2016 Chevy Cruze vs 2016 Ford Focus

If you're looking for a compact car that will get you from "point A" to "point B" without costing you an arm and a leg, fortunately, there are quite a few top-rated options from the most trusted economy brands. Perhaps no rivalry is as iconic in the US as "Ford vs Chevy" -- with each of these automakers producing solid vehicles every year, that rivalry lives on to extend to the compact sedan segment.

In our 2016 Chevy Cruze vs 2016 Ford Focus comparison review, we'll take a comprehensive look at what each small sedan has to offer. Even though these compact sedan offerings are smaller than your typical luxury sedan, they still offer compelling handling and impressive ride quality. The Focus, especially, has impressed drivers year after year with its precise steering feel and fun-to-drive character. But as it gets on in years, are competitors closing the gap?

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2016 Chevy Cruze vs 2016 Ford Focus
1.4L turbo four-cylinder Engine 2.0L four-cylinder
41 mpg Highway fuel economy 36 mpg
36.1 in. Rear legroom 33.2 in.
7-inch Central display 4.2-inch

The 2016 Ford Focus offers a variety of options for bodystyles and powertrains, including a hatchback option and an electric option. The four-door, five-passenger sedan, in base Focus S trim, offers: 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, a 4.2-inch central display, power front and manual rear windows, power locks and mirrors, Sync voice controls, Bluetooth, four speakers and a USB port. Ford's MyKey allows parents to limit speed, audio volume and other vehicle functions for teen drivers.

Comparatively, the redesigned 2016 Chevy Cruze L trim features 15-inch wheels, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, four speakers, a USB port, OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and WiFi hotspot, a rearview camera, a larger 7-inch central touchscreen and the MyLink infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ford's smartphone integration software has not always proven the most user-friendly, and for 2016, there's no option for the highly-praised Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration interfaces. The Cruze has a lower starting MSRP and a more efficient, turbocharged engine than the Focus. And if you'll have frequent passengers, the Cruze's rear seat offers significantly more legroom than the aging Focus. A more well-rounded option? We'd go with the 2016 Chevy Cruze. Contact us today for a test drive!