Ford Flex AWD
17.5 MPG The 2019 Ford Flex AWD is EPA-rated at 17.5 MPG combined (15.5 city / 21.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 857 gallons, $2743 a year in fuel, or $0.183 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2009–2019 run it averages 18 MPG, essentially flat across 11 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.171 | $1714 | $2571 | $3429 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.183 | $1829 | $2743 | $3657 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.229 | $2286 | $3429 | $4571 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.257 | $2571 | $3857 | $5143 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.286 | $2857 | $4286 | $5714 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21.5 | $3550 | 509 | 2 |
| 2018 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21.5 | $3550 | 509 | 2 |
| 2017 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21.5 | $3550 | 507 | 2 |
| 2016 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21.5 | $3550 | 507 | 2 |
| 2015 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22.5 | $3375 | 470 | 2 |
| 2014 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 23 | $3375 | 471 | 2 |
| 2013 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22.5 | $3375 | 476 | 2 |
| 2012 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22.5 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 2011 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.5 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 2010 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 2009 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 105 standard sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Ford Flex AWD ranks 65 on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW X5 xDrive50i (18), Chevrolet Suburban 4WD (18), Ford Expedition 4WD (18), Ford Explorer AWD FFV (18), GMC Yukon XL 4WD (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 509 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Flex AWD get?
The 2019 Ford Flex AWD is rated at 17.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 15.5 city and 21.5 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 18 MPG, ranging from 17 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Flex AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 17.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 857 gallons — roughly $2743 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.183 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2019 model is $3550.
Has the Ford Flex AWD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 17.5 MPG today against 18 in 2009 — essentially flat across 11 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Ford Flex AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 65 of 105 in the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.7 MPG. That is 2.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.