2018 Ford Flex review
Ford Flex highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Interior is spacious and versatile for cargo or passengers
- Outward visibility is excellent for such a large vehicle
- Turbocharged V6 engine has an abundance of power
Cons
- Standard second-row bench does not slide
- Advanced safety features have limited availability
- Difficulty using some controls
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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Unique styling of the 2018 Ford Flex hides a versatile and comfortable interior
The 2018 Ford Flex packs three rows of seats into a vehicle somewhere between a station wagon and a midsize SUV. The Flex offers up a long list of features, a comfortable interior and a high degree of flexibility that keep it a compelling choice, even against newer competitors. Two V6 engines are available, including a twin-turbocharged version that turns the Flex into a secret hot rod. The infotainment system has also kept up with the times, with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ available on SEL and higher trims.
That boxy exterior design stands out in a parking lot and helps create a roomy interior with tons of space for people and their things. Even the third row has acceptable space for adults, at least for short trips. Behind the third row is a large cargo area that’s easy to load and unload.
Note that although the Flex’s design has aged gracefully since its 2009 debut, most competitors from 2018 have more modern-feeling interiors and more widely available driver assist systems.
All Ford Flex years
What is new for the 2018 Ford Flex?
- Flex trims have been upgraded with Vinyl Seats as standard equipment this year.
- The SEL trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Rear Air Conditioning as standard equipment.
2018 Ford Flex trims
Curious how Ford Flex trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSE:
- 290-hp, 254-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- View our Ford Flex SE inventory
SEL:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Front Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- Remote Start
- 4WD/AWD
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Navigation System
- View our Ford Flex SEL inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the SEL
- 365-hp, 350-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seats
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Sony Sound System
- Vinyl Seats
- View our Ford Flex Limited inventory
Ford Flex photos
What We Like
Interior flexibility: The 2018 Ford Flex lives up to its name with an interior that’s roomy, comfortable, and has tons of cargo and small item storage space. There’s plenty of cargo space behind the third row, and it’s easy to fold down the third row for even more. There’s even an available fridge, mounted between the middle row seats, that makes the Flex the ultimate road tripper.
Visibility: The unique exterior styling of the Flex pays off with excellent outward visibility. The big windows and wide exterior mirrors make maneuvering this large vehicle easy enough that the backup camera almost feels unnecessary, although we’re still glad it’s there.
Turbocharged engine: The twin-turbocharged V6 engine available in the 2018 Flex puts out 365 horsepower. Couple that with all-wheel drive, and the turbocharged Flex handily outpaces even more modern SUVs. Keep an eye out for the “EcoBoost” badge if you want a sleeper hot rod.
What Needs Improvement
Driver assist system availability: While the Flex does offer a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems, they’re confined to the most expensive Limited trim. That wasn’t so unusual for 2018, but note that many competitors, such as the Honda Pilot, offered their systems at much lower price points.
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Ratings & 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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford FlexFord Flex features and specs
Curious how Ford Flex trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Limited 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sony Sound System
- Sync System
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automated Parking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power Folding Third Row
- Quad Seats
- Rear Entertainment System
- Skylight(s)
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
3.5L
Horsepower
290
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
P235/55HR19
Rear tires
P235/55HR19
Seating capacity
7
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Ford Flex FAQ
The 2018 Ford Flex is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Limited: 16 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SE: 16 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SEL: 16 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
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 8 out of 14 among Minivan
The 2018 Ford Flex has received an average 4.3 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Ford Flex, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Ford Flex Reviews.
The 2018 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.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Ford Flex:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Running Boards
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Navigation System
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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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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.