2011 Ford Flex Review

The 2011 Ford Flex is offered in four trims, with several drive train and options configurations. Notable options on all trims include a refrigerated second-row center console, dual-headrest rear-seat DVD entertainment system and vinyl-upholstered, power-folding third row seats.

The 2011 Ford Flex has angled its way into a rare phenomenon. If the Ford Flex’s collection of rectangles took you a while to warm to, you’re forgiven. The cues are concept-car pure outside, with a rich-looking cabin standard on even the base $29,000 flex.

Borrowing from the MINI playbook, Ford lets you choose the roof color, mirror finishes, bigger wheels, and even a hound’s-tooth-plaid interior. It outpaces even the Range Rover with e-gear like real-time traffic and movie times, an in-car refrigerator, and second-row footrests for your most important passengers.

Besides that, the 2011 Ford Flex only sees a few minor changes in colors and feature content.

Outside of the new trim level, an optional power-folding third-row seat feature debuts on Limited trim models, and HD radio is now included with the navigation system.

The 2011 Ford Flex is a seven-passenger crossover wagon; optional second-row captain's chairs reduce seating capacity to six. It is available in SE, SEL, Limited and Titanium trim levels.

The SEL adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, driver power lumbar adjustment, a six-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim, the Sync electronics interface system (optional on SE, includes Bluetooth and iPod control), an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. The new Titanium package adds on top of the Limited's features 20-inch chrome wheels, unique interior and exterior styling accents, micro fiber suede seat inserts and perforated leather trim for the steering wheel.

Options on every "Ford Flex" include second-row reclining and sliding captain's chairs and contrasting roof colors. The Limited can be had with 20-inch wheels, power-folding third row seats and a refrigerated second-row center console.

The 2011 Ford Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 producing 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard with this engine and all-wheel drive is optional. EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 16/22/18 with all-wheel drive.

Optional on the SEL, Limited and Titanium is the turbocharged 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic with manual shift control are standard.

The 2011 Ford Flex comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors. In brake testing, a Ford Flex Limited with the standard 3.5-liter engine stopped from 60 mph in 131 feet -- average for the class -- and the Ecoboost wasn't significantly different. In government crash testing, the Ford Flex achieved a perfect five stars in all front and side categories. The Ford Flex's interior quality is top-notch, with abundant soft-touch materials and an attractive, upscale design. With either configuration, the standard power-folding mechanism in the second row makes getting into the third row a snap. With the rear seats lowered, the Ford Flex can hold 83 cubic feet of stuff. Other intriguing options such as the Vista Moon roof, Sirius Travel Link and rear-console refrigerator extend the Ford Flex's appeal.