Ford
2010 Ford Flex SEL EcoBoost
What it Is: A six- or seven-passenger crossover utility vehicle.
Who it's For: Families who need the extra space of a minivan, but don't want sliding doors.
What's Hot: More power from EcoBoost engine, but with virtually no fuel economy penalty.
What's Not: Not quite as roomy as some competitors.
How It Got Its Score: The Ford Flex EcoBoost offers plenty of power for added towing, but the added cost of the more powerful engine drags down the Family Friendliness score.
The Ford Flex may be the world's first "cool" family hauler. If you like the looks (and we'll admit it can be polarizing), the Flex offers up stylish transportation for six or seven, depending on options. We like the low-slung roofline, especially since it doesn't come at the expense of visibility. Ford has positioned the Flex as a competitor to minivans. While not quite as flexible (pardon the pun) as a true minivan, it does offer generous cargo space and passenger space, although not quite as much as its competition from GM, such as the Chevy Traverse. For 2010, Ford has introduced its EcoBoost engine, which offers a significant bump in horsepower for those who need extra capacity for towing, for example, but with almost no penalty in fuel economy. However, that extra power costs extra money, making the EcoBoost Flex a little harder sell.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$40,090 |
| Destination |
$775 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
Limited ($43,635) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.5 liters |
|
Engine Type |
V-6 |
|
Horsepower |
355 hp |
|
Torque |
350 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
All Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
16 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
22 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
18 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Large SUV |
|
Family Friendliness |
8.1 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Three |
|
Passengers |
Seven |
|
LATCH Positions |
Four |
|
Cargo Space |
20.0 cu. ft. |
|
Cargo Space (3rd Row Folded) |
43.2 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
83.2 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Good |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Not Available |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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