OverviewLaunched in 2009, the Flex is Ford's large crossover offering. Easily distinguishable from any other people-movers thanks to its unique boxy exterior, the Flex comes well equipped even in base-model flavor and can be optioned out to bonafide luxury-car levels. The Flex's boxy styling is not for everyone, however, as Ford has found out via the models' relatively-slow sales, though its somewhat hefty pricetag does not help matters. The Flex is a bit lacking dynamically as well, and can be difficult to park, especially if not equipped with a back-up camera. However, the Flex makes up for those shortcomings partially with its smooth ride and comfortable, which make it great for long distance trips and partially with its high-quality and, in the higher trim levels, well-appointed and well-equipped interior. The flat roof means plenty of room for all three rows of passengers, not to mention ample cargo room. As a bonus, the Flex can even tow up to 4500 pounds, which is plenty for hauling most weekend toys.
The Range
The Range
- Bodystyles: SUV
- Engines: 3.5L V-6, Twin-turbo 3.5L V-6
- Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
- Models: SE, SEL FWD, SEL AWD, SEL EcoBoost, Limited FWD, Limited AWD, Limited EcoBoost
The big news for the 2010 Ford Flex is the addition of the powerful EcoBoost twin-turbo 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-in. on SE models to as big as 20-in. 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 cu. Ft. to a whopping 83.2 cu ft.
Performance & Handling
The Flex is not the most agile vehicle, but when fitted with the 3.5L 355-hp, 350-lb-ft EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6, it will move with surprising urgency. Even the base engine, a naturally-aspirated version of the 3.5L V-6 that makes 262 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque doesn't labor when moving the Flex's two-and-a-quarter tons except in extreme conditions.
Safety
Exterior
Flex SEL and Limited models get white roofs and body-color mirrors. Wheel options go from 17-in. on SE models to as big as 20-in. 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 cu. Ft. to a whopping 83.2 cu ft.
Performance & Handling
The Flex is not the most agile vehicle, but when fitted with the 3.5L 355-hp, 350-lb-ft EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6, it will move with surprising urgency. Even the base engine, a naturally-aspirated version of the 3.5L V-6 that makes 262 hp and 248 lb-ft 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 
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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
- Roomy interior
- EcoBoost power
- SUV-like towing capability
- Steep pricetag
- Hefty curb weight
- Boxy styling not for everyone
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| MSRP: | $33,175.00 |