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 | — |
Ford Focus vs Volkswagen GTI FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 Ford Focus vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Ford Focus starts lower at $17,950.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,950).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (115).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 Ford Focus or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2018 Ford Focus leads on horsepower in this comparison (350).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 Ford Focus vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Focus (5/5 NHTSA overall).