2018 Ford Flex AWD
Fuel Economy Overview
The 2018 Ford Flex AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 15 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.5L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (s6), this standard sport utility vehicle 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.
In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 Flex AWD produces approximately 523 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Flex AWD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.
The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,500, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $6,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.
Energy DNA
Green Scorecard
Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy
Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.
The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty
EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Recall Intelligence
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Flex vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the B-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 17, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB8. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 28, 2025.
Loading live complaint data...
Looking for comprehensive historical data?
NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Ford Flex AWD configurations.
Similar 2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD Alternatives
2018 BMW X5 xDrive50i
4.4L 8-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2018 BMW X6 xDrive50i
4.4L 8-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2018 Cadillac Escalade 4WD
6.2L 8-cyl 4-Wheel Drive
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe K1500 4WD
6.2L 8-cyl 4-Wheel Drive
2018 Dodge Durango AWD
5.7L 8-cyl All-Wheel Drive
2018 GMC Yukon K1500 4WD
6.2L 8-cyl 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel Cost Analysis
Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.
Efficiency Breakdown
Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint
(Based on 200,000 miles driven)