Crossovers are hot these days, but
one that typically flies under the radar is the Ford Flex. Originally introduced for the 2009 model year, I had the chance to
tour a Flex that one of my coworkers at my internship this past summer bought
new, and I must say, I was impressed. There was plenty of room on the inside,
even in the third row, everything was well put together and felt substantial,
and the vehicle offered more practicality than almost anything else like it due
to its overall design. Headroom was plentiful even with the available Vista
Roof sunroofs, which is a cool feature that I do recommend by the way. From
what I’ve heard, ride quality is supple, complimenting the comfortable interior
of the Flex. However, fuel economy ratings of both engines offered leaves
something to be desired.
My coworker purchased a 2016 Flex
Limited in Blue Jeans metallic with a black leather interior. His did not have
the adaptive cruise control package, chilled console refrigerator, or uplevel
engine, but it did have essentially every other option on it. For 2016, a
rearview camera became standard and Sync 3 infotainment became standard on a
variety of Ford and Lincoln cars, but for 2017, the Flex is unchanged. A naturally
aspirated 3.5-liter V6 making 287 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque is
standard, while a 3.5-liter EcoBoost (turbocharged) V6 producing 365 horsepower
and 350 lb.-ft. of torque is optional. I recommend getting the EcoBoost given
the Flex’s size, however, its only available on the top-of-the-line Limited
trim level, which can get quite expensive. I wish Ford offered it on the
midlevel SEL trim as well. All wheel drive is optional.
Overall, if you’re in the market
for a van or crossover that deviates from the norm, don’t mind slightly
different styling, and love unique luxury features and comfort, then the Ford
Flex might just be for you.
Check out my YouTube walkaround of
this car at the link below and subscribe to the Adam's Autos YouTube page for more content in the future. I’m currently traveling, but more Ford week is coming
soon. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading!
FORD FLEX YOUTUBE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGYC2Ef5gc
Model Specs:
FORD FLEX YOUTUBE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGYC2Ef5gc
Model Specs:
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway (3.5 V6), 15 city/21 highway (3.5 EcoBoost V6)
Model Pricing (2017): $30,025 (SE) - $38,230 (Limited)
Trim Levels: SE, SEL, Limited
Available/Standard Safety Systems: Blind-Spot Monitoring, Tire Pressure Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Autonomous Braking, Autonomous Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Backup Camera, Rear Park Assist, Active Park Assist (Parallel), Various Air Bags (Front, Side, Curtain, Inflatable Seat Belts), Stability Control/w Roll Stability Control (RSC), Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control
Key Competition: Crossovers: Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe (7-passenger), Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander; Vans: Kia Sedona, Chrysler Pacifica (2017), Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna
Crash Test Results:
IIHS Offset: Good
IIHS Small Overlap: Acceptable
IIHS Side: Good
Roof Strength: Good
Head Restraints & Seats: Good
Child Seat Anchor Ease of Use (LATCH): Acceptable
Star Ratings (2017): Not Rated; Rollover- 4 Stars
Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.
You did a very good review of the Flex. My husband and I are contemplating purchasing a limited. My 9 year old son sat in one and thought it was very comfortable. He likes the captain's chairs and the fact that he could walk straight to the back. We are going to test drive one this weekend and prayerfully, come home with one.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the review.
Great to hear you're considering the Flex, I was definitely impressed with it myself. And its always a good thing when even young ones like something, they can have good intuition too. I hope your buying process goes smoothly, thanks for the feedback and for reading!
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