Ford Flex = SUV Killer?

[mile9c1]

Blast from the past! I found this thread while researching Flex vs 4-Runner.

So it's been 7 years... was the Flex was an SUV killer? Well, since 2008 the Explorer, TrailBlazer, Durango, Pathfinder, (and probably more) all ditched their body-on-frame constructions in favor of the more car-like unibody. Even the Suburban is more car-like than ever now.

Also I noticed that the US News @ World Report ranked the 4runner last in the affordable midsize SUV category. It's the only non-unibody of the bunch. The Flex is ranked mid-pack in the affordable large SUV category. I think Consumer Reports has similar ratings but I will have to check later.

Personally a low ranking doesn't bother me. I like the 4runner for what it is and it looks 100% better than the comparable Highlander. I just wish they offered the TRD Pro with a 3rd row... I could probably talk my wife into an orange one if it had the 3rd row.

 

[m85476585]

The Ford Transit Connect is a better SUV killer.
Why You Should Buy A Ford Transit Connect Instead Of A Three-Row SUV

If it really can get 30mpg, that's impressive, and it looks like it has a lot of interior room, but I haven't seen one in person.

I want off road capability, though. I don't think CR has ever liked the 4runner, but I don't care. They rank cars based on things they think average drivers want. If their ratings were the final word, we would all be driving Subaru Foresters and there would be no other cars on the market. But all the other cars on the market still exist because different people want different things.

The 4th gen 4runner (esp the V6) gets better mpg than most of it's competitors from the same time, as far as I know. The 5th gen is not bad, but the competitors are catching up (or dropping out and being replaced by unibody vehicles).

 

[T4R2014]

The term "SUV" is a total mess at this point if you can call both the 4Runner and Flex SUVs. The Flex is a CUV which has far more in common with a car than an actual SUV. It bugs the hell out of me when some refers to their sissy new Highlander or Durango as an SUV or truck. It makes SUV sound so pathetic.

 

[Sporin]

Flex became a more stylish (subjective) minivan alternative than an SUV killer.

 

[mile9c1]

I've never thought the Flex to be an SUV, more of a wagon or minivan alternative. BTW Consumer Reports gives the 4runner gen5 high scores for reliability and satisfaction.

 

[tweak]

This is very entertaining - check out Ford reliability Vs Toyota in Consumer Reports.

 

[Burt]

The Flex is a nice ride... much more comfort than the 4Runner. Will it kill the SUV? NO. Many people bought SUV's over the years and really never used them as such. Gosh, there are so many AWD vehicles now that unless you do off roading and/or towing,, what do you need a 4WD SUV or truck for?
I think the Flex has a place in the market and should do well. Sure beats the Explorer.
Just my 2 cents..

 

[mile9c1]

This is very entertaining - check out Ford reliability Vs Toyota in Consumer Reports.

Irrelevant. Flex has very good reliability and I'm pretty sure nobody passes on it because of reliability (personally I'd pass on the turbo). CR gives it top scores for owner satisfaction (which is better than all but 3 Toyotas). It also has among the most repeat buyers as a percentage of sales. Who else even makes a full size wagon?

 

[Burt]

Irrelevant. Flex has very good reliability and I'm pretty sure nobody passes on it because of reliability (personally I'd pass on the turbo). CR gives it top scores for owner satisfaction (which is better than all but 3 Toyotas). It also has among the most repeat buyers as a percentage of sales. Who else even makes a full size wagon?

Ahh yes, the station wagon. Found memories on family vacations during the 60's.

 

[daka320]

Rented one several months back from Albequerque to Phoenix. Nice ride and rode well. Hated the navigation and syncing my phone. I still prefer my 4runner which is 11 years older. More versatile for my lifestyle I guess.

 

[M1911]

Saw an article today highlighting the new Ford Flex wagon. It looks really cool! I like the styling direction these days of Ford. But, the article said "Bye bye SUV" and "SUV Killer". However, when reading about the car on Ford's site, it says 17mpg city / 24 highway. My 05' V8 permanent 4x4 4runner gets that, or very close to it, with an average of about 18-19 mpg.

18-19? NFW. I get 14.5 - 15.5 city on my '03 V8. Maybe 18 mpg highway. In the city? No way.

As for the Flex, I think it is a great vehicle for someone who doesn't need an SUV. It has love-it or hate-it styling. I like it.

Frankly, if you don't have to go offroad, our beloved body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle 4Runner is a pretty lousy vehicle. I've owned my 4Runner since new. Compared to a car, it turns poorly, it rides poorly, it brakes poorly. If you don't need the offroad capability, why put up with that? A Flex has as much room, drives better, rides better, and gets better mileage.