19 MPG combined isn’t setting any records, but that’s what a 2015 Ford Flex AWD with the 3.5L V6 delivers. It’s a decent choice for buyers who need space and utility in a distinctive package. This isn’t a vehicle for those focused on fuel efficiency; it’s for families who prioritize roominess, comfort, and a touch of retro cool over saving every last mile from a gallon of gas. The Flex makes a statement, and its fuel economy is part of it: practicality accepted, but individuality prioritized.

City and highway performance

The Ford Flex AWD with the 3.5L V6 is rated at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of moving a large vehicle through stop-and-go traffic. The Flex’s weight and all-wheel-drive system require more fuel when accelerating frequently. The highway MPG is more respectable, showing that the Flex can achieve reasonable efficiency when cruising at consistent speeds. However, expect those highway numbers to drop if you load it with people and cargo, which is a typical scenario for Flex owners.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2015 Ford Flex AWD 3.5L is $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the actual price of gasoline in your area. Owners who primarily drive short distances in the city or have a heavy foot will likely exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy for the Flex can vary. The EPA’s tests are conducted in controlled environments, simulating typical driving conditions, but they cannot account for every situation. Owners report that achieving the EPA’s 23 MPG highway figure is possible during steady highway driving, but the 17 MPG city figure can be hard to reach, especially in congested areas. Many drivers report averaging closer to 16 MPG in mixed driving conditions. View the EPA numbers as a benchmark and adjust your expectations based on your own driving habits and environment.

How it compares

The 2015 Ford Flex’s fuel economy isn’t class-leading, but it’s comparable to several of its competitors. The AWD Toyota Highlander with its 3.5L V6 engine, for example, manages around 19 MPG combined, making it a close match. The Chevrolet Traverse, a larger SUV, also lands in the neighborhood of 18 MPG combined with its AWD configuration. The FLEX MPG across all years lands right in line with big SUV and crossover fuel economy from its era.

If you had opted for the Flex’s optional EcoBoost engine you would see only marginally better fuel economy. The fuel economy picture is largely unchanged for the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade, two more recent models that offer similar space and utility. For those seeking better fuel efficiency in a three-row vehicle, a hybrid model like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (around 35 MPG combined) would be a more suitable choice, but that comes with sacrifices in cargo space and a different driving experience. Review all Ford fuel economy data to explore how the Flex stacks up against other models from the same brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Aggressive acceleration hurts fuel economy in a vehicle as heavy as the Flex. Smooth and gradual acceleration, especially from a stop, will improve your MPG.

Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary hard braking, which wastes the energy you’ve already spent getting up to speed.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which is typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Regularly check and adjust your tire pressure and you’ll improve your mile per gallon.

The Flex’s four-wheel drive system is useful in bad weather, but it also adds weight and drivetrain friction. When road conditions are clear, avoid using four-wheel drive if possible. Leaving it in Auto or front-wheel-drive, if available, can help improve fuel economy.

Reduce excess weight inside the vehicle. Carrying unnecessary items in the cargo area or throughout the cabin adds extra weight and requires the engine to work harder, decreasing fuel efficiency. Clean out the clutter and only carry what you need.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help optimize fuel efficiency, particularly on long trips. Cruise control prevents unnecessary speed fluctuations, leading to better fuel economy compared to manually controlling the throttle.