R1S vs. Ford Flex Photos - Exterior

[macadamiaman]

Hey guys, took delivery yesterday, 4+ years after an initial google search for something like "electric Ford Flex" that brought me here. I really like the form factor of the Flex, but wanted something electric and maybe a little bigger/faster. I figured other people might be or had been in the same boat as me, so before I sell the Flex I figured I'd take some comparison photos if they might help anybody. Happy to answer any questions anyone may have.

I have had this 2016 Flex Limited since near-new. I lowered it on H&R coil springs and put wider 20x10" wheels with 275/40/20 tires.

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[moosetags]

I have always thought the the R1S bore a significant resemblance to a Ford Flex. This impression goes all the way back to when we first put our deposit on a Rivian in November of 2018. We have always wanted to try EVing, but want and need a pick-up truck. Rivian was the first to offer the EV that we want. Now that we have our R1T, we are thrilled and very optimistic about the future of EVing.

Thank you for posting the pictures of your Flex next to your R1S. The resemblance is obvious. I have always thought Rivian got its styling cues from the Flex.

Brian

 

[Swilly]

You certainly have a very specific type. Makes me wonder if all your ex-girlfriends look like your wife, or maybe your wife resembles your vehicles? But I’m not going to go there.

Beautiful R1S, congrats!

 

[AdventureR1S]

Beautiful vehicle! Congratulations on your new R1S, welcome to the family

 

[johnstuder]

I'm curious to get your other impressions as well. How's interior space on the two compared? Handling? Obviously the R1S has a bit more get up and go...

 

[Killer95Stang]

We just did that same upgrade to the R1S after owning two Ford Flexes (2011 and 2015). My wife really hated the Flex when she first saw it at an Auto Show back in 2008. But little by little they started to grow on her. Back in 2011, these were the soccer mom vehicle of choice in CA. Overall, I think the R1S has more middle row leg room than the flex. It also seems like maybe head room is better. Getting in and out is a lot more difficult for my wife if not using kneel mode in the R1S. In comparison, the flex was like getting in a regular sedan and very low to the ground. Powerwise, absolutely no comparison between the two, but the Flex was decent and accomplished what it supposed to do, like trips across the US, Vegas, Mammoth.. etc. I just feel the R1S will do those things better. Overall, the flex was super reliable and we had zero issues with 80K miles by the time we sold it. We also got almost $16K for an 8 year old car that was only 35K to begin with. I think we did okay.

 

[9527]

The wheels on the Flex are not small. Are they 19”? But put them next to a Rivian with sports wheels… just damn.

 

[Killer95Stang]

The wheels on the Flex are not small. Are they 19”? But put them next to a Rivian with sports wheels… just damn.

20" was stock on the SEL package... SE had 18's

 

[macadamiaman]

The wheels on the Flex are not small. Are they 19”? But put them next to a Rivian with sports wheels… just damn.

My Flex came with the "stock" (upgraded) 20", and I bought some wider 20" Konigs (10" width vs. 8.5" I believe), which really helped ground it. The Rivian's 22s make the Flex 20s look absolutely small, it's weird! In fact the entire scale of the Rivian makes the Flex look more like a car in comparison.

I'm curious to get your other impressions as well. How's interior space on the two compared? Handling?

I think 95stang pretty much hit nail on the head for comparison inside. It's very similar overall. Third row is way more comfortable and somewhat more accessible. Folded flat cargo is very similar (plus frunk/sub trunk). Front seats are surprisingly similar form factor slightly scaled larger, but obviously way nicer.

As for handling: they are drastically different, though to be fair I still have less than 200 miles on the Rivian - mostly highway drive home. The Rivian feels more glued to the road in a tough to describe way. It is WAY more truck-like, somewhat bouncier and more agile. You can feel in some cases that you are carrying another 2500lbs+ - until you accelerate or brake, which can't even be compared. I have so far only driven it in Sport in the lowest suspension mode so I have a lot more to explore. My guess is there are settings that bring it closer to and then beyond in the other direction from the Flex due to the highly variable air suspension settings.

You certainly have a very specific type. Makes me wonder if all your ex-girlfriends look like your wife, or maybe your wife resembles your vehicles? But I’m not going to go there.

Beautiful R1S, congrats!

Thank you! There is something really attractive about a big black car with a small woman inside. Someone should start that thread going.

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