What platform is the Ford Flex built on?
The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover SUV that has been in production since the 2009 model year. While it may look like a unique and distinctive vehicle, the Flex is actually built on the same platform as the Ford Taurus sedan.
The Ford Taurus Platform
The Ford Flex is based on the Ford D3 platform, which was first introduced in 2005 for the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans. This platform was later used for the 2008 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS models. The D3 platform is a front-wheel-drive unibody design that provides a flexible and adaptable foundation for a variety of Ford vehicles.
The Flex shares many of its core components with the Taurus, including the suspension, steering, and powertrain. This allows Ford to leverage economies of scale and reduce development costs by using a common platform across multiple models.p>
Adapting the Taurus Platform for the Flex
While the Flex is built on the Taurus platform, Ford made several key modifications to adapt it for the larger, more spacious crossover body style:
- Increased overall length and width to provide more interior room
- Raised the ride height and added a more upright, SUV-like profile
- Incorporated a more rugged, boxy exterior design compared to the Taurus sedan
- Offered available all-wheel-drive to enhance the Flex's utility and capability
These changes allowed Ford to create a distinct and versatile crossover model while still benefiting from the underlying Taurus platform architecture.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ford Flex may look like a unique and distinctive vehicle, but it is actually built on the same flexible Ford Taurus platform that underpins several other Ford models. This shared platform approach allows Ford to leverage economies of scale and streamline development, while still giving the Flex its own unique identity and capabilities.
