2015 Ford Flex

2015 Ford Flex

While nearly every other crossover on the market has gone curvy, the Ford Flex takes a decidedly different approach to design through hard lines boxy styling. The result is a vehicle that stands out as a witty counter-take on today’s mainstream, and it’s a result that actually proves to provide more comfort and space than many of its raked-roofed alternatives. For 2015, little changes for the Ford Flex, with the exception of a few new colors, and heated mirrors being standardized on SE models.

• Interior / Exterior »

The Ford Flex stands out in the crowd with its hip, square, sleek looks. Space-aged surf wagon, anyone?



Inside, the Flex’s design essentially carries over, although there have been some subtle changes to the materials–with soft-touch materials now used in the upper door trims as well. The instrument panel sits low, while a round analog clock on the dash of the navigation-equipped Flex clearly pays homage to the MINI–down to the stamped-in ribs that flank it. The center stack makes room for the large MyFord screen interface, along with capacitive touch controls for climate control and audio beneath it.

Arguably, the Flex looks like an homage to the entire history of station wagons, but we can’t help but discern a British streak down its sides. Volvo 245, Ford Fairline, Country Squire–it’s all there, and to us, it’s also part Range Rover, part MINI Cooper. It boldly forges its own style as it skirts around the “minivan” tag–and now it’s even less “Ford,” now that the badging’s been removed, and only the “FLEX” name is tattooed across its nose. The only Ford mark on the vehicle is a blue-oval badge, on the lower right corner of the hatch. And is it just us, or does the new front end resemble nothing less than a USB port?

• Performance »

Both available drivetrains have plenty of power here, but we prefer the EcoBoost V-6 every time.

The Flex comports itself like a smaller station wagon, with fairly crisp steering feel and a compliant ride that only gets boundy if you hustle the Flex into deep, tight corners, despite its size. It was surprisingly able on a curvy road before, but with some improvements from 2013, it’s now almost in the fun-to-drive category. Ford’s electric power steering system, which was previously only fitted to EcoBoost versions, is now included in all Flex models; it’s also hard-mounted to the front subframe and has a quicker steering ratio this year. Brakes are also upgraded with more friction area and a larger master cylinder (plus different booster tuning) for improved pedal feel. Altogether, turn-in is now crisp, the steering loads up predictably, and there’s even a little feel of the road coming through; the brakes have a noticeably stronger bite as well.

The base V-6 is a little more muscular, but isn’t blisteringly quick. The latest version of the Ford standby 3.5-liter V-6 now makes 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque, and turns in better gas mileage, too. Acceleration off the line is adequate, but passing power is strong, even with a few passengers on board. The six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, noticeably better than the similar transmission found in GM’s big crossovers (Acadia, Enclave, Traverse). We’d advise you check out all-wheel drive if you live in the northern tier, but otherwise give it a pass, since it adds more lead to the Flex’s feet, since it already weighs about 4,600 pounds.
EcoBoost models make 365 hp and churn out the torque, with a seamless wave as the six-speed automatic upshifts. These turbocharged crossovers get steering-wheel paddle shifters to go with their automatic, and a tap of a paddle gives a more manual control mode–though the gearbox will shift short of redline even without input. The system is smart and considers yaw and steering-angle sensors, as well as throttle, so if you’re in the middle of a corner or still climbing a hill, it will stay in the lower gear; but if you ease off the throttle it will go back to the upper gear in as little as ten seconds.
The Flex doesn’t skimp on features, either. In its top Limited guise, it feels like a full-fledged luxury model. The base Flex SE comes standard with three-row seating; an AM/FM CD player; power windows, mirrors and locks; capless fuel filling; and MyKey, which lets owners set pre-programmed levels for radio volume and vehicle speed, effectively putting an electronic leash on younger drivers. Upscale Flex crossovers can be fitted with the EcoBoost turbo engine; all-wheel drive; a leather interior; and a glass panoramic sunroof.

All Flex crossovers except the base SE have MyFord Touch. Upgraded last year, the infotainment controller responds more quickly and its screens have a less cluttered look. The main instrument panel has been redesigned to go along with MyFord Touch, and a left panel can be reconfigured to show a number of different functions, including a graphic tachometer. Also new, just below MyFord Touch, is a capacitive panel that houses supplemental audio and climate-control buttons. There’s a physical button for the hazard lamps, but all else (even climate controls) relies on touch.
As large as the Flex is (it’s 202 inches long, with an also-long 118-inch wheelbase), it’s surprisingly manageable to park and drive around the city. It doesn’t exactly drive small, but it doesn’t feel much more cumbersome than a mid-size sedan. All the seats in both the first and second rows are cozy, with limousine-like room in every direction, and a choice of buckets or a bench. The long wheelbase pays off most here, but even the third-row seat has leg room for smaller adults, though head room is scant for six-footers.

The Flex does a great impression of the station wagons of the past, and steers clear of the cliches that drive people away from minivans. It’s a boxy vehicle, but in the best senses of the word. It doesn’t mute those corners, it plays them up, running grooves down its flanks to draw attention to its long, glassy greenhouse and angling off its headlamps to call out its rectangular grille. The retromodern fusion works like a charm, down to the USB-port wink and nod in the grille. The interior is one of Ford’s best, with a mix of materials matching up well, blending LCD screens and touch controls in a serene way.
Ford has made good on the Flex’s look by giving it good handling and strong performance. The base 3.5-liter V-6 makes 287 hp, but the star of the lineup remains the turbocharged, 365-hp EcoBoost Flex, which runs off 0-60 mph times of under seven seconds and lightens up the Flex’s footwork, making it faster than anything in the class. Thanks to a new electric power steering system, a quicker ratio, and a steering unit that’s now locked onto the subframe, steering feel is more precise, while a host of improvements improve ride harshness and keep the cabin much quieter from road noise.

It’s a pleasant vehicle to drive, too, and we think it’s a step up from the likes of the Traverse, Pilot, and Highlander. Mostly, it’s because of the superior ride quality, descended way back from the Volvo XC90 that spun off the Flex’ platform, the same one underpinning the Taurus, the Lincoln MKS and the MKT. Even the base Flex carries itself like a smaller wagon, with crisp steering feel and a compliant feel that comes from its long wheelbase, but great control over its body motions even when it’s hustled in a way no family vehicle will ever be used. Trust us on this one.
The Flex’s comprehensive safety package includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control with anti-rollover technology. A rearview camera and parking sensors are available, as are a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control. It also has options for inflatable second-row seat belts, adaptive cruise control (with forward-collision alert), and a blind-spot monitoring system.
Photo Gallery: Ford 

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