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2017 Ford Flex review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Ford Flex highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  •  Plenty of room for cargo
  • Muscular engine
  • Surprisingly comfortable third-row seats

Cons

  • Difficult to get to the second-row seats
  • Infotainment system difficult to use
  • Awkward exterior

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

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Practical SUV with seating for seven

The 2017 Ford Flex is a wonderful three-row SUV reminiscing an old-school wagon with its elongated, boxy shape. It's ready to meet all your needs when it comes to carrying both people and cargo. It comes with attractive engine options delivering a fast ride and allowing it to haul heavy payloads. On top of all that, the cabin of the 2017 Ford Flex is equipped with all amenities passengers need for a pleasant ride and is roomy enough to feel comfortable even on longer trips.

All Ford Flex years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford Flex generation from 2013 to 2019

What is new for the 2017 Ford Flex?

  • Flex trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
  • Heated Steering Wheel and Blind Spot Monitor features are now available as options on select trims.

Ford Flex photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Ford Flex

1. Ample room for cargo 

Carrying a lot of cargo is one of the main functions the 2017 Ford Flex was built for. It offers 20 cu-ft of space behind the third-row seat, which can easily fit a couple of large suitcases and a few carry-on bags. This means you won't have to worry about transporting all your family's luggage on your next vacation. If you need even more space, you can fold the third-row seat and get 43.2 cu-ft, while the maximum cargo capacity measures 80 cu-ft with both the third- and the second-row seats folded. 

2. Standard tech features 

For an enhanced ride experience in all three rows, the 2017 Ford Flex is equipped with a series of tech features providing connectivity and entertainment. One of them is the 4.2-inch central display screen that gives you access to the Sync® infotainment system, which you can activate via voice commands. Also, there is a six-speaker audio system, a USB port, and Bluetooth® connectivity. 

3. Towing power 

The 2017 Ford Flex is a strong SUV with plenty of utility. Towing is one of the areas where it excels, with an estimated capacity of 4,500 lbs with the base 3.0L V6 engine, when properly equipped.

Items you can tow with this kind of capacity include a pair of snowmobiles or ATVs, a small utility trailer or a camper trailer, a fishing boat, or a flatbed trailer, to name just a few. 

4. Extraordinary passenger comfort 

On the inside, the 2017 Ford Flex is incredibly spacious and offers excellent passenger comfort. It has three rows of seats to accommodate up to seven people. Front headroom and legroom measure 41.8 inches and 40.8 inches, respectively. Second-row passengers get 40.5 inches of headroom and 44.3 inches of legroom, while those sitting in the third row get 33.3 inches of legroom. 

5. Plenty of power under the hood 

Rounding out the entire package of the 2017 Ford Flex is a vigorous engine. It's powered by a standard 3.5L V6 that generates 287 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard. Even though it's not a sporty car, it still delivers a respectable performance, going from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

5 customer reviews
The 2017 Ford Flex is well-liked for its smooth handling, spacious interior, and strong visibility, making it ideal for families. Some concerns include below-average fuel economy and occasional dashboard technology issues, but overall satisfaction remains high, particularly for comfort and practicality.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Above Average

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.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Flex

Ford Flex features and specs

Curious how Ford Flex trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SEL 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Smart Key
  • Remote Start
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Sync System
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto

Optional Features

  • Sunroof(s)
  • Skylight(s)
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Quad Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Full Roof Rack
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Tow Hitch
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Navigation System
  • Rear Entertainment System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

287

Torque (ft-lbs)

254

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.6

Wheelbase

117.9"

Overall length

201.8"

Width

75.9"

Height

68"

Leg room

F 40.8"/M 44.3"/R 33.3"

Head room

F 41.8"/M 40.5"/R 38.7"

Front tires

P235/60TR18

Rear tires

P235/60TR18

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Ford Flex FAQ

The 2017 Ford Flex has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2017 Ford Flex has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Ford Flex, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Ford Flex Reviews.
The Ford Flex received a rating of 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Ford Flex as 9 out of 14 among Minivan
Here are the pros and cons of the 2017 Ford Flex: Pros - Ride and Handling - Interior Space - Seat Comfort Cons - Dashboard - Fuel Economy - Weather Versatility
Here is what's new for the 2017 Ford Flex:
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Heated Steering Wheel
The 2017 Ford Flex offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 16 city / 23 highway MPG (Limited trim) • Gas: 16 city / 23 highway MPG (SE trim) • Gas: 16 city / 23 highway MPG (SEL trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

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.

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