Ford Flex 2011 Review

For 2011 Ford decides to add another trim level to the Flex. The available four trim levels for the Ford Flex 2011include the SE, SEL, Limited and the Titanium levels.

The SE model comes equipped with rear parking sensors, foglamps, automatic headlights, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition with an external access code-pad, automatic climate control, cruise control, power adjustable seats (8-way for the driver and 2-way for the front passenger seat), 40% power operated folding second row seats,  split-folding (50/50) third row seats, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, auxiliary audio jack, 6-speaker stereo CD player, rearview mirror (auto-dimming) and a trip computer. Optional features include a Sync interface system, satellite radio and CD changer.

With the SEL additional features include a automatic dual-zone climate control, power lumbar adjustable seat, 6-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, eighteen-inch wheels, wood interior trim, Sync interface system with Bluetooth and iPod functions, satellite radio and an in-dash 6-CD changer. Optional features include twelve-speaker Sony system and leather upholstery. SEL Convenience package has extra utilities that include heated mirrors, power tailgate, adjustable pedals, an inverter jack and driver memory functions.

Stepping up to the Limited model, additional features include a perforated leather upholstery, aluminum tailgate trim, HID headlights, nineteen-inch wheels, ambient lighting, real-time traffic navigation system, wood decorated steering wheel, CD/DVD player, Touch-screen display, rearview camera, HD radio and digital music storage. Optional features include center console (with a fridge), twenty-inch wheels and third row seats with a power folding option.

The Titanium model upgrades the Limited trim with features such as distinct interior and exterior accents, twenty-inch chrome wheels, perforated leather inlaid steering wheel and microfiber suede seat inserts.

Each trim level comes with an optional contrasting roof colors and a second row sliding captain’s chair. The three upper trim levels can be fitted with a Vista Moonroof, turbocharged V6 engine, back seat DVD system and front parking sensors.

The Ford Flex 2011front-wheel drive comes equipped with a 262 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine that generates 248 lb-ft of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to EPA fuel efficiency for the front-wheel drive is estimated at 17 miles per gallon in the city, 24 miles per gallon on the highway and combined fuel efficiency of 19 miles per gallon. The optional all-wheel drive has a lower fuel efficiency estimate of 16 miles per gallon within the city, 22 miles per gallon on the highway and combined fuel efficiency of 18 miles per gallon.

The turbocharged 355 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine produces 350 pound-feet of torque and is optional for the SEL, Limited and the Titanium trims. This is paired to a six-speed manual shift control automatic transmission for the AWD. Fuel efficiency for the V6 EcoBoost is the same as that for the V6.

Ford Flex interior contains high quality material and it can accommodate seven passengers. The optional sliding/reclining captain’s chair increases comfort in the second row.

Cargo capacity with all seats in use is estimated at 20 cubic feet. Third row folded down provides a cargo space of 43.2 cubic feet. The second row and third row can be folded down to provide a maximum cargo capacity of 83.2 cubic feet.

Standard safety features include rear parking sensors, stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes and front side and full length side curtain airbags. The Flex received five stars for all government crash tests.

The average price for the Ford Flex 2011 may range between $28,579 and $44,231.