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Is a Ford Flex a minivan or SUV?

The Ford Flex is a unique vehicle that doesn't quite fit neatly into the traditional categories of minivan or SUV. It shares some characteristics of both, making it a bit of a hybrid between the two vehicle types.


What is a Ford Flex?


The Ford Flex is a large, three-row crossover vehicle that was produced by Ford from 2009 to 2019. It was designed to offer the spaciousness and utility of a minivan combined with the rugged, boxy styling of an SUV. The Flex had a unibody construction, which is more typical of a car-based crossover than a truck-based SUV.


Is the Ford Flex a Minivan or an SUV?


The Ford Flex is not strictly a minivan or an SUV, but rather a unique blend of the two vehicle types. It shares some key characteristics with both:



  • Minivan-like features: The Flex has a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers, sliding rear doors, and a large cargo area - all typical minivan attributes.

  • SUV-like features: The Flex has a boxy, upright design with a tall ride height and available all-wheel drive - features more commonly found in SUVs.


Ultimately, the Ford Flex is considered a crossover vehicle, blending the best attributes of both minivans and SUVs. It offers the passenger and cargo capacity of a minivan with the rugged, versatile styling of an SUV.


Conclusion


In summary, the Ford Flex is not strictly a minivan or an SUV, but rather a unique crossover vehicle that combines elements of both. Its spacious interior, sliding doors, and large cargo area give it minivan-like functionality, while its boxy design, tall ride height, and available all-wheel drive give it SUV-like capabilities. The Flex's hybrid nature makes it a versatile choice for families and individuals who want the best of both worlds in a single vehicle.

Why did Ford discontinue the Flex?


In reality, the Flex is being killed off because it's platform and powertrain is discontinued and there's not enough demand or differentiation between it and something like an explorer to make it worth the money to bring out a new gen.



What is the most common problem with the Ford Flex?


Top Ford Flex Problems

  • Broken Center Console Latch. 102 people have reported this.
  • Brake Noise – Front Grunting / Grinding. 78 people have reported this.
  • Transmission (Red) or Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (Brown) Fluid Leaks at Axle Area.
  • A/C Fan Speed Changing Constantly.
  • Rear Brakes Drag, Make Rhythmic Sound.



What is the last year the Ford Flex was made?


Ford retired the Flex in 2019 after a decade-long run. But if you're looking for a new SUV with similar versatility, Ford's current SUV lineup has you covered with models that span from compact to full-size, all equipped with the latest in technology and performance.



What kind of vehicle is a Flex?


Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. E85 (or flex fuel) is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season.



Is a minivan considered an SUV?


Minivans differ from SUVs with their lower ride height, sliding rear doors, and extra cargo space. No SUV will offer those exact features, but there are plenty of SUV options that serve as great family-friendly minivan alternatives.



Is the Ford Flex a good reliable vehicle?


The Ford Flex has received middle to high reliability scores on major review sites. RepairPal gives it a decent 3.5 out of 5.0 rating, ranking it 7th out of 8 in its class. The Ford Flex has a fairly average annual ownership cost of $713. With proper maintenance, you can easily put 200,000 miles on your Ford Flex.



What qualifies as an SUV?


SUV stands for 'Sports Utility Vehicle', a fairly loose term but one that generally refers to stylish, sleek looking vehicles that offer elegant city driving but also handle rugged terrain thanks to a typical 4x4 capability. SUVs can come in any size – small, midsize or large.



Is the Ford Flex a reliable car?


The Ford Flex has received middle to high reliability scores on major review sites. RepairPal gives it a decent 3.5 out of 5.0 rating, ranking it 7th out of 8 in its class. The Ford Flex has a fairly average annual ownership cost of $713. With proper maintenance, you can easily put 200,000 miles on your Ford Flex.



What vehicle class is a minivan?


Vehicles in the class 1 category include typical passenger/daily driver vehicles such as minivans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. There is some crossover with class 2 vehicles, which also includes cargo vans, heavier trucks (such as ¾ and 1 ton models), and step vans (like parcel delivery vehicles).



What is the Ford Flex classified as?


Full-size crossover SUV


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.