The Flex is one of Ford’s entries in the three-row crossover segment, which includes models like the Mazda CX-9 and Chevrolet Traverse. The Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. It can seat up to seven people.
New for 2012 Roof rack side rails are now available with the optional multipanel Vista Roof panoramic moonroof, while the second-row bench seat in Limited and Titanium trim levels now has a center armrest with two cupholders.
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 roof 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. The Titanium trim level gives the car unique styling cues, thanks to various parts that are finished in black. The grille, roof, side mirrors and liftgate have either a black chrome or black paint treatment. Exterior features include:
Available 17-, 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels
Fog lamps
Power mirrors
Keypad security door system
Available heated mirrors
Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlamps and LED taillamps
Available powered liftgate
Available Vista Roof moonroof
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 fabric seats, while the Limited has leather-trimmed seats. The second row 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, creating a flat load floor. Interior features include:
Available cloth or leather seating
Available simulated wood or metallic trim
Auto-dimming rearview 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
Available ambient lighting
Optional refrigerator
Under the Hood The Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Flex can also be equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.
The Flex uses a capless fueling system designed to reduce emissions from evaporating gas during fill-ups. Mechanical features include:
262-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with 248 pounds-feet of torque
355-hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 with 350 pounds-feet of torque
Six-speed automatic transmission
Front- or all-wheel drive
Optional active parking system
Safety The Ford Flex comes standard with MyKey, which 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. Safety features include:
Front-seat side-impact airbags
Side curtain airbags
Rear parking sensors
Antilock brakes
Traction control
Electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control
