2017 Ford Focus Electric review
Ford Focus Electric highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Quiet cabin, even at highway speeds
- Lots of available options
Cons
- Electric range is limited compared to more modern EVs
- Backseat space is tight for adults
Battery range (EPA estimate)
100 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Focus hatchback with a great EV motor
Now is a great time to consider an electric vehicle (EV). An EV can feel a little intimidating at first. How do I charge it? How far will it go? Thankfully it's all really easy and the 2017 Ford Focus Electric looks and drives like a normal hatchback, but it's got a state-of-the-art electric motor and battery combo that means that you won't need to stop at the gas station. The 2017 Focus Electric combines the best part of the Focus lineup with tons of standard features, and might just be a great addition to your driveway.
All Ford Focus Electric years
What is new for the 2017 Ford Focus Electric?
- Focus Electric trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s), Power Seat(s), Remote Start, and Auxiliary Audio Input as standard equipment this year.
- Heated Steering Wheel features are now available as options on select trims.
2017 Ford Focus Electric trims
Electric:
Gets standard 100%-sustainable cloth interior, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, heated front seats, leather shift knob, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, hill start assist, reverse sensing system, SYNC 3 system and an eight-inch touchscreen, HID headlights, LED taillamps, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Ford Focus Electric
1. Fast charging
Getting your EV up to full power can take some time depending on the type of charging available. Luckily, the 2017 Focus Electric is capable of using all three levels of charging. So, whether you are plugged in at home on a standard outlet, or using Level 3 fast-charging out and about, the 2017 Focus has you covered. This means that your next road trip is ready to start!
2 . Conscious lifestyle
If you live an eco-conscious lifestyle, owning an EV can add to that. The standard cloth seat trim is made with REPREVE® fiber on all Ford Focus Electric models. This is a more conscious option even than standard cloth seating so you can feel good no matter where you go.
3. Tech too
The 2017 Focus features the SYNC® 3 infotainment system with all the integrations you'll need. It has a large eight-inch touchscreen and with the voice-activated navigation system, the 2017 Focus will keep you on the right path. If you want even more, additional integration like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are on the options list as well.
4. Hatchback practicality
The open road awaits, and the 2017 Focus Electric has a practical hatchback layout so you can bring along more fun. There is 14.2 cu-ft of cargo space with all seats in place. That number increases to 33.2 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. Whether it's a camping trip or a city trip, you can have it all in the 2017 Focus Electric!
5. Organized cargo
Not only is there a lot of space, but with the optional versatile cargo organizer, you can keep it all straight. A carpeted shelf creates an upper level that is strong enough to hold your bags and gear. Meanwhile, Ford added a large compartment with two smaller storage areas so you can keep smaller objects from rolling around out on the road.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2017 Ford Focus Electric, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Nissan Leaf is one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars. The Leaf is a five-door hatchback and all model years are front-wheel drive. The Leaf was all-new for 2018 with a 40 kWh battery pack that powers an electric motor with 147 hp. A longer-range Leaf Plus model was added for 2019 featuring a larger 62 kWh battery. The 40 kWh setup across 2019-2022 gets an EPA-estimated 149 miles of electric range while the 62 kWh battery bumps up to a max EPA-estimated of 226 miles of range (both when fully charged).
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Nissan Leaf include:
Cloth upholstery
Seven-inch driver's display screen (eight-inch for 2019+)
Automatic temperature control
60/40 split-folding backs
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (2019+)
The Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact hatchback with a lot to like. 2017-2020 models have a standard 1.8L four-cylinder gas engine that produces 138 hp and come with a five-speed manual transmission (with hill-hold feature) or you can find an optional six-speed automatic. You can also find an optional (standard as of 2019) turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder with the same horsepower but more torque.
Standard features on the 2017-2020 Chevrolet Sonic include:
Cloth upholstery
Automatic headlights
LED daytime running lights
60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks
Seven-inch touchscreen interface
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality
If you are looking for a premium compact EV that feels like driving a normal car, check out the Volkswagen e-Golf. VW updated the powertrain of the e-Golf for 2017 to add a new 35.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that bumped range from an EPA-estimated 83 miles (2016 models) to 125 miles when fully charged.
The base e-Golf is well equipped with standard equipment for 2017-2019 model years, including:
Cloth upholstery
Automatic headlights
LED running lights
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Heated power-reclining front seats
Eight-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
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Ratings & reliability
Ford Focus Electric features and specs
Base 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sony Sound System
- Sunroof(s)
- Sync System
- Traction Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leather Seats
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
104.3"
Overall length
172.9"
Width
71.8"
Height
58.2"
Leg room
F 41.9"/R 33.2"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 37.9"
Front tires
P225/50HR17
Rear tires
P225/50HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Ford Focus Electric FAQ
There are three levels of EV charging and the 2017 Focus Electric is capable of using all three. Level 1 charging uses a common 120-volt household outlet, while level 2 requires a 100-amp 208-240V dedicated circuit which can be installed at home as well. Level 3 charging is the fastest type of EV charging and is available at public charging stations.
The 2017 Focus Electric has an EPA-estimated 107 MPGe combined and an EPA-estimated range of 115 miles on a full charge. This is more than enough for daily errands and even the odd trip further afield.
Fuel economy and range figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new and assume a full battery charge. Actual mileage and range will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Magnetic is a cool dark gray paint color and looks great on the 2017 Focus Electric. Other great colors include Ingot Silver, Blue Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Kona Blue, and many more.
More about the 2017 Ford Focus Electric
Color options
Exterior colors:
Blue Candy Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Ingot Silver
Kona Blue
Magnetic
Oxford White
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Shadow Black
White Gold
White Platinum Metallic Tri-coat
Interior colors:
Light Stone Leather (optional)
Medium Light Stone Cloth (standard)
Interior details
The 2017 Ford Focus Electric includes standard interior features like 100%-sustainable cloth upholstery, an eight-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, 60/40 split-folding backs, ambient lighting, a cabin air filtration system, front and rear carpeted floor mats, and much more. The 2017 Focus Electric has 14.2 cu-ft of cargo space with all seats in place which increases to 33.2 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. There is even an optional cargo organizer to help keep everything in its place.
Child seat details
The 2017 Ford Focus Electric has two full sets of LATCH connectors for securing child car seats on the driver and passenger side with one additional seating position in the middle with a tether anchor only (a lower anchor can be borrowed from adjacent seats, however).
Performance
The 33.5 kWh 2017 Focus Electric has 143 hp and will hit 60 mph in around ten seconds (when new). The 2017 Focus Electric has an EPA-estimated 107 MPGe combined and an EPA-estimated range of 115 miles when fully charged.
Year comparison
2012-2018 Ford Focus Electric (First Generation)
The Focus Electric went on sale for the 2012 model year, sold as a trim level for the Focus line of sedans and hatchbacks. Only available as a hatchback, the Focus Electric is technically part of the Focus's third generation.
All model years of the Focus Electric are well equipped, with standard features similar to the top-spec Titanium trim of the Focus lineup. Even older models came with tons of standard features like a rear spoiler, hill-start assist, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and more.
The 2012 Focus Electric only had an EPA-estimated range of 76 miles, which stayed consistent until 2017 when it jumped to an EPA-estimated 115 miles.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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