Can the rear seats of the Focus be laid flat?
3 Answers
Depending on the model of the Focus, the functionality of the seats varies. The older Focus and the classic Focus models allow the seats to be laid flat. Here are a few precautions to note when folding down the rear seats: 1. Do not allow passengers to sit when the rear seats are folded: Never allow anyone to sit in the luggage area or on the rear seats when they are folded. Passengers sitting in these areas can suffer serious injuries in the event of an accident or sudden braking. 2. Pay attention to luggage safety: When there are passengers in the rear seat area or luggage on the rear seats, do not fold the rear seats. Ensure all luggage is properly secured to prevent sliding or movement, and avoid placing cargo higher than the backrest.
As an owner of an older Focus, I frequently fold down the rear seats to transport my scooter. Most rear seats in this car can lie almost flat, but note model variations: post-2012 third-gen Focus models all feature 60/40 split-folding seats that can accommodate full-size mountain bikes when folded. Operation is straightforward - just remove the headrests and release the seatback latches. However, the older hatchback versions require flipping the rear seat cushions forward for complete flatness, leaving a slight incline that becomes a usable camping bed with an air mattress. On weekends, I often take my dog on trips - the folded rear space easily fits three suitcases plus a dog crate. Remember to remove the cargo cover in the trunk, otherwise it might interfere with the seatbacks.
Last month, I tried my friend's 2021 Focus, and folding down the rear seats to load IKEA furniture was simply genius. Just pull the plastic handle on the side of the seat, and with a click, the backrest folds down. In the sedan version, you can fit 2-meter-long curtain rods after folding the seats, but be mindful that the trunk opening might limit the entry of larger items. Actual measurement shows the folded depth is about 1.7 meters—enough to serve as a temporary double bed. If the seat latch doesn't spring back, a few firm taps near the backrest hinge usually fixes it. This design in the Focus has been reliable for a decade.
