Ford Explorer vs. Ford Flex
When we compare the Ford Explorer to the Ford Flex, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The Ford Flex has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer versus the Ford Flex, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Ford Explorer vs. Ford Flex Pricing
A used 2019 Ford Explorer ranges from $22,719 to $36,998 while a used 2019 Ford Flex is priced between $21,284 to $33,267.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the Ford Flex base engine makes 287 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Flex is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 428 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Flex has the advantage of offering more front head room and rear leg room. The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The 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:
$22,719 - $36,998
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$21,284 - $33,267
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
47.7%
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Ford Flex Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 25Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
6 out of / 61Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 61Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 25Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
39 out of / 61Ranking
41 out of / 61Ford Flex Rankings
Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
49 out of / 61Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
Ford Flex Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
287 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
254 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 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 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 428 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.6 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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4439 lbs
Width:
88.8 inches
Height:
68 inches
Length:
201.8 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
P235/60R17
