How Chevy Killed This Toaster Car Before it even Left The Assembly Line
When it comes to seven-seat SUVs, there are many options available in the market, but the Ford Flex is a model that has been on the market for over a decade, and unfortunately, it hasn’t kept up with the times. Its design, which is boxy and awkward, is reminiscent of a hearse and fails to capture the sleek, modern look that most consumers are looking for in a car. While the Ford Flex does have some unique styling features, such as its bold front grille and distinctive taillights, it lacks the refined design elements and attractive lines of its competitors.
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Ford Flex is its lack of advanced safety features. While it does have some basic safety features, such as airbags and a backup camera, many of the advanced safety features that are now expected in most new vehicles are not available on the Flex. For example, it lacks features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, which can help prevent accidents and keep passengers safe. This puts the Ford Flex at a disadvantage compared to Chevy seven-seat SUVs like the Traverse, which offer a wide range of advanced safety features.
In addition to its lackluster design and safety features, the Ford Flex also falls short in several other areas compared to its competitors. One of the biggest drawbacks is the cramped interior, particularly in the third row. While the first and second rows of seats are spacious and comfortable, the third row is cramped and uncomfortable, with limited headroom and legroom for passengers. This is a significant disadvantage compared to the Chevy Traverse, which has a more spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate all passengers.
Another area where the Ford Flex falls short is the ride quality. The ride is bumpy and uncomfortable, and the handling feels sluggish and unresponsive, making the car feel heavy and cumbersome on the road. This is another area where the Chevy Traverse outperforms the Flex, offering a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling that makes it feel more like a car than an SUV. The Traverse also has a more powerful engine, which provides better acceleration and a more enjoyable driving experience.
Finally, the fuel economy of the Ford Flex is also disappointing, with an average of only 19 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. In comparison, the Chevy Traverse offers better fuel efficiency with an average of 23 miles per gallon in combined driving. This is an important consideration for families who are looking for a car that can help them save money on fuel costs over the long term.
Final Thoughts on the Ford Flex
While the Ford Flex may have been a solid choice a decade ago, it simply can’t compete with modern Chevy seven-seat SUVs like the Traverse. The Ford Flex’s outdated design, lack of standard features, cramped interior, poor ride quality, and subpar fuel economy make it difficult to recommend, especially when the Chevy Traverse offers a more spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, better handling, and improved fuel efficiency. For families who are in the market for a seven-seat SUV, the Chevy Traverse is a much better choice than the Ford Flex.
Head to Head:
Ford Flex
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift
- Fuel economy: 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway (FWD); 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway (AWD)
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive was an option)
- Towing capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped
- Seating capacity: Seven passengers (six with optional second-row captain’s chairs)
- Cargo capacity: 20 cubic feet of space behind the third row; 43.2 cubic feet behind the second row; 83.2 cubic feet behind the first row
- Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
- Length: 201.8 inches
- Width: 75.9 inches
- Height: 68.0 inches
- Curb weight: 4,438 to 4,679 pounds, depending on the trim level
Chevy Traverse
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel Economy: 18 MPG city / 27 MPG highway
- Seating Capacity: 7-8 passengers
- Cargo Capacity: 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 58.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and 98.2 cubic feet with all seats folded down
- Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Front Suspension: MacPherson strut
- Rear Suspension: 5-link independent
- Wheelbase: 120.9 inches
- Length: 204.3 inches
- Width: 78.6 inches
- Height: 70.7 inches
- Curb Weight: 4,346-4,685 pounds
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