The 2018 Ford Focus ST isn’t bought for its 25 MPG combined. It’s not a Prius, and it isn’t trying to be one. It’s a hot hatchback designed for affordable performance and engaging driving first and foremost. Fuel economy is secondary, but necessary, for those who want a turbocharged, manual-transmission car that performs above its class. Buyers want the ST’s sharp handling, strong engine, and practical hatchback and accept the fuel cost as the price for that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Focus ST gets 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is decided by the driver’s use of the turbocharger’s boost. Stop-and-go traffic hurts turbocharged engines, especially with a manual transmission that enables spirited driving. The highway MPG shows the ST’s short gearing. At 70 MPH, the engine RPM is higher than some competitors, which impacts fuel consumption. The manual transmission offers control, but there’s no fuel-saving overdrive gear like in some automatics.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford Focus ST is $1,750. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices, which fluctuate. If you drive more or less than 15,000 miles, or if your local fuel prices are higher or lower, your fuel costs will change. Someone who commutes in traffic will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who uses their ST for weekend drives might spend less. You can also browse all Ford fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures are a baseline, but real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Focus ST varies with driving style and conditions. Some drivers who short-shift and avoid hard acceleration may get closer to the EPA estimates, but that goes against the car’s nature. Most owners report combined fuel economy in the low-to-mid 20s. Hard driving, especially in the city, can drop fuel economy into the high teens. Highway driving, at a steady speed and avoiding bursts of speed, can approach the EPA’s 30 MPG, but expect slightly lower numbers. You can also find out more about FOCUS MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2018 Focus ST’s fuel economy is similar to its competitors. The Volkswagen GTI gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined with its DSG automatic (less with the manual). The Honda Civic Si gets 31 MPG combined. The Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined. The Civic Si’s better fuel economy is a factor for drivers who also want lower fuel costs. The GTI has a more premium interior, while the Elantra GT N-Line has good value. The Focus ST delivers a raw and engaging driving experience as a result of many great handling parts and fine tuning.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Focus ST isn’t a fuel-efficient car, there are steps to improve its fuel economy. Don’t use the turbocharger’s boost constantly because aggressive acceleration reduces fuel efficiency when doing many errands.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended specifications on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, decreasing fuel efficiency.

Avoid idling. If you’re stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel and adds to emissions. This is true in a turbocharged engine like the Focus ST’s, where heat soak can occur during idling.

Practice smooth driving habits. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and keep a steady speed. Anticipate traffic and adjust your driving. Smooth driving improves fuel economy and comfort.