2019 Ford Flex Review

Name: 2019 Ford Flex Review
Brand: Ford
Price: 17944 USD

2018 Ford Flex Limited Wagon Exterior Shown Exterior

Ford Flex SEL Wagon Exterior. Options Shown.

+94

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$17,944 - $28,590

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Ford Flex model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

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
Difficult to use some controls

What's new

There are no new changes for 2019
Part of the first Flex generation introduced for 2009

Contrary to rumors or predictions, the 2019 Ford Flex is still around. This large wagon is undeniably aging, having been carrying on without a full redesign since its debut for the 2009 model year. Yet, we're just fine with that. We like the distinctive exterior styling and its interior that is spacious, flexible, and easy to configure for passengers and cargo.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 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

Power continues to come from one of two engines. The standard 3.5-liter V6 produces 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque and is competitive within the traditional three-row SUV segment. And if you want more power, the Flex's optional turbocharged engine produces a stout 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The Flex's interior seats seven, or you can load lots of cargo by folding down seatbacks as you need them. With its turbocharged engine, the Flex also has a stout tow rating of 4,500 pounds. And thanks to its reasonable ride height and large windows all around, all passengers get great views of the outside.

If you want the latest in vehicle design, though, the Flex probably isn't for you. Fuel economy is down compared to competitors — or rather, its competitors have improved over the years. The latest in advanced driver safety aids are available, but only on the most expensive trim level. And the Flex's interior design, while functional, lacks the cutting-edge styling and materials that modern cars have.

Still, for some buyers, namely those who prioritize function over form, the Flex still presents a worthy investment.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.0 / 10

Contrary to rumors or predictions, the Ford Flex is still around. And we're OK with that. This large wagon is undeniably aging, but we like the distinctive exterior styling and its interior that is spacious, flexible, and easy to configure for passengers and cargo.

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 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 mph 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, however, are very effective. In our emergency braking 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 lack of feedback doesn't impact most routine driving situations, but when the Flex is driven on unfamiliar winding roads it 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 also aren't up to par in the class.

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 for passengers 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. The 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. The 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

Forward visibility is excellent, 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. The 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. The 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. Based on their spec sheets, some SUVs can carry more, but the Flex's boxy shape and flat load floor are great in real-world use.

Technology

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

2019 Ford Flex models

The 2019 Ford Flex is a large SUV-like 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's 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, power-adjustable front seats, and the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, a USB port and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The SEL trim is eligible for the 202A option 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 the 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 heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, 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 2019 Ford Flex.

5 (68%)

4 (21%)

3 (3%)

2 (3%)

1 (5%)

4.5

28 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Feels like an SUV that has modest motives

Richard Prudlo, 06/17/2019

2019 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Everything about this vehicle appeals. It is comfortable, vision all around is superb and the ride is quiet. The engine is more than required and therefore just what you need. The interior is attractive and pleasant not ostentatious or over the top like some others. Driving this vehicle is good for both man and wife, and she will appreciate the higher feel of it and the ease of …

Beauty is more than skin deep

StanB, 11/12/2018

2019 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Rented an almost-new Flex for three weeks while my car was in the shop. It won't win a beauty contest, and it's not exactly macho, but that's pretty much where my complaints end. It handles better than a big SUV, has plenty of power in town and on the road, and is really easy to enter and exit. The third row is easily accessed and there were no complaints by the two adult passengers …

Flex number 2

M. R. Hornung, 07/25/2019

2019 Ford Flex SEL 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

I really love the Flex. This is my second Ford Flex in a row. I just turned in my 2017 and upgraded to a 2019. This car has been reliable and convenient and that is a necessity with my 4 kids and 3 dogs. I can easily get people and equipment in and out quickly. We love road trips and the seat configuration works well for our family. The Flex's low profile height makes loading supplies …

Love my flex

Shelley , 09/12/2019

2019 Ford Flex Limited 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

This is our second Flex. Both cars have been great meeting our needs. Sorry to see Ford discontinue this great versatile car. This car is especially good for older folks who can’t get into higher vehicles like the explorer. The Flex is very reliable.

See all 28 reviews of the Ford Flex

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2019 Flex Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$30,575
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