Ford Flex or Minivan: Which One Is Best for You?
A spiritual heir to the Windstar and Freestar, the Ford Flex arrived on the market as a 2009 model before disappearing in 2019, because of its sales not being good enough to keep it alive. This locally made product (Oakville, Ontario) has known only one generation, which has received a general overhaul for 2013.
The automaker has never used the term “minivan” with the Flex, preferring to describe it as a new type of crossover—a bit like Kia with its Carnival, a replacement for the Sedona. As a result, some consumers wonder: is it as spacious and versatile as a minivan? Let’s take a closer look …
First, mechanically, the Flex uses a 3.5-litre V6 with 287 horsepower, which is comparable to a contemporary Honda Odyssey or Dodge Grand Caravan. For those who want more muslce, there’s the Limited EcoBoost trim with its 3.5-litre V6 that generates 365 horsepower.
The Flex also has the advantage of being able to tow up to 4,500 pounds (instead of 3,500). In addition, some examples have an all-wheel drive, something only the Toyota Sienna offered back then (now also found in the Chrysler Pacifica).
In terms of exterior dimensions and weight, the Flex is very close to the models mentioned above, and has a similar handling. However, when we see the inside, we realise right away that they are not in the same league. As a matter of fact, the cargo volume goes from 566 to 2,356 litres only, while the Odyssey offers 929 to 4,103 litres of luggage space, and the Grand Caravan, 881 to 4,072 litres.
The Flex’s higher floor, which allows for more ground clearance, is to blame, as well as its reduced height. Also, the rear visibility is not as good as in a minivan, and the storage compartments are oddly lacking. Note that the second-row bench seat could be replaced with two independent seats with a console in the middle (optionally refrigerated).
In short, people choose the Ford Flex because of its style, power and technologies. If you’re looking for the best family vehicle, go for a real minivan instead.
