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What if I told you there’s an SUV with timeless design, 365 horsepower, and a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds–all for under $10,000? Meet the Ford Flex, the hidden gem of the three-row SUV world. Once dismissed for its boxy styling, this Detroit-designed (and Ontario built) crossover is finally earning the respect it deserves—especially as brands like Hyundai and Toyota embrace similarly bold, boxy designs.

Launched in 2009, the Flex was polarizing from the start. “You either love the Ford Flex, or you hate the Ford Flex,” Timothy Cain wrote in his review for The Truth About Cars. Sales never took off, but today, that boxy shape is a hallmark of practicality and style. Rivals such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Land Cruiser are bringing back the box, while luxury icons like the G-Wagon have always embraced it.

A powertrain that can ‘Flex’

Ford Flex parked under a tower in a field.
Ford Flex | Brian Vander Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The Flex wasn’t just ahead of its time in looks. Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, cranking out 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, still impresses. As The Autopian noted, this engine was “fast, handled well, and came with tons of great luxury features.” Add an advanced AWD system capable of transferring 100% of torque to either axle—more advanced than today’s Bronco Sport which can only transfer 70%—and the Flex is a towing and road-tripping champ.

Inside, the Flex was built for comfort. Sarah Auerswald of Moms LA praised it as “the perfect road trip car,” citing its spacious three-row seating, luxury features like heated and cooled seats, and panoramic vista roof. Unlike many modern SUVs, the Flex offered a true minivan replacement, with room for both people and gear.

Even more appealing? The Ford Flex is now an incredible bargain. Used models start well under $10,000, offering unbeatable value for families and adventurers alike.

Ready to rediscover this overlooked classic? Find a Ford Flex for sale near you today and see why this boxy turbocharged SUV deserves a spot in your driveway.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.