Day-by-Day Review: 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD

By James Bergeron

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2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD

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The first time I saw this week’s tester in the “flesh,” as they say, I could have sworn it was bigger than a full-sized SUV or pick-up truck, even though it is classified as a crossover. When I picked up my tester in the morning, I had the same impression — this is one large vehicle. But, when I parked the 2009 Ford Flex next to a full-sized vehicle, I realized it isn’t as large as I had first thought… on the outside at least.

The Ford Flex is the third new crossover in Ford’s line-up, the Ford Edge and Taurus X being the other two. As I discussed this with Autos’s Chris Chase, we contemplated why Ford would have three crossovers powered by the same drive train in the same price range… odd.

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The 2009 Flex comes in four trims: SEL FWD/AWD and Limited FWD/AWD, with pricing starting at $34,999 for the SEL FWD model. My tester is a Limited AWD model with a base price of $42,999, but my tester is also loaded with $6,680 in options to really impress.

The more expensive additions to my tester are items most people could live without, such as: the panoramic roof for $1,700, the navigation system with rear backup camera for $2,500, and the family DVD entertainment system for $1,200.

The remaining add-ons include: a class III trailer tow package which allows for towing up to 4500lbs, a white roof (similar to that on the Mini Cooper and Toyota FJ Cruiser), a block heater and rubber floor mats.

There is no denying the Ford Flex brings a bold design flavour to the Ford family of vehicles. I am sure some will just love this bold design while others — like my other half — will refuse to to be seen in it.

2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD
MSRP as tested (including destination): $50,979

For more information on Ford and the Flex visit Ford Canada

Day 2:

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Despite the controversial exterior, the Flex’s interior luxury and detail would be difficult to dislike. Although my tester is fully loaded, the basics stay the same throughout the line-up. I will admit, though, that the centrepiece of the Flex’s interior is the easy-to-use, sharp and clear touch-screen and navigation system with Sirius satellite radio.

More important than the fancy toys, though, are the comfortable seats, although the lack of telescopic steering made it a little difficult to find a comfortable seating position at first. The Flex does have power adjustable pedals, but I like to sit further back to stretch my legs while still having full control of the steering wheel; the Flex does not offer me the perfect seating position that I so easily find in vehicles with telescopic steering.

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The other six seats (yes, this is a seven-seater) are just as comfortable, with exceptional leg room for the second row and a comfortable amount of leg room in the third row as well. Entry and exit from the third row can be a little dicey, though, as you flip and fold the second row and duck underneath the chopped roof. Shorter (read younger) occupants won’t have a problem with it. Note: do not attempt to flip the second row seats forward for your own exit from the third row, as you may fall on your face.

The soft-touch plastics all around make for a pleasing environment for your elbows, and the controls are all within easy reach. The centrepiece ,as mentioned before, is an absolute joy to use: the bright eight-inch LCD screen is so easy to read and with Microsoft’s Sync system you can control most of the functions via voice commands if you wish.

The back-up camera integrated into the entertainment system has to be the clearest camera I have ever used, and the spacial lines to aid in placing the vehicle in a parking spot makes reversing into or out of a tight space a snap. The Flex’s interior shows that Ford is capable of designing a world-class interior — although I still dislike the interior door panels and door handles, which are too flat for me.

Day 3:

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A lot of people are commenting on the size of the Flex: “It’s enormous,” a co-worker exclaimed. But really, it doesn’t drive large; it drives like not many other CUVs do, in my opinion. It almost drives car like due to its lower ride height.

Today was a work outing, and with six people in the Flex there was ample room — everyone was pleased, even the most rearward passengers. On the highway, the the 262hp, 3.5-litre V6 engine had no trouble, turning only 1,500rpm even when loaded up and accelerating.

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Word on the street is that Ford will be offering a turbo-charged four cylinder engine in future Flexes, which should provide 20 per cent savings in fuel and very similar horsepower and torque; Ford calls this EcoBoost.

NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) in the Flex is ultra-low. Through extensively wind tunnel tunnel testing, Ford has taken steps to ensure some of the typical sources of wind noise have been worked over for a smooth and quiet highway ride, and they have succeeded.

As previously mentioned, the lower ride height as compared to other CUVs gives the Flex more of a car-like handling feel. It could be compared to a minivan, as the Flex hugs the road in corners and never gives you that rolling or sloppy feeling typical in crossover or sport utility vehicles.

Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the all-wheel drive system as it has been sunny most of the week (for once), but it is the same system as used in the Taurus X and Edge, both of which perform excellently in the winter. Interesting to note is the Flex’s towing capacity: with the towing package, it is rated at 4,500lbs, while the Taurus X is rated at a very meager 2,000lbs. This opens up yet another market for the Flex: the buyer looking for something with greater than the typical 3,500lbs towing capacity, with tons of interior space for luggage and kids.

Day 4:

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Lincoln has recently announced a new seven-seater crossover based on the new Flex design. I’m not sure how Lincoln is going to improve on the Flex luxury-wise; perhaps a few more options will be available, but it will be extremely difficult.

That is the conclusion I have finally came to after a week behind the wheel of the Flex. It is much better than I had ever anticipated: it rides great, it is comfortable, it handles like a car and it can carry a ton of passengers or cargo if need be.

The gas mileage over the week wasn’t stellar, but for such a large vehicle, it wasn’t bad. I averaged 13.4 L/100km for the week, including carrying a full load of passengers on a few trips, and with six people in the car, that is a lot of extra weight to carry around.

Don’t overlook the Flex if you are in the market for a CUV or minivan. I will admit minivan doors make loading passengers or cargo a whole lot easier, but the Flex stands out and may still provide the flexibility you are looking for.
*Rating out of 5: