
The Flex has many big crossover rivals, and some have its crowd-pleasing features if not its quirky panache.
The Buick Enclave has its own curvaceous charm, but its V-6 is throatier and its cabin isn’t quite as nicely trimmed as that in the Ford.
The Honda Pilot used to be our no-brainer recommendation, but the latest version has traded a glassy cabin and high-dollar trim for trucky styling and huge sheets of tacky, grainy plastic on the dash.
A functional trump card would be the Chrysler Town & Country; the Flex oozes sophistication by comparison, but the minivan’s sliding side doors make better sense if carpooling is job one.
And if you’re contemplating the $55,000 sticker on a Flex Platinum, you may as well cross-shop a Range Rover Sport.
It’s nowhere near as convenient or reliable, but the swagger’s all there.
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Quick Specs | ||||
One of our top-rated vehicles, the 2012 Ford Flex has real distinction, along with top-shelf turbo power, great seats and great features. |
One of the most user-friendly, luxurious, and distinctive crossovers available, the 2012 Buick Enclave is some of GM's best styling work. |
The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country isn't substantially different from the Dodge Grand Caravan, but it's fully equipped and a significant bargain compared to well-equipped minivans from Japan. |
Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012. |
An impressive performer both on and off-road, the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport has the broadest reach of any luxury SUV we know. |
MSRP From | ||||
$29,465 | $36,500 | $29,995 | $28,620 | $60,045 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 18 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V8 |
EPA Class | ||||
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Minivan | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door SE FWD | FWD 4-Door Base | 4-Door Wagon Touring | 2WD 4-Door LX | 4WD 4-Door HSE |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Four Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door | 4 Door Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/CommandShift |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Buick Enclave | 2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country | 2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Honda Pilot | 2012 Ford Flex vs. 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport |