2010 Ford Flex

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Ford Flex delivers competent -- albeit a bit boring -- performance. Test drivers especially like the ample engine power and smooth ride, but most classify the overall driving experience as just adequate.

• "The Flex is remarkably quiet, with a well controlled ride, yet has the steering response of a much smaller car." -- Road and Track
• "The experience of driving or riding in the 2009 Ford Flex is more serene than you might anticipate, given Ford's previous family-truckster efforts." -- Edmunds
• "According to Ray, it drives exactly like a Taurus X, which is to say depressingly adequately, which doesn't compensate for the fuel consumption, 16/22 for the AWD version is too SUV-like to wow us." -- Jalopnik
• "Direct steering and controlled body lean in corners give Flex a fairly nimble feel. Some testers find the steering too light, however. Brakes feel strong and are generally responsive, but Flex tends to nose dive during aggressive stops." -- Consumer Guide
• "Standard driving is notable by the virtue of not noticing it. The EcoBoost'd Flex drives like a nicely sorted, and much lighter, car. The increased bodyroll management makes for probably the smoothest CUV driving experience we can remember. Grab the thick, leather-lined steering wheel and guide the Flex like you would any other car. No amusement park rollercoastering, no dancing from side-to-side. It's a job well done." -- Autoblog

Acceleration and Power

The Flex comes with a more-than-adequate 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. New for 2010 is an optional twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter "EcoBoost" V6 that makes 355 horsepower without a fuel economy penalty. According to the EPA, the FWD Flex should net 17/24 mpg city/highway, while the AWD model should get 16/22 mpg city/highway. Fuel economy figures are not yet available for the new EcoBoost engine. Reviewers also have yet to test this engine.

• "The engine is silent at cruising speeds but is loud and rather unhappy under full throttle." -- Car and Driver
• "Should you want to humiliate a Honda Odyssey in a boulevard drag race, you're going to have to wait until next year when the twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 sneaks onto the Flex's options sheet. The 340-hp so-called EcoBoost mill should make the Flex the undisputed badass of the day care circle drive." -- Edmunds
• "The 4,839-pound Flex is well served by the EcoBoost. The turbos don't wait to kick in, so the plenary complement of torque is available from 1,500 rpm. Acceleration is a feel good event, especially considering you're driving something that's sized like a Costco on wheels. When executing passing maneuvers, the Flex is quick to drop down and go, getting from 40-70 with comforting alacrity." -- Autoblog

Handling and Braking

The Flex features an independent front and rear suspension that makes for a smooth ride. It also has power rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

• "Regardless of whether one chooses the front- or all-wheel-drive model (weighing 4500 or 4650 pounds, respectively), there is nothing overtly sporty about the Flex. But in all fairness, this shouldn't be problematic for buyers. The chassis is well tuned for a family crossover, with pleasantly direct steering that has just the right amount of boost and good on-center feel." -- Car and Driver
• "As if the styling isn't enough to differentiate the Flex from workaday crossovers and stroller-toting minivans, Ford has been eager to make the driving experience something unexpected. And, indeed, for a big ocean-going passenger liner of a vehicle, the Flex is pretty damn composed through bends." -- Edmunds
• "Handling is as you would expect in any large vehicle. Which is to say that this is not really a corner clipper. Special attention needs be paid while parking and lane changing, as one would with a minivan." -- Left Lane News