Overview

What's New for 2019

Three trim levels exist for the Ford Flex: SE, SEL and Limited. SE models come with standard equipment like automatic headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, power-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, air conditioning, leather wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split second row seats, Sync voice command interface and a sound system with six speakers, a CD player and auxiliary input jack. SEL models add more standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, foglights, power-adjustable front passenger seat, satellite radio and a MyFord Touch infotainment center with two USB ports and an SD card reader. Limited models come with the most standard features, including LED taillights, xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry, power liftgate, driver’s seat memory settings, blind spot monitoring system, perforated leather upholstery, power adjustable pedals, wood trimmed steering wheel, 110-volt power outlet, navigation with real-time traffic, backup camera and a sound system with 12 speakers and HD radio. Optional equipment includes a refrigerated compartment, heated second row seats, automatic parallel parking system, 20-inch wheels, collision warning with brake support, power folding third row seats, adaptive cruise control and ventilated front seats. Options that are available on all three trim levels include inflatable seatbelts for the second row seats, roof side rails and second row captain’s chairs. SEL and Limited models can come with multipanel rear sunroofs and a tow package. A Flex comes with a factory invoice of about $31,000 for an SE model and an MSRP of about $32,000. The SEL trim level adds about $3,000 to the vehicle’s MSRP while the Limited adds another $6,000. You benefit as a member by receiving a no-hassle car shopping experience and clear pricing that includes savings in your pocket.

The standard engine for the Flex is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 285 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard along with front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel-drive is available on SEL and Limited models. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 18 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel-drive. Adding all-wheel-drive lowers fuel mileage to 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. An EcoBoost engine is available with Limited models. The 3.5-liter V6 turbocharged engine puts out 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard as is a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shifter paddles. Fuel economy estimates come in at 16 mpg for city driving, 21 mpg for highway driving and 18 mpg for both.

The interior of the Ford Flex is surprisingly upscale, reaching the level of niceness found in many luxury vehicles. Interior surfaces are either all dark grey or they are dark grey mixed with cream, giving a sophisticated two-tone look. All surfaces are soft and seem to be made of high-grade materials. Every piece of the interior seems to be solidly anchored and nothing rattles around even at freeway speeds. The gauges and controls layout is very modern, with a lack of numerous buttons that make so many vehicle interiors confusing to use. Instead, the Flex’s controls are easy to locate and use, while the Sync system makes it so you can change settings just by talking to the vehicle. One problem with the interior is the MyFord Touch infotainment system. While it looks nice, the navigation on the touchscreen can be difficult to learn. Not only that, but some of the on-screen buttons are finicky, making it difficult to make selections. But the system does allow you to change its layout so it is not potentially as difficult to use. Another great point of the Flex is interior space. The boxy exterior means the interior has plenty of room so much that it rivals the space of many minivans. Even tall adults can sit in the third row. All of the vehicle’s seats are quite comfortable. Storage bins and cup holders are abundant throughout the vehicle. Cargo space is ample, with a total of 83 cubic feet with the second and third row seats folded down.