The full-size
2010 Ford Flex returns for its second year after its 2009 debut. Unchanged is its polarizing exterior profile best described as an elongated xB. The six-year-old Scion xB gained notoriety as a utilitarian box-on-wheels. The five-door Flex stretches the design cue to incorporate three rows of seating.
Ford quietly exited the traditional minivan segment after 2007 when the slow-selling Freestar (which began life as a Windstar...see below) mercifully drove off into the sunset. No matter the name, Ford minivans never enjoyed the sales acclaim of Chryslers or Hondas. Save for no rear sliding side doors, Flex includes all modern amenities of a classic minivan; just don't use the "M" word. Ford prefers crossover or wagon. Flex may be a vehicle the whole family can agree upon with youngsters boasting to school-yard comrades they have a 'cool' ride that's NOT a minivan while parents can enjoy its Flex-a-bility.
Flex is one of a handful of vehicles with an optional 'roof of a different color,' available in all trims. It's worth the extra $400 or so as it adds eye-appeal and resale value. Our tester's metallic, candy apple-red glistened in the sun while the flat, white roof added contrast.
A big coup for Flex in its sophomore stint is the addition of Ford's much hyped, twin turbocharged, 3.5-liter, 355-horsepower EcoBoost engine. This powertrain generates the oomph of a V-8 ( up to an impressive 355 horsepower) with V-6 sizing and fuel economy. How? By injecting highly pressurized fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, bypassing an air-fuel mixture port and lowering emissions with more precise fuel delivery. Expect city mpg of 16 city and 22 highway. It joins a standard 262 horsepower, Duratec 3.5-liter V-6 returning from 2009. Both are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission; no manual transmission is offered.
Both engines utilize regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel, although Ford recommends 91 octane for optimal performance with EcoBoost. Both sport a five-year/ 60,000 mile warranty. No gas-electric hybrid, ethanol or other alternative-fueled version of Flex is yet in Ford's pipeline.
Three trims are offered: SE, SEL and up-level Limited. Shoppers choose between front or all-wheel drive, although SE is front-drive only with no EcoBoost option. Limited and SEL offer both engine choices, but EcoBoost engines are strictly all-wheel drive.
The Ontario-Canada-built Flex checks in at $28,950 for a front-drive SE with a conventional 3.5-liter V-6. Our tester, an all-wheel-drive Limited with EcoBoost, started at $42,010. Options included upgraded 20-inch aluminum wheels ($795), tinted metallic paint ($295) second row captain seats ($750), towing package ($570- maximum towing capacity 4,500 pounds) and two-tone roof ($395) for a bottom line of $45,590 including a $775 destination charge.
Long side doors swing open enough for easy access to back rows. Second-row reclining captain's chairs are optional across the trim board (six-seat format). Bench seating, with a 60/40 split, comes standard holding seven riders. Seatbacks in our tester's second-row captain's chairs folded forward onto the cushion, allowing the entire assembly to easily flip forward, creating a relatively wide isle/pathway into row tre. A six-foot frame fits into the two-seat third row with no ceiling interaction and plenty of knee room thanks to the open space created with two second-row captain's chairs. Flex includes theatre style seating with row three a pinch higher then row two.
Pre teens may find it easer slipping in and out of row three by maneuvering between the second row captain's chairs rather then flip and folding the seats. The 50/50 split third row easily flips-and-folds flat into the rear floor well with the aid of well-marked and numbered strap instructions. With the hatch open, seatbacks fold onto the cushion then, with the pull of a strap, each assembly tumbles backward into the recess. Seats pop up just as easily.
When prone, a respectable 20 cubic feet of space remains in the floor well for storage. With the third row stowed and second row seats flipped forward, 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space is available, slightly less than other crossovers in this class.
Drivers work with a thick, palm-fitting transmission shifter with front finger release latch; it's reminiscent of an aircraft-like throttle. In-line cup holders and a deep, flip top storage bin are also between the front buckets. The parking brake is foot operated. The Limited trim's attractive two-tone, soft-touch dashboard includes brushed aluminum enhancements along the center stack and door with wood-like trim along the doors and on the steering wheel. The slightly forward curved, dash top design helps reduce front windshield glare. The instrument panel layout features two circular analog gauges with two smaller ovals towards the top and a digital odometer and message window along the bottom. An elegant touch is the analog clock (with face and hands) below audio and ventilation controls.
Cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel face at 3 o'clock with secondary audio controls at 9 'o clock. The average-sized glove box is one unit, not compartmentalized. A power outside mirror control twist knob resides near the base of the driver's door window towards the front. A standard rear wiper is controlled via the turn signal stalk, same as the front wipers. Though long, Flex drivers have good road perception in all directions. However, small side-view mirrors need to be a bit larger.
EcoBoost models include leather-trimmed seats, dual-tipped chrome exhausts and steering wheel mounted squeeze paddle shifters to manually shift forward gears without a foot clutch when desired. Also standard are adjustable foot pedals.
Entry SE models include body-color strap-like exterior door handles while SEL and Limited opt for chrome plating. Cloth seats come in SE and SLE (with conventional 2.5-liter engine) while Limited sports leather trimmed seats. A handy power lift gate is standard in Limited as is a rear back up camera feed into the navigation screen. Curtain air bags covering all three rows and front seat side impact air bags come standard across the board. Sirius satellite radio is standard in SEL and Limited editions while optional in SE. A second-row dual headrest DVD entertainment system is optional ($1,995) in SEL and Limited.
Small, square headlight housing includes rectangular amber extensions stretching to side fenders; all flanks a bold horizontal thick-tri-bars grille. Ford's iconic blue oval logo sits front and center. This handsome grille design is utilized on the mid-size Fusion sedan and other Ford models. Gently flared wheel wells don't detract from its unsvelte boxy figure. Side door panels include horizontal inward-beveled strips. Limited editions include a eye-appealing satin aluminum appliqué below the lift gate glass. A long, multi-partitioned sunroof is optional in SEL and Limited. Even with generous horizontal dimensions of 201.8 inches, Flex fits in standard garages.
Recently introduced Ford products include a capless fuel tank. When fuelling, the nozzle pushes through a barrier plate and seals tight when finished. No more lost fuel caps.
Sync, Ford's voice-activated system designed in tandem with Microsoft, is optional in SE and standard elsewhere. This system runs personal cell phones and portable electronic devices through the vehicle's audio system with voice-activated abilities.
Flex is very smooth and light on its feet considering a rather hefty; 4,643-pounds thanks in part to a car-like, unibody structure (not truck underpinnings). EcoBoost editions include electronic power assist steering for a lighter touch. Some rivals like the Mazda CX-9 opt for a firmer, sportier-tuned suspension. The brake pedal allows for comfortable foot travel so without being overly sensitive.
Flex's arrival spelled the end of the Taurus X seven-seat crossover. While a competent choice, Taurus X endured the misfortune of "over management" (or maybe mismanagement) as the company's fortunes became shaky as auto bail outs and tight credit took hold. Born as the Ford Freestyle in 2004, it shared a platform with the Ford Five Hundred sedan (both assembled in Chicago). During a marketing low-point not long ago, someone with much to much time on his/her hands insisted Ford vehicles start with the letter "F." Long established name plates like Taurus were slapped with new "F" badges, giving birth to the Five Hundred sedan and Freestar minivan.
One of Alan Mulally's first orders upon arrival as company CEO in late 2006 was to resurrect the iconic Taurus nameplate and extend branding to its crossover assembly mate. Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas announced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show that Taurus was back in business along with the seven-passenger Taurus X. Still, this was not enough to save the Chicago-built crossover in favor of the up-and-coming Flex.
Flex competitors include the three-row Mazda CX-9, Honda Odyssey minivan, Toyota Sienna minivan and GM's trio of right-sized, competent three row vehicles (Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave). For shear out-the box within a box styling, Flex may be the pick to click. Don't let the trendy styling lead one astray, this is a well-built, comfortable riding family hauler with modern electronics.