2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost

While performance crossovers are fairly rare, we certainly do appreciate the extra dose of oomph Ford’s new EcoBoost V6 adds to the 6 and 7-passenger Flex crossover utility.

In the Flex, the twin-turbocharged, direct injected 3.5-liter V6 is good for 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That’s over a third more power than the normally aspirated Flex.

With all-wheel-drive and an improved six-speed automatic with excellent paddle shifters, the boosted Flex is smooth, fast, and capable-even at the high altitudes of Boulder, Colorado where we got our first taste.

Towing capacity is 4500 pounds. And with new Trailer Sway Control, high speed highway hauling is much more worry-free. Also new is Active Park Assist, which simplifies parallel-parking of the near full-size Flex.

Moreover, the all-independent suspension has been revised and lowered 10 millimeters to cope with the upshot of power.

Visual mojo is, however, subtle.  Ecoboost-exclusive touches include painted aluminum 20-inch wheels, while dual exhausts jazz up the Flex’s boxy, retro-cool exterior from behind.

Inside, the dash is padded in soft-touch material, and the seating position remains excellent, offering good sightlines and above-par comfort.

This upgraded Flex is definitely more powerful, but don’t forget the “Eco” in “EcoBoost”-the twin-turbo 2010 Flex AWD has government ratings of 16 mpg city and 22 highway, the same as the standard AWD Flex.

Available now, the EcoBoost-equipped 2010 Ford Flex stickers just under of $37,000.