Vehicle Overview The Flex is the latest entry in the growing three-row crossover SUV segment, which includes models like the Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Veracruz. The Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and can have either front- or all-wheel drive. It can seat up to seven people.
New for 2010 The Flex offers an optional twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6, which Ford calls EcoBoost. An active parking system and MyKey — a system designed to monitor driving habits — are also available.
Exterior In contrast to many crossovers, which are moving away from the boxy designs that defined truck-based SUVs for years, the Flex’s styling embraces the box.
The Flex rides relatively low to the ground and has an upright three-bar grille. Its pillars are finished in piano black, which gives the roof a floating appearance. Buyers can choose a white or silver roof if they don’t want a body-colored one.
Available 17, 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels
Fog lamps
Powered mirrors
Keypad security door system
Available heated mirrors
Optional xenon headlamps and LED taillamps
Available powered liftgate
Available Vista sunroof
Interior Depending on whether the Flex has a second-row bench or captain’s chairs, it can seat seven or six, respectively. The SE has tweed fabric seats, while the Limited gets leather-trimmed seats. Footrests are available for the second row, which folds and tumbles to make room to get into the third row.
There’s a well behind the third row that gives the Flex more cargo room. The third-row seat folds backward into the well when it isn’t in use, revealing a flat load floor.
Available cloth or leather seating
Available simulated wood or metallic trim
Available six- or seven-passenger seating
Auto-dimming review mirror
Air conditioning with front and rear controls
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
Steering wheel with cruise and audio controls
Available 12-speaker Sony stereo
Available Ford Sync system
Standard ambient lighting
Optional onboard refrigerator
Under the Hood The Flex comes with the standard 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 gets an estimated 17/24 mpg city/highway.
For 2010, the Flex can also be equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. The EcoBoost gets approximately 18 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to Ford, but makes significantly more power than the regular V-6. The EcoBoost is available in SEL and Limited models with all-wheel drive.
The Flex uses a capless fueling system designed to reduce emissions from evaporating gas during fill-ups.
262-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with 248 pounds-feet of torque
355-hp, EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 with 350 pounds-feet of torque
Six-speed automatic transmission
Available front- or all-wheel drive
Optional active parking system
Safety For 2010, the Ford Flex comes standard with MyKey. MyKey allows owners to limit top speed, add extra seat belt warnings and limit the volume of the car stereo for drivers using a specific key.
