If you’re among those who think the Flex is boldly striking and classy, you’ll agree it also represents good value for money. Mostly. Another definition of flexibility could be how this vehicle is priced. The entry-level SE trim starts at about $30k, while the all-wheel drive Limited starts at $45,099. That higher price includes the bigger engine and wheels, power liftgate, navigation, superior sound system, blind-spot warnings and rearview camera with built-in warning beeps of its own. It’s a decent package.

(In fact, the warning beeps are so effective, I was gobsmacked to notice there was a scratch on the back left bumper. This was a new car with barely 1,700 km on the dial. So I assumed I must’ve been the one to cause the scratch. So why hadn’t the system warned me? Had I run down an errant Pokémon, only visible on an app I will never download? Turns out, a previous driver hadn’t reported it.)

However, our tester was stuffed with some delightful extras, bringing the final price up an impressive $11,000. When you’re buying something roomy and flexible, it’s a given that you need to satisfy several riders. So Ford combines packages into “Equipment Groups”. Group 303A totals $6,800 but includes some essentially Canadian comforts and safety features: heated steering wheel, de rigueur between November and April; active park assist, which automatically parallel parks, saving a 20-minute workout in narrow downtown streets; adaptive cruise control with (very panicked sounding) collision warning; power tilt-telescopic steering column; power fold third-row seats; 10-way power heated and cooled captain’s seats.

Warranty:
3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 5 years/100,000 km roadside assistance

Competitors:
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Mazda CX-9
Toyota Highlander

Another lovely if expensive feature is the multi-panel vista roof, an additional $1,750. The voice-activated touchscreen navigation system is great but $800. Siri and your iPhone do it for less. The vain-sounding “Appearance Package” puts 20-inch painted high-gloss black wheels where there were 19-inch ones, plus that coal black roof, but disappears $900 from your wallet.

Finally, if you’re packing more people and freight than I had to on my two trips, consider the cargo versatility package, another $600. The roof rails and tow package provide extra cargo real estate for that huge engine to ferry. And the all-weather rubber floormats simply make life easier for anyone who ever goes outside.

Pricing: 2016 Ford Flex Limited
Base price: $45,599
Options: $10,850
Freight and PDI: $ 1,690
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $58,239

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