2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
When comparing the 2012 Ford Flex's and the 2012 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Ford Flex has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2012 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Ford Flex's and the 2012 Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Ford Explorer is a better car than the 2012 Ford Flex.
2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Ford Explorer Pricing
A used 2012 Ford Flex ranges from $5,525 to $15,779 while a used 2012 Ford Explorer is priced between $7,500 to $17,195.
2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Ford Explorer Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Ford Flex loses 47.7 percent of its value and the 2012 Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Ford Explorer retains 1.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Ford Flex.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2012 Ford Flex’s base engine makes 262 horsepower, and the 2012 Ford Explorer base engine makes 290 horsepower. The Flex is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 465 miles. This gives the 2012 Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2012 Ford Flex. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/fullsize SUVs, the 2012 Ford Flex has the advantage of offering more front head room, front leg room and rear leg room. The 2012 Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and cargo space. The 2012 Ford Flex and 2012 Ford Explorer are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The 2012 Ford Explorer has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
5525 - 15779
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.476721
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
7500 - 17195
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Ford Flex Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Ford Flex Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
9 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Ranking
10 out of / 10Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
17 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 30Ranking
64 out of / 66Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2012 Ford Flex Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL, Titanium
2012 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
262 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
248 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 25 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
335 / 465 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
20 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
83.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
175.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4471 lbs
Width:
88.8 inches
Height:
68 inches
Length:
201.8 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4557 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P245/65R17