The 2016 Focus’ 123-hp 1.0L I-3 is very efficient, but the base 2.0L I-4 engine provides better performance with 160 hp. Focus ST’s 2.0L turbo-four is a significant upgrade with 252 hp, and fastest 350-hp 2.3L turbocharged I-4 is exclusive to RS trim.
Key Points
- The 2016 Ford Focus offers four engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.0L and three turbocharged engines in 1.0L, 2.0L, and 2.3L capacities. All but the 1.0L are four-cylinder units.
- The 123 horsepower 1.0L I-3 is all about efficiency, delivering up to 41 mpg on the highway, while the base 2.0L I-4 engine strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency by offering 160 hp while managing 26/37 mpg city/highway.
- The 2.0L turbo-four engine powers the 2016 Focus ST, and delivers noticeably better performance, but fuel efficiency takes a hit.
- The 350-hp 2.3L turbocharged I-4 is exclusive to the 2016 Focus RS. Performance figures top the Focus ST with 0-60 mph taking just 4.6 seconds.
- Six recalls have been registered against the 2016 Ford Focus, and three involve the engine. Also, a class-action lawsuit was filed over the six-speed automatic transmission.
1.0L I-3 Ecoboost Engine Lacks Oomph but Gets Up to 41 mpg On the Highway
Developed with efficiency in mind, the 1.0L Ecoboost is not an engine for spirited driving. For one, power figures stand at 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. You can pair it with either a manual transmission or a torque converter automatic (both have six speeds).
The 1.0L Ecoboost makes do with just 4.3 quarts of oil with a viscosity of 5W-20.
Despite being turbocharged, the 1.0L Ecoboost offers lackluster performance. In the automatic, 0-60 mph takes a rather slow 10.2 seconds, while the manual gets it done 0.9 seconds quicker. Because of its efficiency-driven setup, the 1.0L engine can become noisy when under load, reports Car and Driver.
Where the engine shines, however, is fuel economy. Thanks to features like engine start/stop, the 2016 Focus with its 1.0L Ecoboost delivers 27/39 mpg city/highway. That’s with the six-speed automatic. Pair it with the manual, and the EPA figures improve to 30/41 mpg city/highway.
As for problems, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports six recalls for the 2016 Ford Focus. Two involve the 1.0L I-3 with the six-speed manual transmission. If you do need to replace the 1.0L Ecoboost engine in a 2016 Focus, used ones cost between $2,900 and $3,800.
Unlike the 1.0L I-3, the Base 2.0L I-4 Offers a Good Compromise Between Performance and Efficiency
The 2016 Ford Focus debuted with a 2.0-liter inline-four as its base engine option. Unlike the 1.0L Ecoboost, this motor packs 160 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque. Slightly better than the 2016 Honda Civic’s 158 horsepower but nearly five more than the 2016 Mazda 3. The 2.0L gets either a six-speed dual-clutch (DCT) PowerShift automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
When it comes to performance, the 2.0L inline-four manages to hit 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds with the six-speed DCT. However, acceleration improves by six-tenths of a second when equipped with the five-speed manual.
In terms of efficiency, the 2.0L inline-four is EPA-rated at 26/37 mpg city/highway when mated to the six-speed dual-clutch automatic and 26/36 mpg with the five-speed manual. The 2.0L requires 4.5 quarts of oil with a viscosity of 5W-20.
Although the six-speed DCT offered fast gear changes, it’s known for being harsh and clunky. Out of the 550-plus complaints, nearly 300 were reported against the dual-clutch transmission and its choppy gear shifts. This eventually led to the owners filing a class-action lawsuit.
Also, the 2.0L had a recall regarding the engine’s canister purge valve and its possible malfunction.
If you are looking to replace the 2.0L in a 2016 Ford Focus, used engines cost between $2,300 and $2,900. As for longevity, a Ford Focus can last anywhere from 200,000 miles to 250,000 miles or even longer if taken care of.
Performance-oriented 2.0L Turbo-four Engine Powers the 2016 Focus ST, Managing 0-60 mph in 6.3 Seconds
Internally called GTDI, the 2.0L turbocharged inline-four is only offered on the Focus ST model. The motor puts out 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, a significant upgrade over the standard Focus. The turbo-four engine makes do with 5.7 quarts of oil with a viscosity of 5W-30.
The 2.0L manages a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds. That’s 0.8 seconds quicker than the 2015 Honda Civic Si. As for the Transmission, a six-speed manual is the only available option.
The 2016 Focus ST takes a big hit with fuel economy, putting up just 22 in the city and 31 on the highway. Additionally, the 2.0L turbo engine is also part of the CPV malfunction recall.
Finding a used engine could be a challenge. Even if you do, it’s going to be expensive. A recent post on eBay had a 2.0L GTDI listed for $6,000.
2.3L I-4 Engine Outperforms 2.0L Turbo and is Exclusive to Range-topping RS Model, but there are Reported Issues with Faulty Head Gaskets
The top-spec RS model strays away from the Focus’ economy car roots. The 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four Ecoboost engine puts out 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 2.3L turbo-four takes 5.7 quarts of oil with a viscosity of 5W-50. A six-speed manual transmission powers all four wheels via a trick AWD system. Performance figures top the Focus ST with 0-60 mph taking just 4.6 seconds, and the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds.
Efficiency is not the 2016 Focus RS’ strong suit. The 2.3L inline-four delivers 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
As for problems, the 2.3L Ecoboost engine has coolant burning issues courtesy of faulty head gaskets, reports Road and Track. In terms of replacement, sourcing a low-mileage 2.3L inline-four engine could be difficult and expensive.
Photos: Ford
