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2018 Ford Flex

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Make
Ford
Model
Flex
Year
2018
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Ford Flex OEM Exterior Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 SE 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $30,285
2018 SEL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $32,995
2018 SEL 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,945
2018 Limited 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $38,495
2018 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $40,445
2018 Limited w/EcoBoost 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $43,295

Overview

The Ford Flex is one of the hardest vehicles to classify on the road today. It's not quite an SUV or a station wagon and it fulfills a role similar to that of a minivan, yet fails to fall into that category as well. In reality, it's an amalgam of all three of those segments, providing the best of all worlds. Unfortunately for Ford, this hasn't translated into a sales success. Still, the Flex soldiers on into 2018, after almost 10 years of production.

What's New for 2018

There have been no significant changes for 2018.

Ford Flex

Choosing Your Ford Flex

Despite the Flex's poor sales, it's a solid choice for someone who wants a practical vehicle that can carry seven people and a bunch of stuff. The interior is cavernous, and it's easily equipped to become one of the best road-tripping vehicles on the market. The design may be polarizing, but those who love it tend to really love it.

The Flex is available with two different V6 engines: the base level 3.5-liter V6 produces 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and an optional twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 available on the top Limited trim with all-wheel drive that puts out 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Neither of these engines are particularly fuel efficient, attaining its best rating of 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway for the base engine with front-wheel drive; other powertrain configurations are slightly worse.

All-wheel drive is available on the SEL and Limited trims, and adds $1,950 to the cost.

Ford Flex

SE

The SE trim is the base level trim for the Flex, starting at $31,190 including $995 destination fee. It is equipped with cloth seats (power-adjustable on the driver's side), 17-inch wheels, and rear bumper parking sensors, but not much else. There's a simple display audio system, along with USB connectivity. The only available option at this trim level is inflatable second row seat belts for $195.

Ford Flex

SEL

The SEL offers much more for $33,895, with Ford's latest SYNC 3 infotainment system, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and fog lamps now standard. It also opens the door to all-wheel drive, as well as more options and equipment groups. The 202A Equipment Group rings up at $2,400 and has the biggest impact on the Flex SEL, adding a seven-speaker audio system, blind-spot monitoring, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a memory function for the driver's seat.

A $1,495 Appearance Package adds numerous blacked-out exterior elements (grille, mirror caps, etc.), along with black wheels and a black contrasting roof. Standalone options include an innovative glass roof system that bathes all three rows in natural light for $1,595. Navigation is a $795 option. Each of these options requires the 202A Equipment Group.

Ford Flex

Limited

The Limited trim starts at $39,395 and adds much of the optional gear from the SEL, including leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, and navigation. On top of those features, the Limited boasts HID headlights. Its big draw, though, is the available twin-turbocharged V6. The brawnier engine is a $3,350 option that comes with 20-inch wheels but also requires all-wheel drive and the 301A Equipment Group, making its effective price $8,200.

That 301A Equipment Group adds $2,900 to the price tag and outfits the Flex with adaptive cruise control, an automatic parallel parking system, a power third-row seat, and a heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescoping functions. The driver and passenger seats also get heating and cooling functions. The Appearance Package on the Limited is only $495 while the glass roof's price is unchanged.

CarsDirect Tip

The Ford Flex may be getting long in the tooth, but it still fills a niche that isn't directly filled by anything else. The best value lies with the SEL, which can be well optioned yet still cost less than the higher limited trim. Also, because the Flex doesn't sell well, keep an eye out for factory incentives that can bring the cost down considerably.

Get your price on a Ford Flex »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

The 2018 Ford Flex defies easy categorization with its wagon-like looks. Classified as a crossover SUV, the Flex offers very good first- and second-row seats along with ample cargo flexibility. But the style is dated and prices can easily reach Lincoln levels.

Best Value

The 2018 Ford Flex is a mid-size sport utility vehicle with room for seven. It comes with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Ford offers the 2018 Flex in SE, SEL, and Limited trims.

Ford offers a pair of engine choices. We chose front-wheel drive and the standard V6, which comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Upgrading to the powerful turbocharged V6 requires all-wheel drive, adding $8,200 to your price. Fully loaded, the 2018 Flex can easily top $50,000.

We chose the SEL as it adds such features as keyless entry with push-button start, a remote start system, Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, power front seats with lumbar support, and fog lights. At this middle trim level, you're also able to enjoy a few package options not available with the base model. Three of them are included in our recommended build.

Here's how we'd build ours:

  • Model: 2018 Ford Flex SEL
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6
  • Output: 290 hp / 254 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 16 City / 23 Hwy
  • Options: 202A Equipment Group ($2,400, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, premium seven-speaker audio system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, power liftgate, memory driver's seat and exterior mirrors, 110-volt outlet), 2nd Row 40/40 Reclining Seats ($695), Navigation ($795).
  • Base Price: $33,990 (including a $995 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price: $37,880

Performance

Ford Flex

With the 2018 Flex, Ford delivers standard and turbocharged versions of its 3.5-liter V6 engine. There's a significant power difference between the two, but the base engine is no slouch – you have 290 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque at your disposal. Ford pairs this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. In this day of eight or more cogs, the Flex seems behind the times. It also consumes more gas than what we’d like.

Our chosen powertrain performs admirably, with sufficient acceleration and a transmission that moves through the gear range without drama. This model delivers a compliant ride, crisp steering, able handling, and firm brakes. Nevertheless, the 2018 Flex feels heavy, just like the utility vehicle it is.

Style

When the Ford Flex rolled out in 2009, its look was an attention getter. Trouble is, other than some cosmetic changes across the ensuing years, the look is relatively the same. It no longer commands the surprise that it once did. The one thing that can be said is that the Flex, with it boxy outline, won’t be easily confused with other Ford models – or with anything else on the road for that matter. And with bona fide wagons such as the Buick Regal TourX beginning to find traction, customers have even more options to explore.

Inside, we give the Flex high marks for its very comfortable first- and second-row seats. Even the third-row seat is usable and cargo space is excellent. For our sample model, we replaced the three-seat middle row bench seat with a pair of 40/40 seats. Yes, you lose one seat, but you gain even more comfortable second-row seats, while offering improved maneuverability in the third row.

The Best and Worst Things

Perhaps the best thing about the Ford Flex is that it's a suitable alternative to a minivan. No, you don’t have the second-row sliding doors to aid access and egress, but you do get a highly usable and flexible interior. However, choose a top-end Limited and maximize the options, and you’re looking at a $50,000 vehicle, which is very close to what you’d pay for a similar Lincoln MKT.

Right For? Wrong For?

Ford Flex

The Ford Flex is right for the person who prefers a traditional wagon-like interior, but also needs plenty of cargo space. With up to 83 cubic feet of space at the ready, the Flex shows its flexibility to handle your cargo needs. That said, the Flex’s style remains polarizing, even after a decade of market exposure.

The Bottom Line

The 2018 Ford Flex is an outlier among crossovers, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It doesn’t ride as high as the similar Ford Explorer, but you won’t confuse it with long-retired models such as the Ford Country Squire wagon. In all, the Flex fills a niche with no strong challengers to consider.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 254 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd SelectShift w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
16 / 23 / 19 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 290 HP / 254 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
16 / 23 / 19 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
83.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
156 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
201.8 "
Exterior Width
75.9 "
Exterior Height
68.0 "
Front Headroom
41.8 "
Rear Headroom
40.5 "
Front Legroom
40.8 "
Rear Legroom
44.3 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.4 "
Rear Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,439 Lbs.
Wheel Base
118 "
Turning Radius
20.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
8-way (6-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
8-way (6-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
4
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Securilock
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

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