I was thinking the same thing, but figured we are all justified in having an opinion.

 

Inherently better? Really.

D4 is an inherently better chassis than CD4, and the Flex is a better execution of a superior chassis.

Ford won't deny it, their flagship is built on the D3/D4 (Taurus), and their flagship crossover is as well.

 

It would seem my superduty has an inherently better chassis than your flex. It seems your definition of inherently better means bigger.

Since the Edge outsells the Flex two to one, I don't think many buying customers share your definition.

 

We're looking at the Flex tonight. Need the third row seat. Wife is ok with the looks.
It's either that, or another mini-van.

 

Since you make such a statement, it is obvious that you don't understand te difference. The Edge is a mid sized crossover SUV, designed as a fuel efficient replacement for an Explorer. It has less cargo room.

The Flex has a huge interior that is in the same league as an extended Minivan (original Grand Caravan, full sized Aerostar). The Flex is designed to replace the minivan as a family workhorse.

So for the Edge outselling the Flex, duh, only people who need the extra size of the Flex are gonna be buying them. Otherwise the Edge costs slightly less, and better suits the needs of a smaller family.

 

So, you are agreeing that bigger is inherently better? What is it I don't understand? I know the flex is bigger, my point is that does not make it better.

 

I am saying there are some people like myself who need something begger than an Edge. I never said bigger was better. I said some people need the extra room in the Flex and for those people the Flex is better. An example is for my work. An Edge is too small for me, making it worthless. I must be able to fit 8' long sheets flat in the back with the hatch closed. The Edge just doesn't have that much space. But if I did not need to haul such large stuff, the Edge would be the better choice.

My point is that you don't realize the difference between the two and the fact that peoples needs are different. The point is that for the most part you should not be comparing the two vehicles in the first place. You either need a Flex or you don't. It boils down to practicality. The name Flex refers to its versatility. It is designed to replace full sized minivans, it is designed to haul large stuff, and it is designed to haul more people and still have significant cargo room in the back. However there are limited few in a position where this is actually significant. I come from a large family and by large I don't mean 3 or 4 kids, I mean 12. Sure you can't haul 12 in a Flex, but if you can carry at least 7, that covers most events, as not everyone is going to the same place at the same time.

 

I understand the need for two different style vehicles. My point in contradicting an earlier poster was that one was not "inherently better" than the other. That would mean that it was better at meeting the needs of all customers. As you pointed out, neither is the best choice for all customers, so we agree.

 

I don't have a Flex or an Edge. Strike one.

The D4 being bigger has nothing to do with it being better. Strike two.

The Edge is cheaper and doesn't have the Flex's polarizing looks. Using sales to make an argument for superiority is your third strike.

You're out.

Drive a Flex and an Edge back to back. I have. The Edge doesn't have anywhere near the Flex's level of interior quality or NVH control. The D4 is also one of the most robust and safest unibody chassis on the road from any manufacturer, the CD3 falls way, way short here.

If you were truly familiar with Ford's current product line up, and not simply defending your product of choice, there would be no argument here.

 

One vehicle is very much inherently better than the other, and the test drive reveals this simple truth. Two vehicles can meet a customer's "needs" equally, yet the vehicles themselves can be light years apart. That is what you are not getting.

And regarding meeting "needs", what need does the Edge meet that the Flex does not? With the Flex you trade 1 mpg for a much better trimmed interior, a more usable interior, a more robust chassis, lower NVH, a better ride, etc., etc.

 

For me the biggest argument in favor of the Flex is that I like the space and I am in a position that I can use the space. I have looked at both and I do feel that overall the Flex is a much nicer package. And while I did not test drive either at the time, the guy at the dealership did make a strong case for the Flex's ride, which he stated, was the smoothes ride in the entire Ford lineup. The only reason I did not test drive either the Flex or the Edge was that I was not in the market to actually buy at that time.

 

Sorry Big Bad, but what you are stating as facts, are still just your opinions.

 

Sorry, but they are not, especially NVH and structural integrity.

 

I think the Edge and Flex are both great cars, I have driven both. I would take the Flex. I love the non-conventional styling. I am glad it doesn't blend in with bland Rav 4s, Highlanders etc. The EcoBoost version of the Flex is fantastic to drive, so much power and torque, and handles brilliantly.

 

I do agree with that, I like the Edge and it would take it over a Murano in a heartbeat, I just think the Flex is the superior vehicle of the two.

The EcoBoost Flex is one of the best cars in Ford's lineup.