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New Models
DRIVEN: Flex Travels Its Own Road
Ford’s unique SUV proves polarizing, although this stylish wagon offers a break from bland SUVs and Minivans.
The bold and boxy Ford Flex gained an evocative-looking facelift for 2013. (Photo: Ford)
Long, low and boxy, Ford Flex presents a different flavor vehicle for those who want roomy practicality but reject the common herd of ordinary SUVs and minivans.
I’ve always been a fan of the Flex, as are most reviewers and other car people who experience it, but public response to this uniquely stylish wagon has been tepid at best. Part of that sales resistance could be Flex’s unusual looks, definitely not for those who want to fade into the crowd. The price tag is also fairly steep, starting around $30,000 for the base model and climbing well above $40,000 for the fancier versions.
Flex is one of three large SUVs in Ford showrooms with three rows of seats, competing for attention against the more-mainstream Explorer and Expedition, which probably seem more suitable to most shoppers looking for a family hauler. The recently updated Explorer is also slightly cheaper than a comparable Flex.
For 2013, Flex shows off some styling refinements that include a distinctive designer front end that makes it look more like an auto-show concept car than a road-going wagon. The edges of the long, wide hood have been rounded off slightly, which mitigates the straight-line styling. The new face works better with the overall look than the conservative Ford grille of the previous Flex, although some people might find it weird.
Despite its stylistic quirks, there is something reassuringly retro about the look and feel of Flex. Peering over its broad, flat hood reminds me of trucks from decades ago. Oddly, it recalls in my mind the sturdy International Travelall, which went extinct back in the 1970s.
Whatever, Flex proves to be exceptionally roomy and comfortable, with a smooth, quiet ride and decent handling, considering its size and heft. Its highway manners are impeccable, and it cries out for a long road trip. Back-road drivability is also quite good, with the Flex never feeling tippy or unbalanced.
The wide interior has decent space for seven with a third seat that’s usable by adults, once they contort themselves back there. With two back rows of seats folded down, there’s a tremendous amount of cargo room. The well under the third row adds a hidden stowage area when the seat’s in the upright position.
The test truck was a premium all-wheel-drive Limited powered by the standard 3.5-liter V6 that provides 285 horsepower, 20 more than the previous model, and 254 pound-feet of torque. Power is more than adequate and maximum towing capacity is rated at 4,500 pounds.
Fuel mileage has improved but it’s not all that impressive at 17 city and 23 highway, most likely another sticking point for potential buyers. The front-wheel-drive Flex fares a bit better, at 18 city and 25 highway.
There’s also a turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 available with 265 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, but despite its EcoBoost label, you’d pay at the gas pump to the tune of 16 city and 22 highway, with premium fuel recommended. The turbo engine comes only with all-wheel drive.
Just because Flex has AWD, it should not be mistaken for an off-road vehicle; it’s too low and long for that. But having power to all wheels increase handling stability on dry or wet pavement, as well as adding traction for muddy roads and snow.
I’ve always been a fan of the Flex, as are most reviewers and other car people who experience it, but public response to this uniquely stylish wagon has been tepid at best. Part of that sales resistance could be Flex’s unusual looks, definitely not for those who want to fade into the crowd. The price tag is also fairly steep, starting around $30,000 for the base model and climbing well above $40,000 for the fancier versions.
Flex is one of three large SUVs in Ford showrooms with three rows of seats, competing for attention against the more-mainstream Explorer and Expedition, which probably seem more suitable to most shoppers looking for a family hauler. The recently updated Explorer is also slightly cheaper than a comparable Flex.
For 2013, Flex shows off some styling refinements that include a distinctive designer front end that makes it look more like an auto-show concept car than a road-going wagon. The edges of the long, wide hood have been rounded off slightly, which mitigates the straight-line styling. The new face works better with the overall look than the conservative Ford grille of the previous Flex, although some people might find it weird.
Despite its stylistic quirks, there is something reassuringly retro about the look and feel of Flex. Peering over its broad, flat hood reminds me of trucks from decades ago. Oddly, it recalls in my mind the sturdy International Travelall, which went extinct back in the 1970s.
Whatever, Flex proves to be exceptionally roomy and comfortable, with a smooth, quiet ride and decent handling, considering its size and heft. Its highway manners are impeccable, and it cries out for a long road trip. Back-road drivability is also quite good, with the Flex never feeling tippy or unbalanced.
The wide interior has decent space for seven with a third seat that’s usable by adults, once they contort themselves back there. With two back rows of seats folded down, there’s a tremendous amount of cargo room. The well under the third row adds a hidden stowage area when the seat’s in the upright position.
The test truck was a premium all-wheel-drive Limited powered by the standard 3.5-liter V6 that provides 285 horsepower, 20 more than the previous model, and 254 pound-feet of torque. Power is more than adequate and maximum towing capacity is rated at 4,500 pounds.
Fuel mileage has improved but it’s not all that impressive at 17 city and 23 highway, most likely another sticking point for potential buyers. The front-wheel-drive Flex fares a bit better, at 18 city and 25 highway.
There’s also a turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 available with 265 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, but despite its EcoBoost label, you’d pay at the gas pump to the tune of 16 city and 22 highway, with premium fuel recommended. The turbo engine comes only with all-wheel drive.
Just because Flex has AWD, it should not be mistaken for an off-road vehicle; it’s too low and long for that. But having power to all wheels increase handling stability on dry or wet pavement, as well as adding traction for muddy roads and snow.
The Lyonheart K
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