Trunk comparison: Ford Focus vs VW Golf Wagon (Mk5)

Key Differences

The VW Golf 5 offers a significantly longer cargo area with the front seats upright: 11 in or 36% longer than the Ford Focus. Conversely, the Ford Focus scores with the vertical depth of the trunk: the depth (loading edge to trunk floor) is 5.1 in or 260% greater in the Focus than in the Golf.

What this means for usability

The significantly greater loading length in the Golf makes it easier to transport long items (e.g., slats, pipes, long furniture parts) without folding down the seats. Those who frequently carry bulky but flat or long cargo with the rear seats upright have a clear advantage with the Golf.

The considerably greater depth in the Focus means more vertical space behind the loading edge. This is beneficial for tall, bulky items or when the cargo needs to be lowered deeper into the trunk — usable interior height and volume increase as a result.

However, the loading edge of the Focus is positioned slightly higher above the road (by 2 in), which can make heavy lifting a bit more strenuous; the opening height of the loading area is also 2.4 in higher in the Focus, which can facilitate loading tall items.

Other minor differences: With the seats fully folded down, the Golf is 5.9 in (10%) longer — a moderate advantage. The narrowest trunk width is minimally greater in the Focus (+0.4 in), while the width of the opening is minimally greater in the Golf (+0.4 in); these deviations are practically insignificant.