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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Ford Flex

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Flex

Overview

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2013 Ford Flex Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

The 2013 Ford Flex is not your typical 7-passenger family vehicle, at least not if looks count for anything. Its long and boxy silhouette is reminiscent of the big station wagons of the 1960s and 1970s, plus it's lower to the ground than an SUV. And, while competitors like the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Tahoe may tout their max towing or off-road ability, the Flex focusses on transporting people on paved surfaces. It's striking and stylish as well as functional and useful – a fine combination similar to minivans and SUVs in capabilities, but clearly different from both.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a family vehicle that is a modern equivalent of the classic American station wagon, the 2013 Ford Flex could be the one. It offers seating for six or seven, a range of models and prices, available all-wheel drive, and a turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need to tow more than 4,500 pounds or go venturing over rugged dirt tracks, the 2013 Ford Flex is not the best choice. The big V8-powered SUVs such as the Dodge Durango or Ford Expedition are better geared to these tasks, and may also offer more space inside.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

7.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.3
Value

6.7
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#22

out of 36

MPG

#7

out of 37

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Ford Flex gets a significant facelift with restyled front end, instrument panel and seats. There is a little more power in the base engine, manual shifting for the 6-speed automatic, new MyFord Touch, and several new available systems including parallel-parking assist and adaptive cruise control.

Driving the Flex

Driving Impressions Despite its wide body and long wheelbase, the 2013 Ford Flex feels pleasingly maneuverable and responsive. Its poise through tight turns is really quite impressive, and its smooth ride and...

quiet interior add to the pleasant driving experience. Sway and body roll are kept in check by a taut suspension, big wheel and tire packages and the Flex's low-to-the-ground stance. The electric power steering has unusually good feel for such systems. Despite is boxy appearance, the Flex seems to slip through the air easily at freeway speeds, creating very little wind noise. The base 287-horsepower engine gives adequate acceleration but the EcoBoost's 365 horsepower is clearly quicker and adds an element of sportiness to the drive. And the 2013 Ford Flex's available all-wheel drive adds another level of assurance on slippery roads.

Favorite Features

REAR-CONSOLE REFRIGERATOR
When fitted with the middle-row captain's chairs instead of the bench, the console between can be equipped with a built-in refrigerator that holds up to seven 12-ounce cans. And, with a low temperature of 23 degrees Fahrenheit, it can double as a mini ice cream cart.

SYNC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
Ford's SYNC communications system features a voice-activated command center that can access music from an attached MP3 player, answer and place calls from a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, and even read aloud incoming text messages.

2013 Ford Flex Details

2013 Ford Flex Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Ford took pains to make the 2013 Flex someplace special. The inviting interior is functional, elegantly appointed and meticulously assembled. The restyle this year gives the instrument panel a clean and functional high-tech look, with the three screens for the new MyFord Touch system. Noteworthy features include the massive 4-panel Vista skylight. The 2nd-row and 3rd-row seats fold flat, but so does the right-front passenger seat, creating acres of cargo room. For hauling people, the front and middle rows provide spacious and comfy accommodations for four full-size adults, five in a pinch. Third-row occupants will find legroom snug.

Exterior

The 2013 Ford Flex looks both functional and quirky, both edgy and timeless: Ford Country Squire wagon meets Mini Cooper. It's a box, for sure, but an elegantly detailed box, with aero-friendly contours around the edges and lower body. The new-this-year face is quite modernistic, with a strong horizontal character and the unusual decisions to downplay the headlights and put the Flex name in chrome across the nose. The aluminum-clad liftgate and optional contrasting-color roof are also strong visual elements. The Flex's flat, brick-like contours won't thrill everyone, but it's a distinctive and functional way to build a family hauler.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Ford Flex comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. Standard equipment includes keyless entry, a 6-way power driver's seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Reverse Sensing System, fog lights, front and rear air conditioning, an MP3-compatible CD player, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Moving up to the top-of-the-line Limited trim brings heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat with memory, Sony Premium audio with Ford SYNC communications system, voice-activated navigation, leather interior, a power-folding 3rd-row seat, and 19-inch aluminum wheels. Standard safety equipment on all models includes inflatable 2nd-row safety belts and 3-row side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

Options for the Ford Flex vary by trim and include a 365-horsepower EcoBoost V6 (Limited), all-wheel drive (SEL and Limited), rearview camera, power rear liftgate, heated 2nd-row seats with power Autofold mode, 2nd-row captain's-chair seating with center-console refrigerator, 4-panel Vista roof, a contrasting painted top, remote start, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and Park Assist active parallel parking aid.

Under the Hood

Depending on trim, Ford offers two engines and the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) on the 2013 Flex. The standard engine on all trims is a smooth and efficient 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing. Its 287 horsepower (modestly increased for 2013) is certainly adequate if not class-leading. Fuel economy is quite good with an estimated 17 mpg city and 24 highway. All-wheel-drive models earn slightly lower estimates. Optional on the Limited trim is the EcoBoost V6, which uses gasoline direct injection and twin turbochargers to produce an impressive 365 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission is used throughout, and the EcoBoost engine is offered only with AWD.

3.5-liter V6
287 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
254 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg (FWD), 17/23 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
365 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
350 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500–5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 front-wheel-drive Ford Flex SE has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $31,710. The mid-range SEL starts just over $34,000 with FWD, $36,000 with AWD. A top-line Limited starts just over $40,000 with the base engine and FWD and tops $45,000 with the EcoBoost V6 and AWD. Fully loaded, a Flex Limited can exceed $50,000. The Flex's pricing is in line with competitors such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot. To make your best deal, be sure to check our Fair Purchase Price, which shows the typical Flex transaction prices in your area. As for resale value, Kelley Blue Book expects the Flex to hold a good portion of its original purchase price, on par with the Chevy Traverse, but falling slightly behind the Honda Pilot.

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2013 Ford Flex Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 133 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.3/10

fantastic vehicle. love to drive it.

By Archer on Friday, July 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "plenty of data ports, cup holders at all positions"

Cons: "no cargo room w seatbacks up fuel capacity 2 small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have 2010, sel model. i love it. it drives like a dream. easy handling on curves really holds them tight. pure pleasure to drive. wife also likes to drive it."

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fantastic vehicle. love to drive it.

By Archer on Friday, July 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "plenty of data ports, cup holders at all positions"

Cons: "no cargo room w seatbacks up fuel capacity 2 small"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have 2010, sel model. i love it. it drives like a dream. easy handling on curves really holds them tight. pure pleasure to drive. wife also likes to drive it."

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Can't say enough about this car!!!

By Bofusjr (MI) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I come from a 3 generation family of Chrysler employees. I fell in love with this vehicle when they first came out. The 2011 color of Meditteranean Blue is very eye catching and I get tons of comments on the color. I traded a 2006 Chrysler Town and County mini van for this. I would NEVER drive another mini van now that I own this Flex. Best feature is that the spare tire is inside where it belongs even with the third seat. No more cranking it down and reaching past a HOT exhaust to get the spare out."

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Roomy, dependable car with great gas mileage

By Dc (IN) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Mileage, roomy, looks nice"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"For a car of this size, it gets great gas mileage. 22-25 mph. Very roomy, dependable, comfortable and it looks classy."

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Want a Cadillac but can't afford one?

By Lee (AZ) on Saturday, June 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "smooth ride, comfortable, mpg, Ford Sync, style"

Cons: "0"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is the next best thing in my opinion, only with more versatility. The ride is smooth and I could drive on a long trip with ease. Try putting a 10' board in a Caddy, I can in my Flex. Leg room is fantastic, gas mileage is unbelievable for a car this size. I live out in the country but go to the city a lot, and yet I average 22 to 23 mpg! The only annoyance is everyplace you go people are asking about, have to look inside. I got one of the fist ones and for the fist two years I couldn't stop anyplace that I wouldn't get asked about it "Is that the new Ford in that flashy commercial?" Now some still ask what it is but most know and want to know how I like as they've been thinking about one."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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very comfortable

By vicky (NJ) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,240

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "back up camera is great, blind spot warning good"

Cons: "Navagation had some trouble entering addresses"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"great car for the whole family. Can fit 7 people and wheel chair at same time. Low to the ground so 90 year old parents can get in. Handles nice, rides smooth. Easy to get used to driving from a smaller car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 133 reviews