Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi vs Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost

Comparison winners

4 metrics
0-100 winner Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost 5.7 s Runner-up: 8.4 s
Power winner Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost 280 hp Runner-up: 160 hp
Cargo winner Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi 395 L Runner-up: 375 L
Price winner Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi $25,900 Runner-up: $32,900

How the specs compare

This comparison sets the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi against the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost. Both belong to the hatchback class, so their dimensions, performance and utility figures address a broadly similar type of car. Both use petrol powertrains, allowing a relatively direct comparison of the recorded energy figures.

Performance, power and 0-100 km/h

2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost has the quicker recorded 0-100 km/h time at 5.7 seconds, compared with 8.4 seconds for 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi. 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost has the higher listed output at 280 hp; 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi is rated at 160 hp, a difference of 120 hp. The torque figures follow 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost at 420 Nm and 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi at 253 Nm. These figures describe straight-line potential only; they do not establish braking performance, ride quality, steering response or durability under repeated hard use.

Range, battery, charging and efficiency

2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi has the lower recorded consumption at 6.6 L/100km; 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost is listed at 8.1 L/100km. Test cycle, temperature, wheel size and charging conditions can materially affect these results, so only figures measured on the same basis should be treated as directly comparable.

Dimensions, cargo space and towing

2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi provides the larger quoted cargo volume: 395 litres versus 375 litres, a difference of 20 litres. 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost is 68 mm longer overall. Exterior size is not a benefit by itself: a longer body may create useful room, but cargo shape, rear-seat space and ease of parking still require a physical inspection.

Price and overall assessment

2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi has the lower listed starting price at $25,900, compared with $32,900 for 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost. The measured categories split evenly, so the better choice depends on which attributes matter most. The assessment is based on the specifications shown here; it is not presented as a two-car road test.

Prepared by CarsbySpec from the structured specifications displayed on this page. Missing values are not estimated, and component figures are not treated as directly comparable system figures. Read the methodology.

Specification Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost2025
Performance
0-100 km/h8.4 s5.7 s
Top Speed210 km/h250 km/h
Power160 hp280 hp
Torque253 Nm420 Nm
Range & Efficiency
Fuel Tank50 L52 L
Efficiency6.6 L/100km8.1 L/100km
CO2 Emissions150 g/km185 g/km
Size & Capacity
Length4,310 mm4,378 mm
Ground Clearance140 mm130 mm
Cargo395 L375 L
Curb Weight1,355 kg1,451 kg
Seats55
Turning Circle10.6 m11.0 m
Starting MSRP$25,900$32,900

Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi vs Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost questions answered

Which is faster, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 5.7 seconds, versus 8.4 seconds for 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi.

Which has the higher top speed, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost has the higher listed top speed at 250 km/h (155 mph), compared with 210 km/h (130 mph).

Which has more horsepower, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost has more power at 280 hp, a 120 hp advantage over 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi.

Which has more cargo or boot space, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi has more listed cargo space at 395 litres (13.9 cu ft), versus 375 litres (13.2 cu ft).

Which is heavier, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost is heavier at 1,451 kg (3,199 lb), while 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi is listed at 1,355 kg (2,987 lb).

Which is cheaper, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi has the lower recorded starting MSRP at $25,900 USD, compared with $32,900 USD for 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost. Regional pricing and equipment can differ.

Which is better, the 2025 Kia Ceed 1.5 T-GDi or the 2025 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost?

The measured categories split evenly, so the better choice depends on which attributes matter most. This comparison is based on recorded specifications rather than a road test, so the right choice depends on the buyer's priorities.