What To Know
- The Ford Explorer and Ford Flex are two popular SUVs that offer a spacious interior, powerful performance, and a variety of features for families.
- Both the Explorer and Flex offer three rows of seating, with the Explorer seating up to seven passengers and the Flex seating up to eight.
- The Explorer also has a higher payload capacity than the Flex, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 pounds, compared to 1,600 pounds in the Flex.
The Ford Explorer and Ford Flex are two popular SUVs that offer a spacious interior, powerful performance, and a variety of features for families. While both vehicles have their strengths, there are some key differences that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between the Ford Explorer and Ford Flex to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Ford Explorer offers a choice of two engines: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that produces 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Flex is powered by a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway, while the Explorer with the 3.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway. The Flex gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Explorer and Flex offer three rows of seating, with the Explorer seating up to seven passengers and the Flex seating up to eight. The Explorer has a slightly larger cargo area than the Flex, with 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, compared to 16.2 cubic feet in the Flex.
In terms of comfort, both vehicles offer a variety of features to keep passengers comfortable, such as heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Explorer has a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Safety Features
The Ford Explorer and Flex both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Explorer also offers a number of available safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Flex offers similar safety features, but it does not have the adaptive cruise control option.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, while the Flex has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The Explorer also has a higher payload capacity than the Flex, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,800 pounds, compared to 1,600 pounds in the Flex.
Price
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,265, while the Flex has a starting price of $32,975. However, the Flex offers more standard features than the Explorer, so the price difference may be offset by the additional features.
Key Points: Which SUV is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer and Ford Flex are both great choices for families who need a spacious and versatile SUV. The Explorer offers more powerful engines, a more upscale interior, and a higher towing and payload capacity. The Flex offers a more affordable price, a more spacious interior, and a more comfortable ride. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Ford Explorer or the Ford Flex?
A: The Ford Explorer with the 2.3-liter engine has better fuel efficiency than the Flex, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway, compared to 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for the Flex.
Q: Which SUV has more cargo space, the Ford Explorer or the Ford Flex?
A: The Ford Explorer has more cargo space than the Flex, with 18.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, compared to 16.2 cubic feet in the Flex.
Q: Which SUV has more safety features, the Ford Explorer or the Ford Flex?
A: The Ford Explorer has more safety features than the Flex, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Flex does not offer adaptive cruise control.