Against 416 other V6 cars rated 2017–2019, the Flex trails their 21.7 mpg average by 2.7 mpg, about $251 a year.
Every Ford Flex engine, compared
The Ford Flex was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 16.9 / 23.9 | 2009–2019 | $1,979 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee gets 20.2 mpg, the GMC Acadia 22.3 mpg and the Chevrolet Traverse 21.4 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 2019 Flex. The Flex costs the most of them to run: $299 a year more than the GMC Acadia.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2019) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2017–2019 | +$251 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,227 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2019 Ford Flex gives up 7 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 16 in the city, $730 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2019) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Flex changed over the years
The Flex peaked in 2015 at 20 mpg (18 city, 25 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2019 at 19 — 1 mpg apart, or $101 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2019 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2018 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2017 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2016 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2015 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2014 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2013 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2012 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2011 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2010 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2009 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Ford Flex — 1 engine across 2009–2019. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,227. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2019 Ford Flex get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2009 the Flex has averaged 19.4 mpg.
Is the 2019 Flex more efficient than the 2018?
About the same: 19 against 19 mpg combined.
Which Flex year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 20 mpg combined (18 city, 25 highway).
Does the Flex get better gas mileage than the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
No: 19 mpg for the 2019 Flex against 20.2 for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, about $120 a year more to run.
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