2011 Ford Flex Review

Overview

The Ford Flex has earned acclaim from consumers and critics alike for its distinctive design and a host of class-leading technologies. The Flex debuted as an all new full size crossover utility vehicle for 2009 model year with a powerful, fuel efficient engine, and a long list of standard and optional features. In a short time in the market, it has received a number of awards including the "Ultimate Road Trip Car" by Maxim Magazine and has been also voted "Overall CUV of the Year" by the Texas Auto Writers Association. The 2011 Ford Flex offers an available 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, the first gasoline direct-injection twin-turbocharged engine produced in North America. It is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport-utility vehicle available with FWD and AWD versions in SE, SEL Limited and the new Titanium trims. The EcoBoost program is part of Ford?s ongoing and wide-ranging initiative to deliver fuel-efficient powertrain systems with power and performance found in larger-displacement engines.

Power and performance

The Ford Flex is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 262-horsepower engine that makes 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The available twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 pumps out an estimated 355 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 350 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed 6F-55 SelectShift automatic transmission to specifically respond to the increased torque demands of the EcoBoost V-6 engine. Upgrades were made to the transmission's friction material in response to the higher shift energies, and a new torque converter has been optimized for performance and fuel economy. The 2011 EcoBoost Flex boasts segment-leading fuel economy among full-size performance crossover vehicles with 22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The cargo capacity is rated at 20.0 cubic feet.

Body and styling

The base SE comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear climate controls, rear park assist, fabric seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench, a 50/50-split third-row bench that folds into the floor, a power driver seat and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack. The midlevel SEL, available with either front- or all-wheel drive, gets an upgraded exterior trim and 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control; power heated front seats, leather upholstery (vinyl for the third row) and a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The Flex Limited, also available with either front- or all-wheel drive, comes with 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power lift gate, power-adjustable pedals, a memory function for the driver seat, perforated leather upholstery and Ford's exclusive Microsoft-developed Sync multimedia interface. The top of the line Titanium is equipped with 20-inch painted luster nickel aluminum wheels, leather-trimmed seats with grey Alcantara suede inserts, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, Sony Audio System with 12 speakers, Voice-Activated Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link, SYNC, power lift gate, black painted roof and a three-bar unique black chrome grille.

Safety Features

The 2011 Ford Flex is 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. Standard safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability and roll control, traction control, six airbags, and a tire pressure monitor. A backup camera is optional.