Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.

Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate
Favorites
Donate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon
Become a Member Upgrade

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more
Become a Member Upgrade

Suggested Searches

All Products A-Z
Cars Home & Garden Appliances Electronics Babies Digital Security Deals Money Travel Health & Wellness Kids Pet Products News Bill Negotiator All Products A-Z
 
Sign In
Become a Member
Explore categories
Cars

Cars

Car Ratings & Reviews

Car Ratings & Reviews

Ratings & Reviews
SUVs Hybrids/EVs Luxury Cars & SUVs Sedans & Hatchbacks Minivans & 3-Row SUVs Pickup Trucks Used Cars Electric Bikes Bike Racks
All Car Ratings & Reviews
All Car Ratings & Reviews
Buying Advice & Tools
10 Most Satisfying Cars 10 Most Reliable Cars Best Cars for Short or Tall Drivers Best Cars for Teen Drivers Best Used Cars Interactive Car Finder
2025 Top Picks

CARS

2025 Top Picks

Car Buying & Pricing

Car Buying & Pricing

Best Car Deals Now
Best SUVs Under $30K Best Deals on SUVs Best Deals on Fuel-Efficient Cars Leasing vs. Buying Car Loan Advice How to Buy a New Car Now
All Car Buying & Pricing
All Car Buying & Pricing
Member Savings & Tools
Car Buying Guide Build & Buy Car Buying Service Trade-in Estimator Used Car Marketplace
Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

Which Car Brands Make the Best Vehicles?

Tires, Maintenance & Repair

Tires, Maintenance & Repair

Ratings & Reviews
Tires Tire Retailers Car Batteries Car Repair Shops Car Seats
All Tires, Maintenance & Repair
All Tires, Maintenance & Repair
Ownership Advice
Find Car Recalls Make Your Car Run Longer Inspect Belts and Hoses Car Repair Assistant Find the Best Car Insurance
Car Reliability Guide

Car Reliability Guide

Key Topics & News

Key Topics & News

Car Safety
Car Recalls Car Seats Car Safety Guide Safety System Glossary
All Key Topics & News
All Key Topics & News
Fuel Efficiency
Should You Go Hybrid/EV? Save Money at the Pump Most Fuel-Efficient Cars EV Incentives Fuel Efficiency Guide
Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast

CAR NEWS

Listen to the Talking Cars Podcast

All Cars
All Cars
Home & Garden

Home & Garden

Bed & Bath

Bed & Bath

Ratings & Reviews
Mattresses Sheets Pillows Toilets Bidet Seats Curling Irons Hair Dryers
All Bed & Bath
All Bed & Bath
Ownership Advice
Cleaning Your Mattress Organize Your Linen Closet Under-the-Bed Storage
Best Mattresses

Top Picks From CR

Best Mattresses

Lawn & Garden

Lawn & Garden

Ratings & Reviews
Lawn Mowers & Tractors Charcoal & Gas Grills Leaf Blowers Pressure Washers String Trimmers Floodlight Cameras Chainsaws Snow Blowers
All Lawn & Garden
All Lawn & Garden
Ownership Advice
Best Charcoal Grills Fix Hidden Dangers in Your Home 5 Expert Tips for Staining a Deck
Best Lawn Mowers and Tractors

TOP PICKS FROM CR

Best Lawn Mowers and Tractors

Home Improvement

Home Improvement

Ratings & Reviews
Decking Door Locks Flooring Generators Paints Security Cameras Security Systems Wood Stains Windows
All Home Improvement
All Home Improvement
Ownership Advice
Protect Your Biggest Investment Best Smart Lightbulbs How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Best Wood Stains

Home Improvement Essential

Best Wood Stains

Home Safety & Security

Home Safety & Security

Ratings & Reviews
Door Locks & Smart Locks Home Security Cameras Home Security Systems Smoke & CO Detectors
All Home Safety & Security
All Home Safety & Security
Safety Advice
Storm & Emergency Guide Generator Safety Tips Protect Against Indoor Air Pollution
Best DIY Home Security Systems

HOME SAFETY

Home Security Systems

All Home & Garden
All Home & Garden
Appliances

Appliances

Kitchen

Kitchen

Ratings & Reviews
Cooktops Countertops Dishwashers Freezers Microwave Ovens Wall Ovens Ranges Refrigerators
All Kitchen
All Kitchen
Ownership Advice
Tips for Doing Laundry Organizing Your Kitchen Make Your Dishwasher Last
Most and Least Reliable Refrigerators

SURVEY RESULTS

Most and Least Reliable Refrigerators

Small Appliances

Small Appliances

Ratings & Reviews
Air Fryers Blenders Breadmakers Coffee Makers Electric Kettles Food Steamers Food Processors Rice Cookers Knives
All Small Appliances
All Small Appliances
Cooking Advice
Small Kitchen Essentials Cleaning Cast Iron Kitchen Appliances for $100 or Less
Best Small Kitchen Appliances

TOP PICKS FROM CR

Best Small Kitchen Appliances

Laundry & Cleaning

Laundry & Cleaning

Ratings & Reviews
Air Purifiers Vacuums Robotic Vacuums Washing Machines Clothes Dryers Washer/Dryer Pairs Pressure Washers Steam Mops Laundry Detergents
All Laundry & Cleaning
All Laundry & Cleaning
Laundry & Cleaning Advice
Don't Use Vinegar Here Cleaning a Dirty Oven How to Reduce Indoor Allergens Repair or Replace: Washer
Best Washing Machines

Top Picks From CR

Best Washing Machines

Heating, Cooling & Air

Heating, Cooling & Air

Ratings & Reviews
Air Conditioners Air Filters Air Purifiers Central Air Conditioners Dehumidifiers Thermostats Water Heaters Space Heaters
All Heating, Cooling & Air
All Heating, Cooling & Air
Ownership Advice
Are Smart Thermostats Worth It? 4 Reasons to Consider a Heat Pump Protect Against Indoor Air Pollution
Best Space Heaters

SURVEY RESULTS

Most Reliable Central Air Conditioning Systems

All Appliances
All Appliances
Electronics

Electronics

Home Entertainment

Home Entertainment

Ratings & Reviews
TVs Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers Soundbars Streaming Media Players Headphones
All Home Entertainment
All Home Entertainment
Media Advice
Streaming Services Guide Best Streaming Music How to Clean Your Flat-Screen TV
Best TVs

FIND YOUR NEW TV

Best TVs

Home Office

Home Office

Ratings & Reviews
Laptops Desktop Computers Printers Computer Monitors Tablets Wireless Routers
All Home Office
All Home Office
Set Up Advice
Organize Your Home Office Choosing a Standing Desk Best Office Chairs
Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs

Save Money

Cheapest Printers for Ink Costs

Smartphones & Wearables

Smartphones & Wearables

Ratings & Reviews
Smartphones Smartwatches Headphones Cameras
All Smartphones & Wearables
All Smartphones & Wearables
Tech Advice
Choosing a Cell Phone Mount Filter Social Media Apps Pre-Owned Tech: Yes or No?
Find the Right Phone for You

BEST SMARTPHONES

Find the Right Phone for You

All Electronics
All Electronics
Babies
Digital Security

Digital Security

Digital Security & Privacy

Digital Security & Privacy

Ratings & Reviews
Antivirus Software Crypto Wallets Password Managers Wireless Routers Home Security Cameras Home Security Systems
All Digital Security & Privacy
All Digital Security & Privacy
Safety Advice
Google Privacy Settings 30-Second Privacy Fixes What Is Smishing? Identity Theft Advice Permission Slip App Security Planner
One app to take back control of your data

CR PERMISSION SLIP APP

One app to take back control of your data

All Digital Security
All Digital Security
Deals
More +

More

Money Travel Health & Wellness Kids Pet Products News Bill Negotiator All Products A-Z
All Products A-Z
About Us
Our Mission

Take Action

Get involved
Volunteer With Us Add Your Voice Join a Research Project Attend an Event
Issues we work on
Food Safety Car Safety & Efficiency Data Privacy Financial Fairness
Donate
2013
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Ford Flex

EPA MPG: 19 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,550 - $7,800
Join for Ratings
RECALL ALERT:
There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Slide #1 Thumbnail Slide #2 Thumbnail
Overall Reliability
Reliability Details
NA
Owner Satisfaction Details
NA
See All Ratings & Specs
Road Test

With a distinctive boxy shape combining the elements of an SUV, minivan and station wagon, the Flex is a very functional and versatile vehicle. The base 3.5-liter V6 engine was updated over the years in an attempt to improve acceleration and fuel economy, but it still falls short on refinement. This iteration of the Flex also has the frustrating MyFord Touch interface, which adds a layer of complication, although it also supplies full-featured connectivity options.

For complete Road Test Report and to see Highs and Lows, become a member

2013 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014

2015
NA
2016

2017
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
NA
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
NA
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA
See All Ratings & Specs

2013 Large SUVs Ratings

2013 Ford Flex
$6,650 - $7,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Chevrolet Suburban
$9,850 - $17,375
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Chevrolet Tahoe
$8,250 - $12,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Chevrolet Traverse
$6,400 - $7,950
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Dodge Durango
$8,025 - $9,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
See All Large SUVs Ratings
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 (287 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
See All Ratings & Specs
Model History
2013-
Current Generation
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.
More
2009-2012
2009 Redesign Year
The Flex has defied classification since its introduction. The model combines minivan-like versatility with station wagon looks, an SUV profile, and car-like driving dynamics. The exceptionally open cabin seats seven adults comfortably and its second-row seats are about the most spacious you'll find. Meanwhile, dual rear-seat sunroofs let in lots of light. The standard 3.5-liter V6, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, isn't the most refined powertrain. However, it pulls well and gets 17 mpg overall. The optional EcoBoost V6 delivers effortless power and the same fuel economy. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The Flex also has very good fit and finish. Among our gripes; the driver's footwell is a little cramped from the left, the cockpit feels narrow, and the MyFord Touch control interface is both complicated and distracting.
More