2019 Ford Flex review
The Ford Flex was only offered for a single generation, but the people mover remained unique in the market. Its boxy shape not only served to help set the Flex apart from other family transport options, it also created a roomy three-row cabin. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Flex had two engine options, including a powerful twin-turbo EcoBoost® V6 that was offered exclusively on the top-level Limited AWD. Unfortunately, the interior was starting to look dated after a 10-year run. The infotainment system had improved to the new SYNC® 3 system, but the touch controls could be frustrating to use.
Explore the evolution of the Ford Flex
Get our expert take on used Ford Flex models, or view year-by-year changes.
First generation Ford Flex
With minivans falling out of favor with consumers, Ford introduced a new take on the people mover with the all-new 2009 Ford Flex. Styling was unlike anything else on the road—designers took a big, boxy people mover and made it look cool. The refresh in 2013 added a sleek new grille but retained the overall shape. The Flex also featured a premium interior with roomy seating for seven, and the available power-folding second-row seats made for easy access to the third row. The second row could slide forward or aft, and there was an available refrigerator in the center console.
The Ford Flex arrived in 2009 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with available all-wheel drive. The Flex received a horsepower boost in 2013, as well as a new, more powerful twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost®, which put out a plentiful 365 horsepower.
Model highlights
Available turbocharged EcoBoost® engine (added in 2013)
Second-row refrigerator (discontinued in 2017)
Unique exterior styling
4,500-pound towing capacity
Available inflatable rear seat belts
Changes by year
Latest generation from 2009 - 2019
2019 Ford Flex
2018 Ford Flex
2017 Ford Flex
2016 Ford Flex
2015 Ford Flex
Looking for 2012 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2013 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Ford Flex an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Flex 9th out of 14 among Minivans.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Ford Flex is $589, compared to an average of $572 for Minivans and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Ford Flex owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.3 times per year, compared to an average of 1.6 times for Minivans and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 18% for the Ford Flex, compared to an average of 14% for Minivans and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Perry Stern has been writing about cars for almost 30 years and has been an enthusiast for much longer than that. Contributing to multiple automotive publications, Perry drives almost every new car on the market, ranging from base-level Kias to exotic high-performance Lamborghinis. But his favorite is still the 2006 Mazda Miata parked in his garage.
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Editorial content contained on this page comes from Edmunds.com, Inc., a subsidiary of CarMax Enterprise Service, LLC, and information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.