Ford flex vs. subaru outback: which suv reigns supreme for family and off-road?
What To Know
- The naturally aspirated engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and the flat-six produces 260 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque.
- The Subaru Outback with the naturally aspirated engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
- The turbocharged Outback gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the flat-six Outback gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Flex and Subaru Outback are two popular midsize SUVs that cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, ample cargo space, and impressive off-road capabilities. However, each model has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Ford Flex and Subaru Outback to help you make an informed decision about which one is the right choice for your needs.
Exterior Design
The Ford Flex exudes a bold and muscular presence with its boxy silhouette and sharp angles. Its distinctive grille and swept-back headlights give it a commanding appearance. In contrast, the Subaru Outback has a more refined and aerodynamic design, featuring a sloping roofline and sleek lines. Its hexagonal grille and C-shaped headlights provide a sporty and modern touch.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both the Ford Flex and Subaru Outback offer spacious cabins with ample seating for up to seven passengers. The Flex has a more boxy interior, providing generous headroom and legroom in all three rows. The Outback’s cabin is more refined and features a more upscale design. It offers slightly less headroom in the third row, but the seats are more supportive and comfortable.
Cargo Capacity
The Ford Flex boasts an impressive cargo capacity of up to 83.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Subaru Outback offers a slightly smaller cargo space, with a maximum capacity of 75.7 cubic feet. However, the Outback’s cargo area is more versatile, thanks to its standard roof rails and optional crossbars that allow for additional storage.
Engine Performance
The Ford Flex is available with two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 and a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. The V6 produces 285 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged V6 delivers 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Outback offers three engine choices: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four, a turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four, and a 3.6-liter flat-six. The naturally aspirated engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, the turbocharged engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and the flat-six produces 260 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel Economy
The Ford Flex with the 3.5-liter V6 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged V6 Flex gets slightly worse fuel economy, with 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The Subaru Outback with the naturally aspirated engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged Outback gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, while the flat-six Outback gets 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Off-Road Capabilities
Both the Ford Flex and Subaru Outback offer impressive off-road capabilities for adventure-seekers. The Flex is available with all-wheel drive and a torque-vectoring system that provides enhanced traction on slippery surfaces. The Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive and features a more advanced X-Mode system that includes hill descent control and a variety of off-road driving modes.
Safety Features
The Ford Flex and Subaru Outback both received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both vehicles come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. The Outback offers a few more advanced safety features as standard, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Technology and Infotainment
The Ford Flex and Subaru Outback offer modern infotainment systems with user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of features. The Flex’s SYNC 3 system features a 8-inch touchscreen, voice controls, and smartphone integration. The Outback’s Starlink system features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium audio system. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Which One to Choose?
The Ford Flex and Subaru Outback are both excellent choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Flex offers a more spacious interior, more powerful engine options, and a lower starting price. The Outback offers a more refined interior, better fuel economy, and more advanced safety features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Comprehensive Comparison Chart
| Feature | Ford Flex | Subaru Outback |
| — | — | — |
| Exterior Design | Bold and muscular | Refined and aerodynamic |
| Interior Space | Spacious with generous headroom and legroom | Refined with more supportive seats |
| Cargo Capacity | 83.2 cubic feet | 75.7 cubic feet |
| Engine Performance | Up to 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque | Up to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque |
| Fuel Economy | 16-25 mpg | 23-35 mpg |
| Off-Road Capabilities | All-wheel drive with torque-vectoring | All-wheel drive with X-Mode system |
| Safety Features | Excellent safety ratings | Excellent safety ratings with more advanced features |
| Technology and Infotainment | SYNC 3 system with 8-inch touchscreen | Starlink system with 11.6-inch touchscreen |
| Starting Price | $31,640 | $27,845 |
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle has the most passenger space?
A: The Ford Flex offers more spacious seating for up to seven passengers, while the Subaru Outback has a more refined interior with more supportive seats.
Q: Which vehicle has the best fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Outback with the naturally aspirated engine has the best fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which vehicle has the most advanced off-road capabilities?
A: The Subaru Outback has more advanced off-road capabilities, thanks to its X-Mode system that includes hill descent control and a variety of off-road driving modes.
Q: Which vehicle has the most advanced safety features?
A: The Subaru Outback offers a few more advanced safety features as standard, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Q: Which vehicle has the best value for money?
A: The Ford Flex offers a more spacious interior, more powerful engine options, and a lower starting price, making it the better value for money.