2026 Ford Focus RS Engine, Specs, Review

2026 Ford Focus RS Engine, Specs, Review – After the year 2026, the Focus RS will no longer be produced. Only one thousand of the flaming hatchbacks will be sold by Ford in the United States, and only five hundred of them will make their way onto the highways of Canada. The Nitrous Blue and a brand new Race Red color are the only two options for the limited-edition models that are offered. The roof and mirror caps are two examples of the gloss-black embellishments that have been added to the exterior. Additionally, the rear roof spoiler has been coated gloss black, and it now has blue RS insignia on the side wings of the vehicle. A basic pair of painted wheels measuring 19 inches is included. Additionally, in contrast to earlier iterations, this RS is equipped with a limited-slip differential for the front axle. In addition to voice-activated navigation and leather-trimmed Recaro racing seats (both front buckets are heated), the RS2 package is now included as standard equipment. In addition, carbon fiber is incorporated into the door handles, the handbrake lever, and the area surrounding the turbo-boost gauge in the interior.

2026 Ford Focus RS Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior & Interior

There are a lot of economy-car plastics in the interior of the Focus RS, which is not to our liking. The Focus is one of the oldest compacts in its class, and it has a more confined feeling than other compacts. However, Ford’s RS makeover did not designate a significant amount of money for interior changes, despite the fact that it is a practical office for the business of spirited driving. 2026 Ford Focus RS Engine

Sync 3 software, which delivers vibrant menus, logical navigation, and sufficient connection, is supported by the RS’s standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, which allows for a wide range of networking options. The only audio system that is available is a Sony unit that has ten speakers. The Sync 3 does not come equipped with an auxiliary input or a Wi-Fi hotspot; however, it does come with Bluetooth and USB inputs, in addition to compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The RS, much like the ordinary Ford Focus hatchback on which it is based, has lower total stowage than its competitors and fewer smaller cubbies for loose goods. This is because the RS is based on the standard Ford Focus hatchback. Equipment for the audio system and a kit for inflating tires take up room beneath the cargo floor at the back of the vehicle.

2026 Ford Focus RS Specs

Engine & Performance

There is no other vehicle in its class that can compete with the Focus RS since it is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 350 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This engine is capable of achieving serious speeds on any terrain. In spite of the fact that it weighs more than 3,400 pounds, the RS is not a lightweight vehicle. However, the all-wheel-drive grip, along with the short gearing and rapid engagements of the six-speed manual transmission, enables it to accelerate quickly from stoplights. Despite the fact that the clutch pedal is firm, it is not too so, and it does not take a long time to gradually adjust to the first springiness that it brings. The EcoBoost four has a roar that is both strong and industrial, and it is able to grab your attention fast with very little turbo lag. When it is in cruise mode, the powertrain is like a hornet’s nest full of furious hornets. During deceleration and in between gears, the exhaust pipes of the bazooka make a loud popping and snorting sound. 2026 Ford Focus RS Engine

When it comes to automobiles, the Focus RS is a performance vehicle. Within the hyper-hatch category, the only vehicle that can properly compete with the RS in terms of performance is the Civic Type R, and the Honda came out on top in the comparative test. Although we won’t go so far as to call the Ford anxious, it is high-strung and rides with a stiffness that is noticeable even when the adaptive dampers are set to the softer of its two settings. To make matters worse, the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which are designed specifically for racing, adhere like Gorilla Glue and boost the Ford’s already excellent grip. This makes the ride rougher on roads of a lower quality. One of the other RS vehicles that we evaluated was equipped with the regular Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. The steering with a fixed ratio is swift and accurate, but it is not so sensitive that it causes the RS to jitter when traveling at an increased speed. Our testing revealed that it had a good stopping capability, with no fade at all, and a pedal that feels pleasingly strong and sensitive to the movement of the pedal.

2026 Ford Focus RS Fuel Economy

One of the areas in which the Focus RS falls short is in its fuel efficiency. The RS is rated by the EPA to consume more gasoline than any of its competitors, with the exception of the Subaru WRX STI. This is true even if you are able to resist the urge to engage the throttle with each and every upshift. In addition, the RS is not conducive to general interstate traveling, which is another disadvantage. Look elsewhere for your 30-mpg hot hatch, even if we were able to equal the car’s highway estimate of 25 miles per gallon on our test route of 200 miles. 2026 Ford Focus RS Engine

2026 Ford Focus RS Safety Features

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not conducted any tests on the RS, despite the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded it with the highest possible crash rating of five stars. It is unfortunate that the hot Ford does not provide any driver assistance technology other than a backup camera; therefore, any clients of the RS who are looking for this additional layer of security are out of luck. 2026 Ford Focus RS Engine

2026 Ford Focus RS Release Date & Price

The sole color options for the 2026 Focus RS are Race Red and Nitrous Blue, with the latter adding an additional $695. Navigation, grippier seat inserts, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heating for the front seats, outside mirrors, and steering wheel are all included in the RS2 package, which was previously an optional upgrade that cost $2785 for the 2017 model year. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are an additional $550, despite the fact that forged 19-inch wheels are also included as standard equipment. The winter wheel-and-tire kit is still available for purchase by residents of the Snow Belt at a price of $1995; but, we would discover a set that is less expensive elsewhere. 2026 Ford Focus RS Engine