2016 Ford Focus Body Styles – Choosing Between Sedan, Hatch

ByRobert Lozano

The 2016 Ford Focus is available in two primary body styles: a traditional 4-door sedan and a versatile 5-door hatchback. While the sedan offers a classic profile and secure trunk, the hatchback provides significantly more cargo flexibility and serves as the foundation for the high-performance ST and RS models.

Finding the right used car can feel like a scavenger hunt, especially when looking at a popular model with multiple configurations. If you are eyeing a 2016 Ford Focus, you might be surprised by how much the driving experience changes depending on which version you pick.

I’ve spent plenty of time under the hoods of these cars, and I can tell you that deciding which 2016 ford focus body styles best fits your lifestyle involves more than just looking at the rear bumper. From daily commuting to weekend track days, each variant offers a unique set of pros and cons.

In this guide, I will break down the dimensions, performance capabilities, and practical trade-offs of each version. Whether you are a DIY mechanic looking for a project or a first-time buyer needing a reliable daily driver, this breakdown has you covered.

Understanding the 2016 ford focus body styles and Configurations

The 2016 model year was a sweet spot for the third-generation Focus, offering a refined interior and several powertrain options. Ford designed this car to compete globally, which is why we see such a distinct split between the sedan and the hatchback configurations.

The sedan was largely targeted at the North American market, where the “three-box” design remains a staple for commuters. It offers a discrete trunk, which is excellent for security and reducing road noise from the rear wheel wells.

On the flip side, the 5-door hatchback was designed with European utility in mind. It features a shorter overall length than the sedan, making it easier to parallel park in tight urban environments while offering a massive opening for bulky gear.

The Trim Level Hierarchy

Before diving into the physical shapes, it is important to know that your choice of body style is often dictated by the trim level you want. Not every trim is available in every style.

  • S Trim: Only available as a sedan; the budget-friendly entry point.
  • SE Trim: Available as both sedan and hatchback; the most common version found on used lots.
  • Titanium Trim: Available as both; features leather seating and premium Sony audio.
  • ST and RS: Exclusively available as hatchbacks; these are the performance-oriented “hot hatches.”

The Classic 4-Door Sedan: Sleek and Practical

The sedan version of the 2016 Focus is often overlooked by enthusiasts, but it serves as an excellent commuter car. It features a 104.3-inch wheelbase, which provides a stable and comfortable ride on the highway.

One of the main benefits of the sedan is the structural rigidity provided by the fixed rear shelf behind the back seats. This can result in a slightly quieter cabin compared to the open-air design of the hatchback.

From a maintenance perspective, the sedan’s trunk lid is simpler than a heavy rear hatch. You won’t have to worry about failing hatch struts (gas shocks) hitting you in the head after five years of use, though the trunk opening itself is somewhat narrow.

Trunk Space and Security

The sedan offers 13.2 cubic feet of cargo space. While this is less than the hatchback’s total volume, it allows you to keep valuables completely out of sight from prying eyes.

If you frequently carry tools or expensive gear, the sedan’s locking trunk provides an extra layer of physical security. Even if someone breaks a window, accessing the trunk without a key or the internal release is a challenge.

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The Versatile 5-Door Hatchback: Maximum Utility

When most people think of the 2016 Ford Focus, they picture the hatchback. It is arguably the more stylish of the 2016 ford focus body styles and certainly the most functional for those with active lifestyles.

The hatchback is actually about 7 inches shorter than the sedan in total length. This makes it a nimble city car that can squeeze into parking spots the sedan might have to pass up.

The real magic happens when you fold the rear seats down. In this configuration, the Focus transforms from a compact car into a mini-hauler capable of carrying small furniture, camping gear, or a set of track tires.

Cargo Dimensions and Accessibility

With the rear seats up, the hatchback offers 23.3 cubic feet of space. Fold them down, and that expands to a generous 43.9 cubic feet. The wide rear opening makes loading heavy items much easier on your back.

As a DIYer, I appreciate the hatchback for another reason: access. If you need to reach the rear suspension towers or fuel pump access panel, working inside the open cabin of a hatch is far less cramped than crawling into a dark sedan trunk.

High-Performance Variants: Focus ST and Focus RS

If you are an off-roader looking for a “rally-lite” experience or a street performance enthusiast, the performance trims are where the 2016 Focus really shines. Both of these are built exclusively on the 5-door hatchback chassis.

The Focus ST features a 2.0L EcoBoost engine pushing 252 horsepower. It is front-wheel drive but uses a clever torque-vectoring system to pull you through corners. It only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which is a joy for those who love to drive.

Then there is the legendary Focus RS. This was the first year the RS was available in the United States, featuring a 350-horsepower 2.3L EcoBoost engine and a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

The RS Drift Mode and Suspension

The RS is a different beast entirely. It features “Drift Mode,” which can send up to 70% of the power to the rear wheels. For the DIY mechanic, keep in mind that the RS has a much stiffer suspension and unique cooling requirements for the Rear Drive Unit (RDU).

If you plan on buying an RS, check the head gasket service history. Early 2016 models had a well-documented issue where the wrong gasket was installed at the factory. Most have been fixed under recall, but it is a vital “pro-tip” to verify before buying.

Eco-Friendly Driving: The Focus Electric Body Style

Ford also offered a fully electric version of the Focus in 2016. Interestingly, they chose to build this exclusively as a 5-door hatchback to accommodate the large battery pack.

While it looks almost identical to the standard gasoline hatch, the Focus Electric has a few key differences. The most notable is the reduced cargo space. Because the batteries are housed in the rear, the floor of the hatch is significantly higher.

If you are considering the Electric model, be aware that you lose about 30% of the standard hatchback’s utility. However, you gain a near-silent powertrain and zero trips to the gas station, which is a fair trade for many city dwellers.

Comparing Interior Space and Cargo Dimensions

When comparing 2016 ford focus body styles, the “passenger volume” is nearly identical. Whether you choose the sedan or the hatch, your passengers will have the same amount of legroom and shoulder room in the front and back.

The difference lies entirely in headroom and utility. The hatchback’s roofline stays flat further back, giving rear-seat passengers a slightly airier feel compared to the sloping roof of the sedan.

  1. Sedan Cargo: 13.2 cu. ft. (Fixed)
  2. Hatchback Cargo (Seats Up): 23.3 cu. ft.
  3. Hatchback Cargo (Seats Down): 43.9 cu. ft.
  4. Electric Hatchback Cargo: 14.5 cu. ft.
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For those who frequently haul mountain bikes or large grocery hauls, the hatchback is the clear winner. If you just need a car for the daily grind and want the lowest purchase price, the sedan is often the more affordable option on the used market.

Common Maintenance Considerations for the 2016 Focus

No matter which body style you choose, there are a few things every 2016 Focus owner should watch out for. As a technician, I always tell people to check the PowerShift Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) found in most non-performance models.

This transmission is known for “shuddering” during low-speed acceleration. If you are a DIYer, ensuring your ground wires are clean and your battery is at full voltage can sometimes help, but many units required clutch pack replacements under warranty.

If you want to avoid this headache entirely, look for a Focus with a manual transmission. Ford’s manual gearboxes in this era are incredibly robust and much easier to maintain over the long haul.

Safety and Recalls

Keep an eye on the fuel tank purge valve. A faulty valve can cause the gas tank to deform under vacuum pressure, leading to stalling or inaccurate fuel gauge readings. This is a common issue across all 2016 ford focus body styles.

Also, check the door latches. There was a significant recall regarding latches that wouldn’t stay closed. Ensure the previous owner had the “pawl spring” fix completed at a dealership to keep your family safe on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2016 ford focus body styles

Which body style is the safest?

Both the sedan and hatchback received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. They share the same front-end crash structures and airbag systems. The hatchback offers slightly better rear visibility due to the larger glass area, which can help prevent low-speed parking lot accidents.

Can I swap parts between the sedan and the hatchback?

From the front bumper to the B-pillar (the post between the front and rear doors), the parts are almost entirely interchangeable. This includes the engine, transmission, front suspension, and dashboard. However, rear doors, taillights, and rear bumpers are specific to each body style.

Is the Focus ST available as a sedan?

No. In the United States, the Focus ST was only produced as a 5-door hatchback. If you see a “Focus ST Sedan,” it is likely a custom build where someone swapped the drivetrain from a wrecked ST into a standard sedan body.

Does the hatchback get worse gas mileage?

The difference is negligible. The sedan is slightly more aerodynamic at high speeds, which might net you an extra 0.5 MPG on long highway trips. In real-world mixed driving, you won’t notice a difference between the two configurations.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Focus

Choosing between the 2016 ford focus body styles really comes down to how you plan to use the vehicle. If you are a student or a commuter looking for the best deal, the sedan offers a secure trunk and a lower entry price.

However, if you value versatility, the hatchback is the superior choice. Its ability to swallow large items makes it feel like a much larger vehicle than it actually is. And of course, if you want the thrill of a turbocharged engine and a manual gearbox, the ST or RS hatchbacks are the only way to go.

Before you sign the papers, always get a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI), especially to check the transmission health. These cars are a blast to drive and relatively easy to work on if you have a basic set of metric sockets and a floor jack.

Stay safe on the road, keep up with your oil changes, and enjoy the nimble handling that makes the 2016 Focus a standout in the compact car world!

Robert Lozano
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