2009 Ford Flex

As minivans fell out of favor, Ford went looking for a fresh alternative. What they came up with is an unusual cubic solution, the Ford Flex Crossover Utility. But Ford sees the Flex not as a conventional family mover and shaker, but as a premium lifestyle vehicle.  What ever else you can say about Flex, it sure looks different. So let’s see if the Flex truly is a better idea?

A head-turner it certainly is.  The 2009 Ford Flex is a most unique addition to the almost full-size crossover utility field.  Born from the Ford Fairlane concept shown at Detroit’s 2005 North American International Auto Show, the production Flex is larger.

Flex uses the D3 platform from the Ford Taurus, but with a stretched 117.9-inch wheelbase.

Its brawny 6 or 7-passenger two-box shape has a bold, blunt, and premium appearance from front to back. The front-end bears a certain resemblance to Scion’s xB, with Ford’s signature three-bar grille flanked by available HID headlamps.

The elongated profile is punctuated by grooved lower panels, a blacked-out greenhouse, and an available white or silver roof that no doubt brings the super hip MINI Cooper to mind.

The flat, rectangular rear-design furthers the Flex’s citified presence, and muscular wheel flares flex atop bright 18, 19, or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the horizontal theme continues, with a spacious three-row cabin centered as much around comfort and lifestyle as functionality. Even the mid-level SEL trim boasts wood-tone trim and leather. Our top drawer Flex Limited steps up further, with only a multitude of seams and different material textures marring the effect.

The gauge cluster is large, well dressed, and looks right at home.  Controls are well positioned. The flat center stack with a classic analog clock is topped by a large display screen for available amenities like the Ford Sync voice activation system, rear back-up camera, and navigation that includes Sirius Travel link with real-time local gas prices, and weather maps.

The Flex combines the low step in height of a station wagon with the high seating position of an SUV, and those seats are comfortable. Ford’s best yet.

The large leather and wood trim steering wheel tilts, but doesn’t telescope. So, ordering the adjustable pedals is recommended.  Steering wheel controls govern our Limited’s standard 390-watt 10-speaker Sony stereo system.

From above, light shines through the available four-panel vista sunroof.

Flex safety is delivered by six standard airbags, while security comes from a now hidden keyless entry keypad.

With either a three-person bench seat or Captain’s Chairs, Flex’s class leading, second row legroom can only be compared to a limousine. The Captain’s Chairs allow a mini-fridge that both cools and freezes.

Also with the Captain’s Chairs, a one-touch power seat fold system is included. Still, getting to the two-person third-row seat is more cumbersome than some rivals.

With both rows folded down, total cargo volume swells to a very usable 83.2 cubic feet.  The front passenger seat also folds flat for hauling lifestyle items almost 10-feet long. A power liftgate is standard on the Limited.

Flex power comes from Ford’s latest 3.5-liter twin-cam V6 producing 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Max towing capacity is 4,500 pounds.  The V6 ties to a 6-speed automatic transmission in either front- or all-wheel drive.

Government Fuel Economy ratings for our all-wheel drive Flex is 16 city/22 highway. We recorded 20 miles-per-gallon in normal driving on regular gas. Flex’s Energy Impact Score is a moderately high 19.0 barrels of oil per year.  So while no gas sipper, gassing-up is a snap thanks to Ford’s EasyFuel capless filler system.

On the track, our all-wheel drive Flex performed quite well, scooting from 0 to 60 in 9.0 seconds and covering the quarter-mile in a fine 16.8 seconds at 85 miles-per-hour.

Shifts are well timed and smoother than GM crossovers that use the same transmission.

Handling is also above average for a crossover thanks to a new multi-link independent rear suspension. Its long travel design delivers excellent bump control as well as road isolation.  Body roll is less than expected and standard stability control with roll mitigation cements a solid grip of the pavement for the Ford Flex.

Brakes are all disc, with ABS and Brake Assist, and delivered smooth if slightly long stops of 133 feet from 60 to 0.

Pricing for Flex is also a little on the premium side, starting at $28,995 for the SE model.  The mid-level SEL starts at $32,770, while the Limited’s base sticker reads $35,405.  All-wheel drive, available on the top two models only, adds $1,850.

While the Flex may have started out as an alternative to a minivan, it emerges as something more. The 2009 Ford Flex combines the art a lifestyle vehicle with the science of people moving.  To that end, this unique and upscale crossover proves that polarizing looks and family practicality are anything but mutually exclusive.