When you need a full-size crossover SUV but don’t know where to start, don’t count the Ford Flex out! This awesome crossover provides plenty of room for up to seven passengers, numerous helpful options and features, a car-like ride and a fresh, modern appearance that stands out from the crowd.
What Ford Flex specs should I know about?
Here’s a quick glance at the major specs:
- Two 3.5L V6 Engine Options: a Duratec reaching up to 287 hp and an EcoBoost reaching up to 365 hp
- Fuel Mileage: engine and drivetrain dependent, but sips gas at 15-17 MPG City, 21-24 MPG Highway
- Towing: drives like a car, hauls up to 4,500 pounds of trailer capacity
Though there are a lot more than three specs to consider when looking at a vehicle to purchase, the Ford Flex won’t disappoint. Instead of running around the internet to learn more, we’ve compiled this article with a ton of information to make it easy for you to learn more.
A Quick Overview of the Ford Flex
Though it was only produced from 2009 to 2019 model years, the Ford Flex displayed a sharp breakaway for the domestic manufacturer to a fun, modern, fresh look.
Entering the full-size crossover SUV market to replace the Freestar minivan, it provided a great option for families that wanted a vehicle that drove like a car, had the room of a minivan and was as tough as an SUV. In the Ford lineup, it was slotted between the midsize crossover SUV Explorer and the full-size SUV Expedition.
Though it was well-received, it was eventually pulled from the lineup as Ford executives decided to concentrate on their faster-growing models. It won the 2016 Kelley Blue Book Best Auto Tech award, with standard Ford Sync technology, a wide range of safety features and stylish design that made it a hit in urban centers such as Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Crossover’s Crossover
Let’s start by looking at the Flex’s powertrain. Though it only has the SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission, you can find Flex crossovers with either standard front-wheel or available all-wheel drive. However, it’s when you get into the engines that you can find some really interesting options.
With a standard 3.5L Duratec V6, your Flex can reach up to 287 hp and 254 lb-ft., which is probably about average for a crossover.
But with Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 option, you’re suddenly keeping up with smaller full-size pickup specs, reaching 365 hp and 350 lb-ft., along with adding fun-to-drive steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This capability allows the Flex to tow a respectable 4,500 pounds of camper, boat or toy hauler.
But what do those numbers translate into in terms of real-world numbers? The stock Duratec engine delivers a respectable seven-second zero-to 60 time, while the EcoBoost shaves off a little more than a second, coming in at 5.9 seconds.
In the quarter-mile drag, the stock engine came in at 14.7 seconds versus the EcoBoost’s 14.2 seconds. This means that not only does the EcoBoost deliver more power at the engine, but it does a great job of moving that extra power to the wheels for a strong takeoff.
Speaking of fast stops, let’s talk safety for a minute. Oversized front brake rotors bring all of that power to a screeching halt in about 130 feet, making it easier to avoid neighborhood pets and children that dart into the street.
The Flex features side-curtain airbags that go all the way to the back row, something that other manufacturers have missed in the past. Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and traction control make it much easier to avoid accidents in the first place by keeping your wheels firmly on the ground.
Other Key Specs for the Ford Flex
Crossovers were designed to create a good mix for drivers that needed the space of a minivan with the performance of an SUV.
The Ford Flex not only met this requirement, but it blew it out of the water, providing a fresh, new appearance that still harkened back to the old station wagon many of its drivers grew up with.
Featuring long, low styling, the Flex had a wide range of features that made it stand out, including through the 2016 model year, with heated second-row seats and a center-console refrigerator.
But beyond that, it features a wide range of tech features to make your life easier, including a standard backup camera, automatic on/off headlamps, 12-volt power points in all rows to prevent bickering over device charging and a driver-assist package that includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and active parking assist.
A capless fuel fill means you won’t drive off without the cap again, while the SYNC three eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system keeps you connected to the rest of the world.
Available heated and cooled ventilated seats with memory, third-row power-fold seats, power-adjustable pedals with memory, remote engine start and voice-activated navigation would make you think you’re stepping into an expensive luxury vehicle.
Pros and Cons for the Ford Flex
Though the Ford Flex does a great job of meeting so many different needs, like any vehicle, it has its benefits and its drawbacks. Here’s a quick look at pros and cons that were noticed by expert reviewers:
Pros:
- Minivan-like room, seating, options and versatility
- Fresh modern styling both interior and exterior
- Car-like ride provides an easy, comfortable drive
- Available all-wheel drive and a powerful engine help in bad weather
- Strong towing capacity makes for fun family getaways
Cons:
- Doesn’t have enough clearance for serious off-roading
- Towing in full-size SUVs can be higher than the Flex’s 4,500 pounds
- Doesn’t have as many all-wheel or four-wheel drive options as dedicated SUVs
The Ford Flex delivers plenty of capability in a package that does just as well on city streets as it does hitting the back roads. Is it the right vehicle for you? You’ll have to decide that, but don’t forget to look up the Vehicle History before you buy!
