Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Ford Flex Titanium
Base Price: $40,340
At-Tested Price: $41,965
Built in Ontario, Canada.
Options
Rapid Spec Package 400A
Power-Folding Second-Row Seats
Second-Row Console
Black Roof
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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Though the Flex's exterior suggests otherwise, it's a fairly traditional seven-passenger, four-door wagon that's available with either front- or all-wheel drive. With two rows of split-folding seats and a one-piece rear hatch, the Flex is a perfect replacement for Ford's utilitarian Freestar minivan. On paper, it's also a solid competitor to midsize crossover SUVs like the Chevy Traverse, Dodge Journey, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, and Toyota Highlander.
For 2011, Flex is available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited and Titanium. Flex comes standard with three rows of seats. Up front are two buckets. The middle row consists or either two buckets or a three-place bench. The third row is a two-passenger bench.
SE, SEL, and Limited come standard with a 262-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Available on the SEL AWD, Limited and Titanium is Ford's new EcoBoost V6. This turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 makes 335 horsepower. All models comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. EcoBoost powered Flex models get an automatic with manual shift capability. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 pounds when equipped with the optional tow package.
Standard safety features include antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control with rollover sensors, traction control, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system, wiper-activated headlights, and dual-front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. A rear-view camera is part of the navigation system that is standard on Limited and Titanium.
SE models start at $29,075 and include air conditioning, tilt and telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, six-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, second-row split-folding seat, third-row stowable split seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats, theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, 235/60R17 tires, and alloy wheels.
SEL starts at $31,875 and includes dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, ten-way power driver seat, six-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, universal garage door opener, AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer and iPod adaptor Sirius satellite radio, SYNC system and 235/60R18 tires.
The Limited has a starting price of $37,845 and includes leather upholstery, navigation system with real-time traffic information and rear-view camera, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, Sony HD Radio, memory system for the driver seat, mirrors, and pedals, 110-volt outlet, power liftgate, HID headlights, and 235/55R19 tires.
The line-topping Titanium starts at $40,340 and adds to the Limited leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather/alcantara upholstery amd 255/45R20 tires. Options include hands-free parallel parking, dual-screen DVD entertainment system, power sunroof, power-folding third-row seat, second-row console, second-row refrigerated console and remote engine start. Flex has a destination charge of $775 and is built in Ontario, Canada.
Get Up and Go Models equipped with the normally-aspirated V6 have adequate acceleration and no more. That's due in part to Flex's 4400-plus pound curb weight. Foot-to-the-floor acceleration will yield a zero to sixty mph time of about 9.5 seconds in front-drive models. That's a little off the pace in class but acceptable for most situations.
Those wanting more pep should opt for the EcoBoost V6. It's 335 turbocharged ponies provide more than adequate acceleration from a stop and excellent passing power. The engine also feels a little bit more refined than the base V6.
The six-speed automatic upshifts smoothly enough and downshifts promptly when called upon. In non-turbo models, the shifter has only Drive and Low ranges, which will likely upset anyone who might want to tow or who lives in hilly areas. If you select the turbo engine you get a separate shift gate that allows manual selection of all forward gears.
Flex's all-wheel drive system is not intended for severe off-road use and does not have a low range. In the snow or rain, the all-wheel-drive system works as advertised to help drivers build speed. Front-drive models have traction control, which also does a decent job of limiting wheel spin in snow or rain.
The front-drive Flex Titanium is EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. As bland as those numbers sound, they are better than most seven- and eight-passenger crossover SUVs. Routine urban driving is likely to yield about 17 mpg overall. Given a light throttle foot, a light passenger load, and lots of highway driving, owners might see 21 mpg overall. Thankfully, Ford says the Flex will run fine on regular-grade gasoline.
On the Road Flex has a solid chassis, absorbent suspension, and a very long 117-inch wheelbase. Combined they produce an extremely smooth ride that free from bouncing and bobbing that's a common trait of many midsize crossover SUVs. Overall, Flex rides more like a big car than a sport utility. The Titanium's 20-inch wheels impart more road harshness than expected.
Obviously, Flex is a large vehicle and it isn't going to maneuver like a sports sedan or even a traditional midsize car. That said, the steering is accurate, if a bit light, body lean is well controlled, and the brakes have good stopping power--albeit accompanied with too much nose dive. Flex's size gets in the way when navigating twisting expressway on ramps and sharp corners. That's probably a good thing as Flex really isn't intended to spend its life in the fast lane.
Flex is reasonably quiet on the highway, though there's a bit more road and wind noise than class leaders like the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander. When accelerating, the base V6 engine compromises overall refinement. Thankfully it quiets down when cruising.
Behind the Wheel Though Flex's exterior is striking, Ford designers weren't nearly artistic as when they sketched the interior. That's probably a good thing, because functional is the operative word for people-mover buyers. Materials are both pleasing and sturdy.
Drivers face wide-set speedo and tachometer with smaller fuel and temperature gauges in between. Audio and climate controls are thoughtfully arranged in the center stack, but many of the buttons are poorly marked, making operation difficult for those unfamiliar with the layout. Ancillary controls are well placed and back lit at night.
Ford's available SYNC system works to integrate cell phones and navigation and audio systems. It takes some getting used to, but does reduce driver distraction. Before you buy, check to make sure your phone or MP3 player is compatible, otherwise you might be disappointed.
Even extra-large adults will find ample head and leg room on Flex's oversized and supportive front bucket seats. Drivers have an excellent view of the road thanks to thin roof pillars and oversized outside mirrors. Getting comfortable behind the wheel might be a problem if you are extra tall (or short) as the steering wheel doesn't telescope.
Second-row seats are full-size and comfortable and offer adult-size head and leg room. Sitting three across is complicated because of an awkward center hump on the floor. Third-row passengers will find reasonably comfortable seats and adequate room for short trips.
With more than 80 cubic feet of available cargo space, Flex has plenty of room for stashing large items. More impressive than overall capacity is the 20 cubic feet behind deployed third-row seats, that's easily enough for a week's worth of groceries and more. In cabin storage is lacking compared to some rivals. Up front there's only single open bin and center-console box. Things do get better for rear-seat riders as there's an available cooler box and the doors feature large drink bins and map pockets.
Bottom Line Stylish on the outside and functional in the inside Flex is a great alternative to those looking slightly outside the minivan class. As people movers go, Flex straddles the middle of the road, balancing exceptional passenger and cargo space, a comfortable ride, and wide range of available features with middling performance and average fuel economy.
The addition of the EcoBoost and Titanium model give Flex some added personality and really help round out the lineup to better satisfy all buyers. Flex has enough going for it to merit consideration among midsize SUV shoppers.
Specifications 2011 Ford Flex Titanium
| Dimensions
| 4-door wagon
| Engine
| DOHC V6
| Wheelbase, in.
| 117.9
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 3.5 / 213
| Length, in.
| 201.8
| Horsepower @ rpm
| 262 @ 6200
| Width, in.
| 88.8
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 248 @ 4500
| Height, in.
| 68.0
| Transmission
| 6-Speed Automatic
| Weight, lbs.
| 4471
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 17 city / 24 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 83.2
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 18.6
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 7
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 41.8
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 40.8
| Corrosion
| 5 years / Unlimited miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 40.5
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 44.3
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None
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