Launched in 2009, the Ford Flex is a crossover offering with a boxlike body style It's very easy to identify when compared to other vehicles in the Ford lineup. The base Ford Flex is well executed, and has plenty of amenities. Consumers can opt for additional features to upscale the Flex to a luxury-like vehicle too.
The body styling of the Flex is not for everyone. Its price is a bit higher than other vehicles in this segment; this could be the cause of reduced sales. The Flex is hard to park when it lacks the inclusion of a backup camera. Still, an examination of the Flex's attributes illustrates that it has appealing qualities.
The Flex offers a smooth ride, comfortable interior, and it's great for long distance drives. The interior is loaded with niceties and this is especially true of the upper trims. The flat rooftop ensures ideal head/cargo room and the back seat area has ample legroom as well. The vehicle is capable of towing up to as much as 4500 pounds, so it's great for weekend toys.
The Range
Bodystyles: SUV
Engines: 3.5L V-6, 3.5L turbocharged V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: SE, SEL FWD, SEL AWD, SEL EcoBoost, Limited FWD, Limited AWD, Limited EcoBoost
What's New
The big news for the 2010 Ford Flex is the addition of the powerful EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V-6. Additionally, the Flex receives the Active Park Assist self-parallel-parking system as an option on range-topping Limited models.
Exterior
Flex SEL and Limited models get white roofs and body-color mirrors. Wheel options go from 17 inches on SE models to as big as 20 inches on the range-topping Limited. EcoBoost models get separate dual exhausts.
Interior
Depending on configuration, the Flex can sit either six or seven, though taller adults will find the third row to be cramped. Cargo capacity ranges from 20.0 cubic-feet to a whopping 83.2 cubic-feet.
Performance & Handling
The Flex is not the most agile vehicle, but when fitted with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 with 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, it will move with surprising urgency. Even the base engine, a naturally-aspirated version of Ford's 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque doesn't labor when moving the Flex's two-and-a-quarter tons except in extreme conditions.
Safety
The Flex received 5-star crash safety ratings from the NHTSA from all four positions thanks partly to its compliment of six standard airbags. Stability control and four-wheel ABS are standard as well.
EPA Fuel Economy
SE, SEL FWD, Limited FWD: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
SEL AWD, SEL EcoBoost, Limited AWD, Limited EcoBoost: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Roomy interior
- EcoBoost power
- SUV-like towing capability
You Won't Like
- Steep pricetag
- Hefty curb weight
- Boxy styling not for everyone
Sum Up
Best box you can buy
If You Like This Vehicle
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Mazda CX-9