Review and specifications
2016 Ford Flex
The 2013 Flex update brought the addition of variable cam timing to the 3.5-liter V6. This bumps horsepower from 262 to 287. A self-parking system, capable of easily and accurately slotting the Flex into a tight parallel parking space, is offered as an option. Overall, the Flex rides well and is commendably quiet. Rear-seat room is cavernous, with a usable third-row seat and generous cargo space. But handling is clumsy and a large turning circle, along with limited rear visibility, hampers maneuverability. Antilock brakes and ESC are standard, collision warning and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert are optional.
- Market value
- $9,975
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 7
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- 4-door SUV
- Drive type
- AWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 6-speed
- Category
- Large SUVs
- Generation began
- 2013
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $9,975
- Retail value range
- $8,525 - $11,275
- Original MSRP range
- $29,710 - $42,710
- Trade-in range
- $5,325 - $7,965
Ratings
- Road test score
- 73/100
- Owner satisfaction
- 4/5
- Would buy again
- 79%
- Reliability
- 2/5
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 17 MPG
- EPA highway
- 23 MPG
- EPA combined
- 19 MPG
- Tested city
- 12 MPG
- Tested highway
- 25 MPG
- Tested overall
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,195
- Cruising range
- 330 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 3.2 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 8.5 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 141 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 48 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 202 in
- Width
- 80 in
- Height
- 68 in
- Wheelbase
- 118 in
- Weight
- 4,820 lb
- Maximum load
- 1,160 lb
- Towing capacity
- 4,500 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 7 people
- Front head room
- 6.5 in
- Front leg room
- 41.5 in
- Rear head room
- 7.5 in
- Rear leg room
- 31.5 in
- Cargo volume
- 47.5 cu ft
- Luggage
- 2+0+0
Owner feedback
- Comfort
- 3/5
- Driving
- 5/5
- Styling
- 4/5
- Value
- 3/5
Environmental impact
- Air pollution score
- 5/10
- Greenhouse gas score
- 4/10
- SmartWay
- No
Brand context
About Ford
<p>Ford shifted away from cars this decade, focusing on SUVs and pickup trucks, with the Mustang as the lone exception. Fords are seldom leaders in their segments based on CR’s tests and surveys, but the small Maverick and full-sized F-150 trucks are notable standouts. Some other models score well enough to earn our recommendation, such as the Escape Hybrid and Bronco Sport. The Mustang Mach-E EV is Ford's highest-scoring current model. Overall, Ford's new car reliability is above average, but it varies, so used-car buyers should be mindful to check our ratings. </p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 2997 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.