Is the Ford Flex bigger than the Explorer?
Yes. In most model years, the Ford Flex is longer than the Ford Explorer and offers more cargo space behind the third row. The Explorer remains in production with ongoing updates, so measurements vary by year.
To understand what “bigger” means in this context, we’ll compare exterior footprint (length, width, height) and interior/cargo space across representative generations. The Ford Flex ran from 2009 through 2019, while the Explorer continues with newer generations, so exact numbers depend on year and trim. Overall, the Flex is the larger exterior package, but the Explorer has evolved with modern design and packaging.
Size in exterior dimensions
What people mean by “bigger” often starts with exterior footprint. Here’s a quick look at how the two SUVs compare in length, width, and height, using representative figures from common model years.
- Exterior length: Ford Flex is typically around 201–202 inches long; Ford Explorer is usually about 198–199 inches. The Flex is longer by roughly 2–3 inches, depending on year and trim.
- Width and height: Both are similar in overall footprint, with widths generally in the mid-70s to low-80s inches and heights in the mid-60s inches. Differences are minor and vary by model year and roof rails or trim choices.
Overall, the Flex sits a bit longer and yields a slightly larger exterior footprint, which can affect parking and garage fit. The Explorer’s newer generations have narrowed the gap in some dimensions, but the Flex remains the longer vehicle overall.
Interior space and cargo capacity
Beyond exterior size, buyers care about interior space: cargo with seats in use, behind the second row, and with all seats folded. Here’s how they typically stack up across common configurations.
- Behind the third row (cargo with third row in use): Flex generally offers around 20 cubic feet of cargo space; Explorer typically offers a bit less—roughly 18–19 cubic feet—though exact figures depend on year and trim.
- Behind the second row (seats up): Flex tends to provide more total cargo space in the back than the Explorer in many configurations, reflecting its longer box and boxy shape; exact numbers vary by year and seat configuration.
- All seats folded (maximum cargo): Both vehicles deliver cargo capacity in the low-to-mid 80s cubic feet range, with some years of the Explorer edging ahead in certain layouts and others favoring the Flex depending on options.
In practical terms, the Flex often offers more usable cargo space with a third row in place, while the Explorer emphasizes interior flexibility and modern packaging in newer generations. When shopping used examples, it’s important to check the exact year’s specifications for cargo and seating layouts.
Model-year caveats
The Ford Flex was discontinued after the 2019 model year, so fresh inventories aren’t available. The Explorer remains in production and has gone through multiple generations (notably a major redesign around 2020), which shifts dimensions and interior space. Because measurements vary by year, trim, and options, always verify the precise specs for the specific vehicle you’re evaluating.
Summary
In short, the Ford Flex is the bigger vehicle in terms of exterior length and typically offers more cargo behind the third row, but it is no longer produced. The Explorer remains the ongoing model with newer styling and packaging, and its size varies across generations. For raw size and cargo with a third row, the Flex is the larger choice among the two; for current design and technology, the Explorer is the practical, modern option. Always check the exact year’s specifications when comparing specific vehicles.
