The
2010 Ford Flex gets a new EcoBoost engine option that makes this distinctive seven-passenger people mover more powerful, more fuel efficient and definitely more appealing to families.
Based on the Taurus platform, the Flex successfully combines sedan-like drivability with SUV-like versatility in a vast, minivan-like interior. The new EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 engine option gives the Flex V-8 power in a V-6 format.
Last year when I reviewed the Flex, it was clear that the exterior design was a polarizing style that evoked a love-it or hate-it response. Truthfully, there is nothing, not one vehicle on the road today, that could be mistaken for the Flex. That kind of uniqueness is not common and the Flex's performance and interior functionality is uncommonly complete as well.
Priced at $28,495 for the base model, my tester was the Flex Limited with EcoBoost and all-wheel drive. Prices for the Flex with EcoBoost range from $36,890 for the SEL to $43,580 for the well-equipped Limited.
Two distinctive visual cues that really help set the Flex off from the pack are the new 20-inch aluminum rims and the optional ($395) two-tone white roof. This white roof is probably the singular most distinctive option. It's most closely associated with the similar white roof treatment on the Mini Cooper - it's just about three times longer than the Mini.
The twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 355 horsepower with 350 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 5,250 rpm. Using Ford's new six-speed automatic, you can get from 0-60 mph in about seven seconds. You won't do that in a minivan.
Twin water-cooled turbochargers run together with a direct-injection fuel system. As engine demand increases, the engine management system responds by varying timing and injection duration. On each stroke, six individual jets spray fuel directly into the combustion chamber, mixing with the pressurized air from the twin turbochargers.
The really big news is that the AWD version gets 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, which is about 20 percent better than other V-8 engines. For me, the biggest benefit to the EcoBoost is the almost complete elimination of turbo lag.
Inside the Flex, the cabin is roomy and comfortable. I found road and engine noise to be minimal in every situation while fit and finish was excellent throughout.
Visibility is pretty good, though this is a rather long cabin that does have some blind spots you will have to get used to.
A comfortable seating position is easily had with the 10-way power adjustments for driver and six-way for passenger seats.
Power adjustable pedals with memory make sure drivers of every size are comfortable.
My tester had soft, perforated leather seats.
These seats have a particularly wide bottom pad, which makes it feel more minivan than SUV and is great for long trips.
My tester's second row had the 40/40 auto-fold seats ($750), which is really smart considering these are the seats for which you most often have to change configuration.
The third row had 50/50 fold-flat seats; when these are added to the second-row fold flats, you have an enormous utility space for hauling lumber or sleeping during a camping trip.
All 2010 Flex models offer optional trailer sway control. It works with the stability control system to determine yaw motion of the vehicle and whether the trailer is beginning to sway out of control.
The system can apply braking or reduce engine torque to bring vehicle and trailer back under control. If you are someone who approaches towing with trepidation, this may just be the insurance policy you are looking for.
Ford's electric power assist steering system is standard on Flex with EcoBoost.
Originally envisioned as an improvement for fuel economy, it also enabled several other high-tech benefits; the electric motor uses power only when needed.
The Flex is a long vehicle and it can be difficult to parallel park. Probably the most impressive feature is the active park assist.
Sensors measure the length of a potential parallel parking space. If long enough, the system electrically steers the front wheels to accomplish the parking maneuver. All the driver has to do is select forward or reverse and step on the gas or brake.
The 2010 Ford Flex with EcoBoost can tow and haul with the big guys, yet it offers a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and amazing sedanlike drivability. While EcoBoost adds about $3,000 to the price of a Flex, Ford says buyers will recover the added cost in about two years. I did the numbers and that's about right. That should help buyers choose this impressive and fun-to-drive family vehicle with little concern for value.
2010 FORD FLEX LIMITEDENGINE: 355-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6
TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 16 city/22 highway
BASE PRICE: $37,620
AS TESTED: not available
WEBSITE: www.Fordvehicles.com