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 more sophisticated, upscale interiors.
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.
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.
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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 2018 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Volkswagen GolfBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2018 Ford Focus is irony on wheels: it comes in a dizzying range of models, of which the SEL and ST are our picks. |
The 2018 Chevy Cruze offers lots of compelling reasons to select it, but we’d like to see more safety tech on its standard equipment roster. |
The 2018 Honda Civic is a good car made better by plenty of options and value at nearly every stop. |
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra adds a versatile hatchback to the fold and makes a more compelling case as a compact contender in a value-packed segment. |
There's a VW Golf for everyone, and they're even better for 2018 thanks to a big tech upgrade inside. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $17,950 | $16,975 | $18,940 | $16,950 | $20,910 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 19 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| S Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 1.4L L w/1SM | LX Manual | SE 2.0L Manual (Ulsan) | 1.8T S Manual |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2018 Ford Focus vs. 2018 Chevrolet Cruze | 2018 Ford Focus vs. 2018 Honda Civic | 2018 Ford Focus vs. 2018 Hyundai Elantra | 2018 Ford Focus vs. 2018 Volkswagen Golf | |
