The 2020 Ford Flex is a full-size crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that sits between the Ford Explorer and the Ford Expedition within the Ford lineup. Capable of seating up to seven passengers, the Ford Flex is one of the longest utility vehicles sold by the Ford Motor Company.
When it was first released in 2009, its goal was to offer all the convenience of a minivan in a more youthful and utilitarian design, all while paying homage to the “Woodie” station wagons of the past. The Ford Flex is regarded today as being one of the first crossover vehicles, currently the most lucrative automotive category.
Changes, Updates, New Features
With the presence of the 2020 Ford Explorer and recently updated Ford Expedition, it is currently unclear if the Flex will continue to exist beyond the 2020 model year. Except for a few notable changes such as a mild facelift, the vehicle is virtually unchanged since it was first launched in 2009.
Exterior
- The Flex’ styling is halfway between that of a sport utility vehicle and a large station wagon, with a clean, boxy and utilitarian look.
- Bold FLEX stamping above the front grille.
- Flex Limited sets itself apart from the rest of the Flex lineup with unique 19-inch wheels and full-LED headlights.
- Available black-painted roof, mirrors and wheels.
Interior
- Six (2+2+2) or seven (2+3+2) passenger seating.
- Full length glass roof allows for a well-lit and airy cabin.
- Available Sony 12 speaker sound system with subwoofer.
- Second-Row 60/40 bench seat with Autofold feature.
Body Styles
The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover that comes in only one body style no matter which trim level is selected. Total number of doors is five including the hatch. However, unique styling cues are applied to the Flex Limited model to distinguish it from the rest of the Flex lineup.
Model Line
- Flex SE
- Flex SEL
- Flex Limited
Powertrain
The 2020 Ford Flex can be powered by two different powertrains.
Engines and Transmissions
| Engine | Aspiration | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque (lb-ft) @ RPM | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | Atmospheric | 287 @ 6,500 rpm | 254 @ 4,000 rpm | Six-speed automatic |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo | 365 @ 5,500 rpm | 350 @ 3,500 rpm | Six-speed automatic |
Models
The Ford Flex lineup remains unchanged for the 2020 model year. The model lineup is as follows:
| Drive Wheels | Trim Level | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| FWD | SE | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 |
| FWD | SEL | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 |
| AWD | SEL | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 |
| FWD | Limited | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 |
| AWD | Limited | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 |
| AWD | Limited | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 |
Platform
All variations of the Ford Flex ride on the Ford D4 platform shared with the following vehicles:
Production
The Ford Flex is assembled at the Ford of Canada Oakville Assembly plant in Oakville, Ontario alongside the Ford Edge, the Lincoln MKT and the Lincoln Nautilus.
Availability
All variants of the Ford Flex are available for order.
Beyond 2020
The year 2020 marks the last year of production for the Ford Flex. In reality, production for this vehicle ended at the third quarter of 2019. Remaining inventory will be sold all the way to the end of the second quarter of 2020. As we write this, Ford has not announced a replacement for this vehicle.
Discussion
Discuss the Ford Flex in our Ford forum.
News
Follow our coverage of Ford Flex news.
Specifications
Overview
| Model | Ford Flex |
|---|---|
| Body style | Full-size, three-row CUV |
| Driveline | Transverse, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive |
| Construction | Unitized welded steel body |
| Manufacturing location | Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
| Key competitors | Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Journey, GMC Acadia |
Engines and Transmissions
| Engine | Aspiration | Horsepower @ RPM | Torque (lb-ft) @ RPM | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | Atmospheric | 287 @ 6,500 rpm | 254 @ 4,000 rpm | Six-speed automatic |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | Twin-turbo | 365 @ 5,500 rpm | 350 @ 3,500 rpm | Six-speed automatic |
Gear Ratios
| Gear | 3.5L TI-VCT Cyclone V6 | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 |
|---|---|---|
| First | 4.48:1 | 4.48:1 |
| Second | 2.87:1 | 2.87:1 |
| Third | 1.84:1 | 1.84:1 |
| Fourth | 1.41:1 | 1.41:1 |
| Fifth | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 |
| Sixth | 0.74:1 | 0.74:1 |
| Reverse | 2.88:1 | 2.88:1 |
| Final drive | 3.16:1 (FWD) / 3.65:1 (AWD) | 3.16:1 |
Suspension
| Position | Type |
|---|---|
| Front | Gas-pressurized MacPherson strut, rear-facing L-shaped lower control arm |
| Rear | Multilink, fully independent with upper and lower control arms |
Wheels and Tires
| Trim Level | Standard Wheel Size & Type | Standard Tire Size & Type | Optional Wheel Size & Type | Optional Tire Size & Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 17-inch painted aluminum | 235/60R17 BSW | 18-inch aluminum | 235/60R18 BSW |
| SEL | 18-inch aluminum | 235/60R18 BSW | 20-inch bright painted aliminum / 20-inch painted black with machined aluminum face | 255/45R20 BSW / 225/45R20 AS |
| Limited | 19-inch painted aluminum | 235/55R19 BSW | 20-inch bright painted aliminum / 20-inch painted black with machined aluminum face | 255/45R20 BSW / 225/45R20 AS |
Brakes
| Location | Type | Rotor Size and Type |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Two piston brakes | Vented discs |
| Rear | Solid brakes | Discs |
Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions | Value (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 117.9 |
| Length | 201.8 |
| Height | 69.3 |
| Width (including mirrors) | 88.8 |
| Front track | 65.4 |
| Rear track | 65.4 |
| Interior Dimensions | Value (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Front head room | 41.8 |
| Rear head room (second row) | 40.5 |
| Rear head room (third row) | 33.3 |
| Front leg room | 40.8 |
| Rear leg room (second row) | 44.3 |
| Rear leg room (third row) | 33.3 |
| Seating capacity | 6 to 7 |
Capacities
| Capacity | Value |
|---|---|
| Base curb weight (3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 - FWD) | 4,439 lb |
| Base curb weight (3.5 Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 - AWD | 4,637 lb |
| Base curb weight (3.5L EcoBoost V6 - AWD) | 4,828 lb |
| Cargo volume (behind third row) | 20 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume (behind second row) | 43.2 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume (behind second row) | 83.2 cu-ft |
| Towing capacity | 4,500 lb |
Pricing
| Trim Level | Engine | Drive Wheels | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | FWD | $28,315 |
| SEL | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | FWD | $31,030 |
| SEL | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | AWD | $32,480 |
| Limited | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | FWD | $36,030 |
| Limited | 3.5L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | AWD | $37,480 |
| Limited | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | AWD | $43,730 |
Photos
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- 2018 Ford Flex interior split rear seats
