2016 Ford Flex Review - Better than the Ford Explorer ?

[@aubwrenchturner1239]

The flex is an amazing vehicle. Ford's hidden gem. Best ride ever, reasonably powered and extremely safe. And once you own it for a while its shape and look really grows on you. I'm going to get another one in the same color as my last one. My last Flex was totalled by an 18 wheeler and I must say. That was the most comfortable car accident I have ever been in.

[@Toeslam10]

I have a 2017 Flex, Ecoboost, of course. It's my 2nd Flex, and I love this platform. Burgundy Velvet is the color. AWD in snow & sand at the beach is no problem. Power upgrades are coming this 2024 summer!

[@honkie_kong1689]

I just bought a used 2016 flex completely loaded with 35k miles. It cost me $18K. I have no idea why the thing was so cheap. It is absolutely top tier. leather, sunroofs, class III hitch. First vehicle in my life I've bought with zero remorse.

[@abfabhax793]

We got a Flex about 2 months ago and I love it. It's funny cause this was NOT the vehicle I wanted to lease. I was looking at an explorer and an escape, but the hubby asked that I take the Flex for a test drive. After the test drive I was hooked. The ride is beyond comfortable, the room is amazing and since I only put around 4k in mile per year on a vehicle I can fill up the ride for around $35 bucks. On the second day we had it, I was able to purchase 30 huge bags of mulch from Home Depot and they all fit in the back when the 2nd/3rd row seats were down. I am in love with my "Dexie" the flexie.

[@ryansvloggingit5492]

Abfab Hax yeah I want an explore but research and the flex is cheaper I won't to lease how much dwn and how much a month payment

[@johnloporto4560]

GREAT choice, I still don’t understand why some people choose the explorer over the flex.

[@iandavis8755]

The Flex has a larger rear payload than the Explorer (Explorer interior is narrow), the opening for the cargo area is bigger, and the vehicle also drives more like a car...all of which we liked better when we chose one over the Explorer and other vehicles available in it's class at the time. The Flex, and the Durango are the only 2 seven-seater vehicles still available that DON'T SUCK!

[@jeremyfahrni529]

Mine is named Bianca!

[@shaunr9635]

Best road trip car made. Comfortable, quiet, fuel efficient and powerful.

[@CorvetteCoonass]

Proud owner of a 2011 Limited Ford Flex. 10/10 would buy again. It's so comfortable and even though mine has the base model engine, it gets good mileage and it can get up and go when it needs to. A huge upgrade over my 2007 Ford Taurus which didn't have the ease of access for my musical equipment.

[@countdracula5433]

I am in the love it camp. Most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. And, I love the way it looks. Just bought one.

[@slowlydistancing]

Wish this car got more credit cause it's truly a great car and I LOVE THIS CAR

[@mmmfloorpie]

The Flex has one of the best owner loyalty ratings in the entire industry. People who buy the Flex, buy it again. That says a lot.

[@17143972290]

Depends. My mom had one got rid of it this year because it was too much space that wasn't needed anymore

[@BannedPhotoshop]

@@17143972290 can you really criticize Ford or the vehicle for that, though?

[@arielwalter9867]

Flex is being discontinued in 2020.

[@JLT3]

I've had two already, both eco-boost. Will probably get another one soon. Great car, tons of room, AWD and is only a 1/2 second slower than a 5.0 Mustang from 0-60mph.

[@JuniorFan08]

What I like about the Flex is that it has straight lines and does not look like a wedge. It's got a real hood and good visibility out of the rear quarters.

[@ericalexander7904]

My wife and I test drove the Flex. We loved the flex. I love how the seats fold flat like a mini van! IMHO it drives better, more practical and has better use of interior space than the explorer. We are placing an order for one in a few months or so. Love it in Ruby Red. Thanks for your review on it. Your reviews are very informative.

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+Eric Alexander Thank you ! and thanks for watching :) Glad you liked it

[@Strattonlad1946]

It’s 2021, just saw this review. I have a 2015 Flex, and love it. Best road trip car ever! Comfortable, powerful, fast and very roomy. I’m keeping mine til the wheels fall off.

[@michellemcgough7476]

Thanks so much for this, I ended up buying a Flex Limited and love it. This video gave me more information than most dealers had about the vehicle. I will recommend AutoVlog for anyone shopping for a new car. Thx again!

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

Thank you! Glad I could help :)

[@christopherstreet2214]

I love the design of the Flex too ... i really don't understand why so many people don't like it ... it really puzzles me ... its a cool car that fits a lot of friends or gear

[@SFBay69]

+Christopher Street its ugly imo

[@gnarlyharley9825]

I am on my third one. 2010, 2013 and 2015 and this car is Bullet proof!! I love the Flex!

[@KB-bh9hp]

Most modern fords with the exception of the focus and Fiesta are bulletproof massive improvement in reliability love my explorer.

[@jjcar99]

We've had our Flex for about 2 years now... still love it.... so much room, power, and comfort. It has a 'commanding presence' about it when it pulls up. If marketed the right way the flex could kill the minivan all together!! This seats 7 with ease and comfort.

[@johnritchey6146]

Amazing car I currently own 6 and they perform like a dream

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+John Ritchey You own 6 of them ??

[@johnritchey6146]

+AutoVlog in our extended family ours personally owns 3

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+John Ritchey Wow! That's awesome

[@johnritchey6146]

Like you said you love it or hate it I love it

[@rolandjosef7961]

We all love our Ford Flex 2013 Limited. It's perfect for our need for a family of 4 and a dog. It's sad that 2019 is the last year model. I will buy again without hesitation if ours get wrecked. We had ours since 2012 and no major issues so far.

[@MrClint1957]

Thumbs up, great review! In 2009 I relocated to SE Florida, from Los Angeles county, Ca. I'd arranged for a one-way-minivan rental but a Flex was available. Two "20 something" gals (daughters) + four cats and my eldest said: "Dad, let's take the Flex!" I thought the car was "fugly" but I've learned that that those kids of mine knows their stuff. As you point out, the 2nd row is enough to sell the vehicle and I mean, to nearly anyone! The vehicle made for a memorable & relaxing journey. I now own my second Flex, a 2016 Limited; and often drive it more than my LS460.

[@juicybullfrog]

and the thing is has a Range Rover look

[@mr.hearse7512]

After years of buying cars I finally found one that suits my needs and that im comfortable in the Ford flex sits at the right height for easy in and out and Cargo room is fathomable I'm very happy with it

[@jonkeefer6865]

had an 09 limited. traded it in for a 2013 limited ecoboost. love these cars.

[@timothyandrewnielsen]

Hey man, thank you for doing this. This was VERY helpful and informative.

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

Glad I could help :)

[@NSGLiv]

I'm going to buy this car and live in it Idc

[@alexflosho]

Same, I have floor plans and everything

[@powercrush3]

Love all your videos Mike, especially the cross country trip! I got to drive one for a month as a loaner and the Flex rides like a limo. It drove solid and smooth. The sunroof/glass panels are a fantastic option and best of all was the fridge/freezer in the second row. Such a well thought out vehicle. Mine was FWD but I'd definitely go for the AWD version with the 3.5 TT Ecoboost if I was purchasing. Love the tailgate 3rd row seats too!

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+powercrush3 Thank you ! I wish I could do more of the cross country videos! There is so much to see :) I would also pick the 3.5L Ecoboost in AWD if I got one!

[@marccohen5477]

I agree with Mike, the Flex is a great car. I have a Limited with ECO Boost and every thing else. I like the black perforated leather. Mike right again but if I could have skipped the roof rack that can't hold anything and the sun roofs I would have saved some money and weight. This car is fast and comfortable.

[@Iron-Griffon]

my dad is a hard core Chevy fan and he loves that thing

[@tomtom8306]

I've had many GM cars and I chose a FLEX.

[@Dolby109]

As far as I can tell the Flex does everything better than the Explorer, except for off-roading, and nobody off-roads a new Explorer. For a large vehicle the Flex handles surprisingly well and is about the best to drive of any car or SUV of this size. I can't comprehend the trend of people wanting lifted vehicles in America. Why would you want worse handling?

[@119806]

Great review, great timing for me.... I've been a fan of Flex for a while especially after face lifted 2013 model ...... My wife hates it, thinks it looks like hearses vehicle & preferred Expedition instead ..... But since i am driving it, I am getting mine next week & surprising her with it.....! Thanks again for the detailed review that i really needed...

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+M Aldubayan Thanks for watching :)

[@goat9199]

"Surprise, I fucked you over and bought a vehicle that you hate!" Good luck with that.

[@samaz79]

I sooo wished the car salesman would have told me about the eco boost version huge difference still love my flex (limited)

[@will5602]

Would love one of these vehicles! Torn between a Explorer and the Flex but it maybe a couple years before I actually buy something.

[@Jay_Mac1775]

My mom just got a 2016 SEL. It’s amazing and roomy for its size. 5’11 227 and I’m comfortable in the third row and that’s amazing

[@beartankoperator7950]

It is too bad they ended production in 2019 but i am guessing they moved that production capacity to some of the new vehicles they introduced the following year, but i like the flex maybe someday they will bring it back

[@reelmaxphotos3076]

LOVE the review man! Thanks for giving great insight! Has most of all the features I want! I test drove the explorer yesterday actually, but I wasn't really feeling it. I really wanted to test drive the FLEX but they didn't have any and the sales man kept telling me I'd be better off what the explorer. I disagree. After viewing this, I am more curious about the FLEX now. I find this one to be slightly lower in height than the explorer, which I LOVE! However, the explorer seems to have a nicer looking dashboard, but the FLEX seems to be more FLEXible! :)

[@beartankoperator7950]

Sad thing is this kind of treatment is why the flex is no longer made

[@screamqueenshaw2236]

I love this car! I highly recommend the sunroofs! Good video!

[@waynemagin2554]

You do a nice job with your video's, informative and always of excellent of quality. Thanks. Keep up the great work..

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+Wayne Magin Appreciate it ! Thanks for watching!

[@Drew.DrivesYT]

I just bought a Fusion SE, next up is a Flex Limited with the EcoBoost engine. Ford's been hitting them outta the park recently.

[@kevindavis2315]

I have a 2016 in Too Good to be blue it’s an SEL has the pano roof and sunroof with the second row captains chairs. It’s definitely great on the Highway despite the fuel economy.

[@davidbaker234]

I chose the flex over the expedition and I can say I don't regret it at all

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Chrome door handles ruin the look - We have a 2014 SEL with the appearance package and looks a lot better with body colored door handles. We had an '09 as well - they're great cars the only thing I'd wished we'd opt'd for would have been AWD...

[@stevenmc19]

Fuck yeah it is, everyone at the dealership, besides the 82 year old owner, thinks it's better than the Expedition! It's the best ride and features that a Ford SUV can have!

[@beatersho3497]

stevenmc19 i love my expedition but my friend drives his moms flex from time to time and it's REALLY damn comfortable

[@rawsketch]

The first gen Flex had the most comfortable seats I'd EVER sat in. That including the high driving position makes it the ultimate highway cruiser. Too bad it didn't sell well, there's no accounting for taste I guess.

[@jperkins1269]

If people hate the look of this then they also hate the Range Rover. It looks just like it.

[@joshmills780]

Thank you for the thorough review. We have a 2011 Ford Flex SEL and I've been curious to know what the upgrades and changes are. I love my Flex.

[@overdose956]

Ice had this car for 7 months wife takes the kids to school and back I drive it on vacations. This car is a beast! I don't like the outside but the inside is awesome and spacious

[@pillrollerdeluxe]

I've been studying the Flex for a couple of years and I really like them. Something that occurred to me when I was watching this latest review is the step in height. The SUVs and many CUVs have a higher step in height. I have two Boston Terriers that can't jump up into my Avalanche or my wife's Lincoln MKX which means we have to pick them up and put them in there. I believe they will easily jump up into the Flex....especially if there is a treat to coax them the first time. Something else that occurred to me is that the Flex has no cool daytime running lights like all the new cars/trucks have nowadays. That's a disappointment for me and for a vehicle the price of the Flex, they should have them!

[@Johnnytotal]

I like it, it reminds me of a Cooper mini country on steroids. Love the black text on the hood, not so much the grey and black seats. It's very expensive over here in Sweden. Oh, they where tan and grey. My bad! Thanks for sharing!

[@franciscoruiz-delgado9811]

Very unique I just started doing research I like what I see so far 😊 👌

[@tylerhorstman5948]

It's definitely an interesting looking car. I like it but the interior could really use an update. But what I like the most about it is the sunroof, because from what I have seen not too many third row vehicles with the panoramic sunroof go past the second row. Overall it's great for what it's used for. Awesome review!

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+Tyler Horstman Yeah the Flex is definitely unique, I love it! Wouldn't mind having one with the Twin Turbo ;) And the sunroofs are a really nice touch! Thanks for watching :)

[@CruellaUrsula]

I really hope that the 2017 model gets a complete overhaul. I really like this vehicle! It's the mini van alternative. It looks much cooler!

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

I hope so too !

[@bendietrees]

How do you think this compares to the discontinued Scion XB? I currently live in Australia and have an XB (they're Toyotas here branded as the "Rukus") and I adore it. I'm planning on moving back to the us this year. I'm interested in the Flex because I love the roomy interior of my Rukus and I love how it's not gigantic and very easy and fun to drive and also easy to park! I would really appreciate your advice and opinion 😊 I'm going to be test driving it out when I'm in the states in June!!!

[@bendietrees]

I'm just a little concerned that it's far too big as I'm single and don't have children.

[@roypaul9079]

I just happen to run across this video , i have the lord flex 2013 my father had and gave to me, however he never updated the sync system , can the sync system still be updated by the dealership ? Also one the driver window stop working then later all the window stop working , it not the fuse , it not the plug replacement in the driver door stwitches , any idea what it might be .

[@bigmike1ak]

I would like to see you cover the ecoboost engine.

[@waynemagin2554]

I am a FLEX fan My self. Waiting to see if Ford dose a face lift for 2017, Cool car.

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+Wayne Magin Same here !

[@Herctech]

I have an older Ford Flex Limited and I love it. I checked out a new Ford Explorer yesterday and find it is harder to get in the rear passenger seats do to the shape of the rear doors.

[@lidsman2221]

Would you please do a video on what all happens when your dealership first gets a car in right after it comes off the truck? Id also like to see a video on like some behind the scenes stuff at the dealership that the general public would not be aware goes on if anything.Thanks for the video.

[@Chiderah100]

Look more like Expedition than Explorer

[@heela188]

I love it, and thanks for the thorough review!

[@UNDNYABLE2U2002]

I love my 2013 Flex!

[@Alexz_Archivz]

+Ashley Gill Me too! Just wish my wife and kids would take better car of my Platinum White Flex.

[@MosheMalak]

I think the 2013 is the "best" flex!

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Also, did you know you can move the 2nd row seats back for even more leg room? - at least you can in our 2014 SEL.

[@mikeowentaylor]

i drive a 2010 ford flex sel, and i love it, I've sat in the third row several times, and I'm 6'4" with a size 13.5 us size shoe and i fit in all the seats comfortably.

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+mike taylor Yup, tons of room !

[@danariusm.4283]

I don't have one but I like the Ford Flex. 👍🏾👍🏾

[@chrisrobins7]

What about the Ambience/Mood lights?

[@TheBiggsnake78]

On my 2010 and I imagine on all flexes after the third row is up you can pull the #1 lever again and the seats fold back to form a seat to sit in the back under the liftgate for whatever purpose...be it at a game of some sort or just to sit and look out the back and be covered by the liftgate.

[@trevinormandy14520]

Could you do a video of you sitting in the last row, that's what I'm interested in, can 2 adults sit comfortably in the 3rd seats? Thanks

[@lizzydlm1]

Trevor Standefer I would have like to see more on the third row as well

[@johnloporto4560]

My mom owns a 2010 flex and I can say from experience that the third row seats are just as comfortable and can seat 3 people with relative ease.

[@13jrvernon]

@@johnloporto4560 you mean 2 in the rear

[@customsandbuilts-4524]

I swear you seem like the nices person in the world

[@B---dw6pz]

Anytime I see a vehicle with black rims it always reminds me of a high school kid with little to no money.

[@mikehumphrey5]

I bought my first Ford flex today fully loaded limited edition and I'm so happy with it compared to our Chevy Equinox , it's much bigger and the power is hands down blows the Chevy out of the water and not to mention the luxuries Comfort

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+mike humphrey Congratulations ! You're gonna love it :)

[@jerumdegrano4065]

I always like how you review these fords :) hey if you have time make a review of a older expedition ( 2000 - 2011 ) thanks in advance :)

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+Jerum Degrano Thanks!

[@kevindavis2315]

You should do a video about the upgrade with Apple CarPlay

[@eyeswideopen23]

One of my fav vehicles

[@northof-62]

Can you get 3 proper or full seats in the 2nd row I wonder?

[@pillrollerdeluxe]

By all means. It's not hard to get in the 3rd row without the gap, but not while in motion.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

*What I hate about most SUVs these days is the low ground clearance especially in the front. I do leave the pavement and go onto dirt/gravel roads. I also go to events that force me to go park in grass fields. When I can I enjoy off roading. The only real choice out there right now is the jeep wrangler.*

[@contagiouz989]

I for one actually love the design of the flex. However I choose the explorer because the flex doesn't compare with a explorer at all. The explorer has lane departure correction, adaptive cruise control which unfortunately the flex does not. but the flex costs are very similar to explorer somehow.

[@70CobraJet429]

My daughter just took possession of a '13 Flex Limited with an EcoBoost 3.5 and Adaptive Cruise control, so it was an option in 2013. It has all the bells and whistles - panoramic roof, power folding rear seats, DVD players in the rear headrests, heated/cooled seats, etc. What more could you want? Perfect family vehicle.

[@contagiouz989]

Agreed. It does have the adaptive cruise control. The only missing option is the active lane departure correction. Very nice car none the less.

[@Applegjg]

Unfortunately, the Flex is being discontinued in 2020

[@cameronclark3927]

John Williams is it really? Wonder how many they sell.

[@RWJSJG]

thanks for another great review. looking good and the flex is cool but to big for me I like luxury cars

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+RWJSJG You're welcome !

[@olddude1800]

I love my 2016 Flex. It is a love or hate model, but I'm sorry to see it go.

[@ThePioneerChannel]

I want one. that would be perfect for camping

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

Get it !

[@ze_german2921]

My best friend owns a Ecoboost Limited version. What I love about, is that it offers so much utility, It hauls ass with the twin turbos, in sunshine or in snow. It always surprises me when i race it off the line and leave sport cars in the dust. For me, the ECOBOOST is a must in a Flex, the torque, AWD and paddle shift makes you forget that you are driving a box or a "family" Car.

[@23meezy35]

I have a family I need this car

[@Raining_Koolaid]

So would you skip the appearance package and get either the vista roof or AWD instead? . I hate the lighter color seats and I think they’ll end up staining if I got that package. Does the flex handle good with FWD?

[@cruzmascorro3943]

How come here in South Texas the Flex never has big rebates like the Explorer, Expedition or any other Ford little Suv?

[@cruzmascorro3943]

Is the 2018 design going to change. We have a 2016 sel 3.5 n/a and only spent 50 bucks of gas on a trip to Houston, Galveston with stop and go traffic and back to Corpus Christi Texas area.

[@georgegeorg7016]

Maichel good'm a fan of yours like you are a big fan Ford can you say if for example Ford Raptor is built by the same company and Ford GT; ST RS not? Ie not involving main and other companies besides Ford to build these cars

[@korteztaylor8605]

is the Ford flex an all wheel drive vehicle????? is it good in snow???

[@goat9199]

Yes, it can be and yes, it is.

[@idm4christ]

I'm about to get a 2016 flex limited , I know there was a recall on the supercharged model but on the fwd limited with no supercharger there was no recall. would you say it's reliable compared to a honda pilot? any known problems?

[@jamespugh]

modern day min-van. they do look different

[@mikeowentaylor]

+James Pugh the transit connect is the modern day minivan

[@1MarkKeller]

Station wagon

[@aayonce4]

I prefer wagon

[@Radio7Stars]

good job Ford

[@Corvetjoe1]

Tank. Racer. Bug out ride. Legend.

[@SouthHillWoodworksClementsvale]

I rented a Flex back in 2009. For the price they were asking new the interior did not fit the asking price which is i believe the main reason so few are on the road. Cheap interiors

[@boofamily8508]

So first since I saw that you are in Pittsburgh I have to mention Go Pens! We have been going back and forth between a Flex and a Honda Pilot so one factor is Android Auto. Has Ford provided the upgrade to Sync 3 to support Android Auto yet? Thanks!

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

Yes they have :)

[@gabzgroove3088]

Where do I sign up for the giveaway? I love this car!!!

[@jackfrost9736]

I've had the flex for 2 months and I love it but I gotta go back to its brother...my Lincoln

[@17143972290]

Shoutout to the red st in the background

[@neverjethot]

It looks nice but I don't like the rinky-dink strap system for folding the seats, or the capless fuel filter- what if you spend a lot of time on dirt roads, the dust gets everywhere...

[@pillrollerdeluxe]

The straps aren't there for the Limited version (The best buy of the bunch). Push button activation is wonderful. I can promise you that dust will not enter the gas tank. Ford and other companies have been using these caps for years with no issues.

[@pantstime4529]

This car is fucking beautiful, I keep forgetting it's a goddamn cube car lmao.

[@karibelllovee1572]

I love ❤️ my Ford Flex

[@cinderella5006]

What’s the purpose of shifting manually?

[@jj5515]

So this is basically the Ford wind star or freestar ? I hear flex is being discontinued in 2020? Wonder what they are gonna replace it with.

[@cameronclark3927]

Jinu J believe they are replacing it with the Bronco

[@asselinpower]

Nice review, is it available with 6 seats like the Explorer?

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

Thanks! Yes it does :)

[@AshishShah1]

Great video! What do you film with?

[@AutoVlogOfficial]

+Ashish Shah Thank you! This was filmed with a Hero 4 Silver