New 2010 Ford Flex Features Retro Styling and EcoBoost
With seating for up to seven and a unique, attractive styling, the new 2010 Ford Flex serves as the cooler younger brother to the staid minivan. For families looking for an excellent balance of comfort, functionality and funky looks, the Ford Flex delivers on all fronts. Helping to increase the Ford Flex's appeal for 2010 is the addition of an EcoBoost engine that promises V-8 power in a smaller, more fuel-efficient V-6 package.
New 2010 Ford Flex Styling
The Ford Flex is one of those vehicles that exudes a "love it or leave it" appearance. Certainly, the modern retro design isn't for everyone, but if you find yourself drawn to the grooved doors, flattop silhouette and crisp color options, then chances are you'll find little to complain about when behind the wheel of the Ford Flex.
On the interior, the retro design continues, with a good mix of soft-touch materials and visual embellishments. The vehicle also offers a long list of standard comfort and convenience features. Base models come complete with front and rear climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel controls and rear parking sensors. Notable upgrade features include Ford's SYNC voice-activated controls, wood interior trim and a touchscreen interface.
In terms of cargo, the new 2010 Flex is as versatile as ever. The third-row seat offers a 50/50 split fold and the second-row seat delivers a 60/40 split. When folded up, rear passengers will find plenty of room to spread out - making the vehicle great for family road trips. With seats folded flat, the Flex offers a cavernous 83.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
New 2010 Ford Flex Performance
The Ford Flex's driving performance benefits from a low ride height and stiffened suspension. In relation to other crossovers, its drive feels more sure-footed, with good handling and minimal body roll. However, despite these benefits, the Ford Flex can't really be considered a quick car. That being said, most drivers will find the model's acceleration and highway driving good enough.
The base engine for the 2010 Flex is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that outputs 262 horsepower. Fuel efficiency for this capable engine is estimated at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway (20 mpg combined). For a dramatic boost in power with minimal loss in gas mileage, consider upgrading to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. Do so, and you'll be rewarded with an impressive 355 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Fuel estimates for the Ford Flex EcoBoost come in at 22 mpg in the city and 16 mpg in the city (18 mpg combined).
New 2010 Ford Flex Safety
The Ford Flex performs well in crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the vehicle with an overall top rating of "Good." Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags (for both second- and third-row seats), traction control and stability control. A rearview camera is available as an optional upgrade.
New 2010 Ford Flex Pricing
Base MSRP for the new 2010 Ford Flex comes in just below $29,000. This price undercuts a number of the vehicle's top competitors in the mid-size SUV class. However, if you're looking for a deal, then you might consider cross-shopping the Flex with the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The Toyota model offers a similar focus on style and can be had for as little as $24,000. For enhanced driving performance in a stylish SUV, test-drive the Nissan Murano or Mazda CX-7. For a more luxurious slant at only a few dollars more, you may also try the GMC Acadia.