18 MPG combined may not seem great, but for the 2018 Ford Flex AWD with the 3.5L V6, it’s a figure its loyal following accepts and even expects. People don’t buy this vehicle because it sips fuel. They choose it for its distinctive, boxy design, spacious three-row seating, and available all-wheel drive. That makes it a practical choice for families who prioritize space and practicality over fuel efficiency. The Flex buyer, often with kids and plans for weekend trips, understands the trade-off between capability and fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Ford Flex AWD 3.5L gets 16 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects how hard a relatively heavy vehicle works in stop-and-go traffic. The 3.5L V6 needs to work harder in urban environments, impacting fuel consumption. On the open road, the 22 MPG rating is easier to reach because the engine settles into a more efficient cruising speed, although the Flex’s boxy aerodynamics keep it from excelling at highway fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Ford Flex AWD 3.5L is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual spending will vary based on driving style, local fuel prices, and the proportion of city versus highway miles driven. However, $2,450 gives prospective buyers a benchmark to consider alongside other ownership costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Ford Flex AWD 3.5L can change a lot. Driving aggressively, carrying heavy loads, and taking frequent short trips will all decrease fuel efficiency. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and regular maintenance can help owners get close to the EPA estimates. Cold temperatures and winter gasoline can also hurt fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2018 Ford Flex AWD 3.5L’s fuel economy is generally on the low end compared to other three-row SUVs of its time. Notably, the 2018 Honda Pilot Touring AWD achieves a combined 22 MPG, a real improvement. Even the larger and more powerful 2018 Toyota Sequoia 4WD posts a similar highway figure of 17 MPG combined with a city of 13 and highway of 17, though it uses more gas overall. The Dodge Durango GT AWD, another V6-powered competitor, manages around 21 MPG combined. The Flex’s shape and full-time AWD system mean it uses more fuel. For buyers wanting to save on gas, alternatives like the minivan segment (e.g., Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica) or smaller, more efficient SUVs might be better. Comparing all Ford fuel economy data can put this in perspective. But for those who like the Flex’s unique style, the fuel consumption is often just part of owning it. For FLEX MPG across all years, view FLEX MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2018 Ford Flex AWD 3.5L isn’t going to win any fuel efficiency awards, but you can still improve its mileage. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and spark plug replacements, keeps the engine running its best. A well-maintained engine uses less fuel.

Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. The 3.5L V6 responds to the throttle, but driving heavy-footed hurts fuel economy. Watching traffic and keeping a steady speed will save fuel.

Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel efficiency. Check your tires often and keep them at the pressure on the door jamb sticker. Low tire pressure makes the engine work harder.

Keep weight down. Extra cargo adds weight, increasing fuel consumption. Take out what you don’t need and don’t use the roof rack if you don’t have to. When trying to save fuel with a Flex, every pound counts.

Plan your trips. Combining errands into one trip means fewer cold starts. Cold starts use more fuel. Avoiding rush hour also means less stop-and-go driving. Good route planning can save time and fuel with this suv.