Select a year
- Highs Old-school wagon shape, huge interior, decent power from the optional turbocharged V-6.
- Lows Base SE trim is short on features, poor fuel economy, feels dated against newer rivals.
- Verdict The Flex has a funky shape, a comfortable ride, and a cavernous interior, but it's dated compared the competition, and the base model is very lightly equipped.
Overview
The 2017 Ford Flex blurs the lines between a classic station wagon, a roomy SUV, and a practical minivan. Strap a couple of surfboards onto the roof and add wood trim to the exterior, and the Flex is suddenly the ultimate modern-day surfer mobile. Powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine in naturally aspirated or turbocharged form, the Flex can be had in front- or all-wheel drive configuration. While its offbeat design stands out in a crowd, and it has an entertaining turn of speed with the optional turbocharged engine, the Flex is also feeling dated compared to newer rivals.
What's New for 2017?
The Flex enters the 2017 model year with no notable changes.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SE: $30,920
- SEL: $33,625
- Limited: $39,125
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powerplant produces a total of 287 horsepower and is available in both front- and all-wheel drive. Upgrading to the optional turbocharged version of this same V-6 engine significantly ups the pace of the seven-passenger Flex and makes all-wheel drive standard. With a total of 365 horsepower on tap, the turbo Flex needs approximately 6.2 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. That’s impressive, as is the Flex’s comfortable ride and planted stance. Because it sits lower to the ground than a typical SUV, the Flex doesn’t have the same degree of softness and body lean you find in many sport-utes during hard cornering. One negative is the Flex’s voracious appetite for fuel. It’s not great with the base engine and downright ugly with the turbo V-6.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Flex has a cabin that feels more like a minivan than a wagon or SUV. That’s meant as a compliment, since there’s tons of room onboard for anyone seated in any of the three rows. Available dual captain’s chairs make accessing the third row easy, even for taller adults. With the second and third row seats folded, the Flex is great for hauling cargo thanks to its blocky shape and low floor. Higher trims can be outfitted with leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and power-folding third row. Keep in mind, it might seem like a bargain, but the base SE trim is bleak when it comes to standard comfort, safety, or tech features. It’s worth climbing to higher trims to gain access to features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base Flex comes without a touchscreen interface, making do instead with a small 4.2-inch display, although it does include Bluetooth, one USB port, an auxiliary input, and a six-speaker stereo with CD player. Ford’s Sync 3 system joins the party with the mid-range SEL and upscale Limited trims. The 8.0-inch touchscreen is easy to navigate and responds quickly to driver inputs. The higher trims and option packages include such features as navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, additional USB ports, a 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio, and a rear-seat entertainment center.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Ford Flex’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
