Living with a 2022 Ford Focus ST... worth it?

I’ve been looking into the 2022 Focus ST and found some detailed reviews on its daily usability. The car seems to have a mix of pros and cons: great power, awesome adaptive dampers, and Recaro seats, but also some quirks like its active cruise control and gear suggestions. For anyone who owns one, how’s it holding up in day-to-day life? Do the good bits outweigh the annoyances?

I’ve had mine for about a year now, and honestly, I love it. The adaptive dampers make it so comfortable for daily driving, and the manual transmission is buttery smooth. The quirks, like the cruise control, are annoying but not dealbreakers.

@Adair
Good to hear! How about the Recaro seats? Are they as comfy as people say for longer drives?

Rory said:
@Adair
Good to hear! How about the Recaro seats? Are they as comfy as people say for longer drives?

Absolutely! The lateral support is amazing, and they stay comfy even on road trips. Definitely one of the highlights of the car.

The Focus ST is a sleeper for sure. It’s quick, handles great, and doesn’t shout about it. The Orange Fury paint does stand out, though—it’s worth the extra cost if you want something unique.

Kiran said:
The Focus ST is a sleeper for sure. It’s quick, handles great, and doesn’t shout about it. The Orange Fury paint does stand out, though—it’s worth the extra cost if you want something unique.

Sleeper vibe is what I’m after! How’s the fuel economy been for you? I’ve read it can be a bit thirsty.

@Rory
It’s not the most economical, especially in Sport or Race mode, but if you drive it sensibly, it’s not too bad. Worth it for the fun factor, IMO.

I had a chance to take mine to the track, and wow, this thing shines! The handling is sharp, and the auto-blip feature in Race mode is super handy if you’re not great at heel-and-toe.

Bryce said:
I had a chance to take mine to the track, and wow, this thing shines! The handling is sharp, and the auto-blip feature in Race mode is super handy if you’re not great at heel-and-toe.

That sounds epic! Did you notice any issues with the limited-slip differential or tires after track use?

@Rory
Not at all. The LSD works beautifully, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires hold up well. Just keep an eye on tread wear if you track it often.

I think the interior is decent for the price. Yeah, some plastics feel cheap, but the digital dash and B&O sound system make up for it.

Amory said:
I think the interior is decent for the price. Yeah, some plastics feel cheap, but the digital dash and B&O sound system make up for it.

How’s the digital dash? I read it can lag when changing modes.

@Rory
It does lag a bit, especially if you’re flipping modes on the go. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable.

One thing I didn’t expect: it flies under the radar. Not many people realize it’s a performance car unless they’re car nerds. I kinda like that.

Vince said:
One thing I didn’t expect: it flies under the radar. Not many people realize it’s a performance car unless they’re car nerds. I kinda like that.

That’s actually a big plus for me. Do you feel like it’s overlooked compared to the Golf GTI or Hyundai i30 N?

@Rory
Definitely. The Golf GTI gets more attention, but the Focus ST is just as capable and a bit more unique, IMO.