Which Ford Flex Version Should You Buy?
The Ford Flex catalogue covers one generation in original and restyled form: the original SUV 5-doors was produced from 2008 to 2013, while the restyling ran from 2012 to 2019. Each period contains three versions, all named exactly 3.5 AT.
The Ford Flex catalogue covers one generation in original and restyled form: the original SUV 5-doors was produced from 2008 to 2013, while the restyling ran from 2012 to 2019. Each period contains three versions, all named exactly 3.5 AT. The clearest way to distinguish them is by output and drive: the original range offers 262 hp FWD, 262 hp AWD, and 355 hp turbo AWD versions; the restyled range offers 287 hp FWD, 287 hp AWD, and 365 hp turbo AWD versions. Buyers prioritizing lower fuel consumption should examine the restyled 287 hp FWD version, while the 365 hp turbo AWD version provides the strongest acceleration and power figures in the catalogue.
Ford Flex generations and version changes
The original Ford Flex generation, produced from 2008 to 2013, is an SUV 5-doors with three versions. Its naturally aspirated 3.5 AT produces 262 hp and 336 Nm and is available with FWD or AWD. The third 3.5 AT combines turbocharging with AWD, raising output to 355 hp and 475 Nm.
The restyling, produced from 2012 to 2019, remains part of the same generation and retains the SUV 5-doors body and three-version structure. Its naturally aspirated 3.5 AT increases output from 262 to 287 hp, a gain of 25 hp, while torque rises from 336 to 343 Nm, a gain of 7 Nm. The turbo AWD 3.5 AT increases from 355 to 365 hp, a gain of 10 hp, while torque remains 475 Nm.
Ford Flex engine options and specs
Every version uses a 3496 cc Gasoline engine with 6 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, an Automatic gearbox with 6 gears, and 95 fuel. The naturally aspirated versions use distributed injection (multi-point), while the turbo versions use direct injection (direct).
| Production period and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2013 3.5 AT, 262 hp FWD | 262 hp at 6250 rpm | 336 Nm at 4500 rpm | 3496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6 gears | FWD |
| 2008–2013 3.5 AT, 262 hp AWD | 262 hp at 6250 rpm | 336 Nm at 4500 rpm | 3496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6 gears | AWD |
| 2008–2013 3.5 AT, 355 hp AWD | 355 hp at 5700 rpm | 475 Nm at 3500 rpm | 3496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 6 gears | AWD |
| 2012–2019 3.5 AT, 287 hp FWD | 287 hp at 6500 rpm | 343 Nm at 4000 rpm | 3496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6 gears | FWD |
| 2012–2019 3.5 AT, 287 hp AWD | 287 hp at 6500 rpm | 343 Nm at 4000 rpm | 3496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6 gears | AWD |
| 2012–2019 3.5 AT, 365 hp AWD | 365 hp at 5500 rpm | 475 Nm at 1500–3500 rpm | 3496 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | Automatic, 6 gears | AWD |
Calculated from the catalogue displacement, the original 262 hp engine produces approximately 74.9 hp per litre. The original 355 hp turbo reaches approximately 101.5 hp per litre. After restyling, the 287 hp engine delivers approximately 82.1 hp per litre, while the 365 hp turbo provides approximately 104.4 hp per litre.
The turbo choice changes more than peak horsepower. In the original generation, the 355 hp 3.5 AT supplies 93 hp and 139 Nm more than the 262 hp versions. In the restyled range, the 365 hp 3.5 AT supplies 78 hp and 132 Nm more than the 287 hp versions. The restyled turbo also develops its 475 Nm across 1500–3500 rpm, whereas the original turbo’s 475 Nm is specified at 3500 rpm.
Ford Flex performance and mpg comparison
| Production period and exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008–2013 3.5 AT, 262 hp FWD | 7.8 s | 185 km/h | 13.8 l/100 km | 9.8 l/100 km | 12.4 l/100 km |
| 2008–2013 3.5 AT, 262 hp AWD | 8.8 s | 216 km/h | 14.7 l/100 km | 10.7 l/100 km | 13.1 l/100 km |
| 2008–2013 3.5 AT, 355 hp AWD | 6.9 s | not measured | 16.8 l/100 km | 10.7 l/100 km | 13.7 l/100 km |
| 2012–2019 3.5 AT, 287 hp FWD | 7.4 s | 185 km/h | 13.1 l/100 km | 9.4 l/100 km | 11.8 l/100 km |
| 2012–2019 3.5 AT, 287 hp AWD | 8.2 s | 185 km/h | 13.8 l/100 km | 10.2 l/100 km | 12.4 l/100 km |
| 2012–2019 3.5 AT, 365 hp AWD | 6.7 s | not measured | 14.7 l/100 km | 10.2 l/100 km | 13.1 l/100 km |
Among all listed versions, the restyled 287 hp FWD 3.5 AT records the lowest consumption: 13.1 l/100 km in the city, 9.4 l/100 km on the highway, and 11.8 l/100 km combined. Choosing the restyled 287 hp AWD version adds 0.7 l/100 km in the city, 0.8 l/100 km on the highway, and 0.6 l/100 km combined. Its 0–100 km/h time is also 0.8 seconds slower than that of the corresponding FWD version.
The restyled 365 hp turbo AWD 3.5 AT is the quickest option at 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h. Compared with the restyled 287 hp AWD version, it is 1.5 seconds quicker but consumes an additional 0.7 l/100 km combined. Compared with the restyled 287 hp FWD version, it is 0.7 seconds quicker and uses 1.3 l/100 km more combined.
Within the original range, the 355 hp turbo AWD version accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. That is 1.9 seconds quicker than the original 262 hp AWD version, while combined consumption increases by 0.6 l/100 km. Its city figure rises by 2.1 l/100 km, although both versions record 10.7 l/100 km on the highway.
The top speed of the original 262 hp AWD 3.5 AT is 216 km/h. The original 262 hp FWD version and both restyled naturally aspirated versions are rated at 185 km/h. Top speed for both turbo versions is not measured.
Ford Flex dimensions, weight, and capacity figures
Exterior length, overall dimensions, interior dimensions, gross weight, weight capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed Ford Flex version. Towing capacity is also not measured, so these data cannot support a towing recommendation.
Kerb weight is 2105 kg for the original 262 hp AWD 3.5 AT and the original 355 hp turbo AWD 3.5 AT. Based on that measured weight, the 262 hp AWD version carries approximately 8.0 kg per horsepower, while the 355 hp turbo AWD version carries approximately 5.9 kg per horsepower. Kerb weight for the original 262 hp FWD version and all restyled versions is not measured.
Ground clearance is 150 mm for both original naturally aspirated versions and all three restyled versions. Ground clearance for the original 355 hp turbo AWD version is not measured. Every listed version has a 71-litre fuel tank. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured across the entire range.
Ford Flex reliability and engine problems
Reliability records, maintenance histories, engine-problem data, and replacement costs are not measured in the supplied catalogue. The specifications therefore cannot establish whether the naturally aspirated or turbo engine is more reliable. For a car offered for sale, service records and a mechanical inspection must be evaluated separately; the figures here compare configuration, output, acceleration, and consumption only.
Which Ford Flex version should you buy?
For the lowest recorded fuel consumption, choose the restyled 3.5 AT, 287 hp FWD. Its combined figure is 11.8 l/100 km, better than every other listed version, and it reaches 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
For AWD without turbocharging, the restyled 3.5 AT, 287 hp AWD is the more economical of the two naturally aspirated AWD choices. Compared with the original 262 hp AWD version, it gains 25 hp and 7 Nm, accelerates 0.6 seconds quicker, and reduces city, highway, and combined consumption by 0.9, 0.5, and 0.7 l/100 km respectively.
For maximum performance, choose the restyled 3.5 AT, 365 hp AWD. It has the highest output at 365 hp, shares the highest torque figure of 475 Nm, and posts the quickest 0–100 km/h time at 6.7 seconds. Its 13.1 l/100 km combined consumption exactly matches the original 262 hp AWD version, despite offering 103 hp and 139 Nm more and reaching 100 km/h 2.1 seconds sooner.
The original 3.5 AT, 355 hp AWD remains the strongest choice when comparing only versions from 2008–2013. At the measured 2105 kg kerb weight, its approximately 5.9 kg-per-horsepower ratio is substantially better than the approximately 8.0 kg-per-horsepower result of the original 262 hp AWD version. The trade-off is higher consumption, especially in the city.
No catalogue-based choice can be made for towing, cabin size, exterior dimensions, wheel fitment, gross weight, or documented reliability because those figures are not measured. On the available evidence, the decision is straightforward: 287 hp FWD for economy, 287 hp AWD for a naturally aspirated AWD balance, and 365 hp AWD for the strongest performance.