For a full decade, the original Flex was coming out from Ford’s factory lines. However, it never managed to become widely popular. Moreover, sales numbers were barely decent, despite we are talking about one pretty interesting design approach, at the time when crossovers weren’t as dominant as today. The familiar nameplate has been out of production for a while, but it looks like it could come back, as the 2021 Ford Flex, reports say. At this point, this is just a rumor. Still, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t speculate about possibilities for the new, second generation of this boxy crossover.
When it comes to base design characteristics, we presume that the eventual comeback would bring pretty much the same approach. Simply, the general design idea of this model has always been great, but things weren’t done pretty well in the production model. Simply, there were too many flaws. So, we hope that the possible comeback would make these things right.
2021 Ford Flex Redesign
If the 2021 Ford Flex is about to come back, it will certainly come with the same overall design approach, as we already mentioned. However, we would see a completely new design, starting from a new platform. In this case, that would probably be a new CD6 architecture, which means that the new model would probably share most of its parts with Explorer. Of course, this means one significant difference compared to the original, as we are talking about an RWD platform. That should provide better driving characteristics and make the potential model more appealing to those who don’t care just about practicality, but about the driving experience too.
Exterior
Of course, the thing that bothers you most is probably the exterior design. You probably wonder if the new 2021 Ford Flex would feature the same boxy shape as the original. In our eyes, this is a certain thing. Simply, without that boxy shape and unique styling, this model is simply absolutely not needed in Ford’s lineup, which already has two mid-size crossovers in the lineup, Edge and Explorer.
Therefore, those two things would remain the key features of the potential 2021 Ford Flex, which would probably become a bigger two. The original model measures nearly 118 inches in wheelbase, which in a combination with boxy lines ensures an impressive level of practicality. The new model would probably go over 120 inches in wheelbase.
Interior
If you look at the original model, the cabin was good in terms of space and functionality but had a lot of issues as well. That’s why we hope Ford engineers should do things much better in this case. Ford has never been famous for the interior quality of its models, but the original Flex was really disappointing in this aspect, whether it’s about materials or aesthetics. Therefore, we would expect to see a significant improvement in this aspect, though we would expect miracles.
The original model was famous for its practicality and interior functionality. Three rows of seats and a massive cargo area were its key features. So, we have no doubt the 2021 Ford Flex would continue in the same way. Of course, we count on further improvements in this aspect. As we already mentioned, the new model will probably be bigger, so there’s no doubt we would see more space on the inside as well.
2021 Ford Flex Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, we have no doubt that the 2021 Ford Flex would rely on the company’s latest generation of EcoBoost units. The first engine that comes to mind is a 2.3-liter turbo-four, which delivers around 300 horsepower. This one seems like a perfect measure for an SUV like this, for the base version. Of course, higher-grade models would certainly come with something more powerful, such as a new 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower.
Of course, some form of electrification would happen as well. That could easily be the same system that powers the Explorer Hybrid. It is based on a good-old 3.3-liter V6 features a combined output of 318 horsepower.
2021 Ford Flex Release Date and Price
According to some sources, the 2021 Ford Flex could arrive already in the next year. We presume that base versions would go somewhere between 30.000 and 35.000 dollars.