The compact-car segment has seen big change this year, as new versions of the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra have emerged.
The Ford Focus, along with the Mazda 3, are the models that best combine sporty driving attributes with the more sophisticated, upscale interiors.
The Honda Civic now has a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine option, as well as a far more refined interior and some sportier driving attributes.
The Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte continue to offer upscale interiors, impressive feature sets for the money, and decent comfort.
The Chevrolet Cruze has grown more Volt-like, in its pointed shape and futuristic interior, but ride quality has taken a step back while handling has not.
Finally, the VW Golf matches the Focus most closely in its offerings, everything from electric versions to performance Golf R models.
Styling is a letdown, but the Golf's ride and handling are the benchmark in this class.
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 2017 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2017 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2017 Ford Focus has great road manners and scorching high-performance editions, but it's compromised by a small back seat. |
The 2017 Chevy Cruze adds a hatch to the family that retains the same good ride and ample space, without being boomy or loud. |
The 2017 Honda Civic gains a hatchback body this year, but we were already sold. It's a very good compact car. |
We miss the brash, buzzy looks, for sure—but the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is now one of the most refined economy cars on the road. |
The 2017 Mazda 3 is near the top of our favorite compact cars on sale today. Its good performance, good fuel economy, and good value make for a very good car. |
There's a Golf for nearly every taste and need—Golf, Golf GTI, Golf SportWagen— and don't forget about the EV eGolf, which is very balanced and fun to drive. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $16,775 | $16,975 | $18,740 | $17,150 | N/A | $19,895 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 19 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | N/A | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Mid-Size Cars | N/A | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| S Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 1.4L L w/1SM | LX Manual | SE 2.0L Manual (Ulsan) | N/A | 1.8T 4-Door S Manual |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | N/A | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | N/A | Hatchback |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | N/A | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2017 Ford Focus vs. 2017 Chevrolet Cruze | 2017 Ford Focus vs. 2017 Honda Civic | 2017 Ford Focus vs. 2017 Hyundai Elantra | 2017 Ford Focus vs. 2017 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2017 Ford Focus vs. 2017 Volkswagen Golf | |
