2018 Ford Flex Review

Name: 2018 Ford Flex Review
Brand: Ford
Price: 16998 USD

2018 Ford Flex Limited Wagon Exterior Shown Exterior

Ford Flex SEL Wagon Exterior. Options Shown.

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$16,998 - $25,990

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

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

What’s new

The optional rear-seat entertainment system is no longer available. Otherwise, the Flex returns unchanged.

Vehicle overview

The Ford Flex debuted back in 2009 and hasn't been fully redesigned since. In car years, the 2018 version of the Flex is right up against its "sell by" date. When it comes to interior design, quality and available features, the Flex trails newer crossover SUVs and minivans. But aged as it may be, the Flex remains one of our favorites because of its versatile layout. You can cram a lot of people and their stuff into it without breaking a sweat. The Flex is also available with a strong turbocharged V6, which provides plenty of power for highway passing or towing. If you're shopping for a three-row crossover, the Flex is still worth a look.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Ford Flex SE 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$219/mo

$213/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.0 / 10

Even as the Ford Flex enters what could be its final year, it's a smart pick if you need a three-row crossover with plenty of passenger and cargo flexibility as well as strong performance.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Ford Flex Limited Wagon (turbo 3.5L V6 | 6-speed automatic | AWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Ford Flex has received some minor revisions, including the addition of the latest Sync 3 infotainment interface. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Flex, however.

Scorecard

Overall	7.0 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	6.5
Interior	7.5
Utility	9.0

Driving

7.0

Thanks to its optional 365-hp turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive, the Flex has plenty of power and traction. We're less fond of the steering and braking, however. In general, the Flex isn't as enjoyable or easy to drive as some newer rivals.

Acceleration

8.0

When it comes to acceleration, the Flex is a solid performer, especially with the available EcoBoost V6. With that engine, the Flex hits 60 in 6.2 seconds, which is quicker than just about any other crossover or minivan.

Braking

7.0

The brake pedal has a long travel and little to no feel. The brakes are very effective, however. In our emergency brake test, the Flex stopped from 60 mph in a respectable 120 feet.

Steering

6.0

Like the brakes, the steering imparts little feel and feedback to the driver. This doesn't impact most routine driving situations, but the lack of feedback when the Flex is driven on unfamiliar winding roads can be disconcerting.

Handling

7.0

The Flex drives smaller than it looks because it doesn't lean as much as taller SUVs when you're going around turns. But it never feels nimble due to its long length, high weight, low-grip tires and occasional intrusive stability control system.

Drivability

6.0

The six-speed automatic is slow to shift up or down, and the V6 engine isn't particularly quick to rev. This powertrain is strong at full throttle but is less impressive in certain routine driving situations.

Comfort

6.5

It's not uncomfortable in any way, but the Flex is dated compared to more sophisticated rivals. Not only is the ride louder and busier than we expect, but seat comfort and quietness aren't up to par in the class anymore.

Seat comfort

6.5

The Flex's front-seat cushions are flat and featureless. Support for long-distance driving is lacking, and the short seat bottoms may not be comfortable for taller drivers. The second row has plenty of room to stretch out, and the third row is tolerable for average-height adults.

Ride comfort

6.5

Disappointingly, the Flex rides stiffly over small cracks, especially when fitted with the optional 20-inch wheels. There's more jostling of passengers when you're driving on uneven pavement compared to other crossovers.

Noise & vibration

6.0

There's some wind noise from the upright windshield and the mirrors, but the bigger culprits are the tires and the EcoBoost V6 engine's gravelly, gasping tone.

Interior

7.5

If space for stuff and easy access are your primary requirements, the Flex remains a great choice. There's plenty of room for rear passengers, too. But the usability of the interior is marred by aggravating touch-panel controls.

Ease of use

5.0

While other Fords now employ physical buttons, the older Flex retains the infuriating and oft-accidentally-hit touch-sensitive controls for climate and audio functions. Steering wheel buttons are difficult to use and poorly labeled.

Getting in/getting out

8.0

The doors open wide, and there's no sill to step over, but high curbs will impede door opening. Seats are neither too high nor too low. Second-row access is equally easy, and getting to the third row isn't bad.

Roominess

6.5

There is plenty of head- and legroom, but the area to either side of the driver feels tight because of the wide center console and bulky door panels. Farther back, the second row feels positively expansive, and third-row passengers will be fine for a bit.

Visibility

8.5

Excellent forward visibility with a good sense of where the long hood ends. Rear visibility is enhanced with a camera, but even without it we'd feel comfortable backing this one up. Large side mirrors provide good coverage.

Quality

5.5

Our test car exhibited more squeaks, rattles and misaligned panels than we're used to seeing. Materials quality is just OK and is easily trumped by newer products, including some within Ford's own fleet.

Utility

9.0

If you can't fit all of your stuff into a Ford Flex, there's a good chance you have too much stuff. Some SUVs can carry more based on the spec sheet, but the Flex's boxy shape and flat load floor are great in real-world use.

Technology

If there's one area where the aging Ford Flex has remained up-to-date, it's the infotainment system. The Sync 3 system is significantly better than previous versions.

Audio & navigation

While the Explorer now employs physical buttons, the older Flex retains the infuriating and oft-accidentally-hit touch-sensitive controls for climate and audio functions. Steering wheel buttons are difficult to use and poorly labeled.

2018 Ford Flex models

The 2018 Ford Flex is a large crossover/wagon that can seat either six or seven passengers and is available in SE, SEL and Limited trim levels. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 (287 horsepower, 254 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is available for the SEL and Limited trims. The Limited trim is also eligible for a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (365 hp and 350 lb-ft) with standard all-wheel drive.

Standard feature highlights for the SE trim include 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, a keyless-entry keypad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power driver seat (with manual recline), 60/40-split folding second-row seats with an auto-folding passenger side, 50/50-split folding third-row seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch central display screen, voice controls, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and a USB port.

The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, foglights, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control with manual rear controls, wood-appearance interior trim, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat (with power lumbar adjustment), a six-way power front passenger seat (with manual lumbar adjustment), and the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, a second USB port and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The SEL trim is eligible for the 202A options package, which adds a power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, power-adjustable pedals, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery (vinyl for the third row), a 110-volt household power outlet and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system.

The range-topping Limited trim includes all of the above plus 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED taillights, power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, additional metallic exterior trim, upgraded wood interior trim, ambient interior lighting, a navigation system (optional on SEL) and a 12-speaker Sony premium audio system with HD radio. The Limited trim is eligible for the 301A package that adds an automatic parallel parking system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, a 10-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats and power-folding third-row seats.

Additional options are dependent on trim and include 20-inch wheels, roof rails, a tow package, a panoramic sunroof, black exterior and interior trim, upgraded leather upholstery and inflatable second-row outboard seat belts.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Above Average

#9 out of 14 among Minivans

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Ford Flex from 2008-2022.}

$589/yr

vs. $549/yr
for Average Minivan

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.35x/yr

vs. 1.47x/yr
for Average Minivan

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

18.4%

vs. 12.5%
for Average Minivan

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Ford Flex.

5 (70%)

4 (18%)

3 (2%)

2 (4%)

1 (6%)

4.4

34 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

We just bought our SECOND Flex

Susie, 04/19/2018

2018 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

We have owned a Flex since 2012 (bought a ‘10 with 30k Miles on it.) That one has 140k on it now and we knew we wanted another one, and got an ‘18 on a whim because it was exactly what we wanted and the incentives and financing were great. We didn’t trade the old one. We are donating it to someone who can use it for many, many more worry free miles.

Flex is very good vehicle, don't pass it up

limited2010, 09/11/2018

2018 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

This is a very good vehicle. Not just a good SUV, or crossover, or whatever. It is a very good vehicle. It is smooth, drives great, is extremely quiet, very comfortable, has tons of room, is easy to in or out of in any seating position, has great entertainment/technology features, connects immediately via Android phone, visibility is amazing, is surprisingly quick even without the …

I loved it so much, I bought another one!

Dan, 09/18/2018

2018 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I liked it in the beginning, now I love it. I really don't understand why Ford doesn't sell more of these. I believe it's because of a lack of advertising. I receive lots of comments from passengers that they agree with me. The ride is smooth and quiet. It feels like a substantial, high quality car. The engine is good, and the 6-speed transmission makes the power-train great. The engine …

If you are tall

Donald Webb, 03/31/2018

2017 Ford Flex Limited 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I am 6'8 and used to have a suburban. I found that the flex has more head room and the same about of leg space of the suburban. I liked the suburban, but found the flex road nicer and the seats to be a little more comfortable. The biggest loss in the flex is cargo room. The other thing that I wish was a little better was fuel mileage and a bigger gas tank. But overall I own two of …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Ford Flex, so we've included reviews for other years of the Flex since its last redesign.

See all 34 reviews of the Ford Flex

Write a vehicle review

2018 Ford Flex video

2018 Ford Flex Features Rundown

Even as the 2018 Ford Flex enters what could be its final year, it's a smart pick if you need a three-row crossover with plenty of passenger and cargo flexibility as well as strong performance. In this video, we highlight the key features that matter most. From mpg, interior space and…

2018 Flex Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,285
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$219/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Flex models:

BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns you if a car is lurking in your blind spot or approaching from the sides when backing up.
Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support: Warns you if a potential front collision is detected and applies the brakes if you don't act in time.
MyKey: Keeps teen drivers safer by restricting the top speed, limiting audio volume and disabling the stereo until the seat belt is buckled.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Acceptable
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good