2015 Ford Flex Quick Spin Review

The aptly named Ford Flex is one of the most versatile automobiles on the market. So multitalented is the Ford, there is considerable discussion as to just which category the model fits. Some say it’s a wagon, others say it’s a crossover suv, and still others make the case for a minivan.

Whatever it is, the Flex is certainly good at it.

Shaped ideally to haul considerable amounts of cargo, people, or a combination of the two, Flex offers more utility than pretty much any other model in its class. The Ford Flex also offers the dynamics of a car. It’s easy to drive and park, fits just about anywhere a normal car would, and with its optional turbo V6 it delivers outstanding performance too.

Offered in both six and seven passenger configurations, Ford’s Flex proves the most direct approach to any situation is straight. Essentially a parallelogram with wheels, the crisp, linear styling of the Ford helps it to be so commodious. With that said, we’ll be the first to admit it’s also starting to look old. Given Flex has been around since 2009 and its styling is essentially the same as it was when it was introduced; the appearance of the Flex doesn’t quite blend with the rest of the contemporary Ford lineup. European inspired ovoids rule Ford dealer’s lots these days, at least in the car categories.  

The standard powerplant designated for the Flex produces 297 horsepower and 254 ft-lbs of torque from 3.5-liters worth of V6. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option with this engine when fitted to the Flex’s upper trim levels. Fuel economy is rated at 18-city, 25-highway, and 20 combined with front drive. All-wheel drive returns 17-city, 23-highway, and 19 combined.

The Flex’s optional engine also displaces 3.5-liters. However, it employs turbocharging to generate 365 horsepower and 350 ft-lbs of torque. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission come standard with the “EcoBoost” V6. Fuel economy with this setup is rated at 16-city, 23-highway, and 18 combined. With the 365-horsepower V6, Flex is easily the quickest vehicle in its segment.

The standard Ford Flex slate of safety gear includes ABS, stability control, traction control, front airbags, front side airbags, a pair of full-length side curtain airbags, blind spot mirrors, and a rear parking sensor array. Inflatable seatbelts are offered as an option for the occupants of the second row seats. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control and a collision warning system with braking support. The IIHS says Flex rates its top ranking (“Good”), in moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. Surprisingly, NHTSA has no crash test data for the Flex.

For 2015, Ford Flex starts at $29,100.

The model is offered in three trim levels; SE, SEL, and Limited. Standard features include heated mirrors, automatic headlights, rear privacy glass, integrated blind spot mirrors, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. There is also air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; and Ford’s Sync voice control technology for phone, audio, and emergency assistance.  Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming are included as well.

Options include; foglights, chrome door handles, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, self-parking, and heated front seats. Other available niceties include xenon headlights, LED taillights, rain-sensing wipers, navigation, heated second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a one-touch power-fold-and-tumble third row. A fully loaded Flex comes in around $42,000.