Ford Flex take 2

I previously wrote about my experience with driving rented Ford Flex from Toronto to New York and back. There is an UPDATE ... .


2010 Ford Flex Ecoboost now finds home in my driveway. The trusty Duratec 3.5L V6 makes way to a new 3.5L Ecoboost engine. Twin turbocharged, direct injection mill is good for 355 hp and 350 lb ft of twist that is channeled to all four wheels. The ride is lower to the ground, susspension is stiffer, steering wheel feedback (EPAS) is much improved and the 6speed automatic transmission much better match with the engine than in the rented model. The dash issue of glowing see of green buttons I complained about previously is mitigated by large screen navigation system, which is also used to control the sound, climate, phone, 10G of HDD for entertainement or backup camera. Microsoft's SYNC is still doing a great job in providing voice interface to most of the features.


Features galore indeed, but you can always turn most of it off, open the sunroof, push on the steering wheel mounted paddle shifter do drop a gear, step on the gas pedal and ... GO! There's no thinking twice about it anymore, the peak 350 ft lbs of torque are on tap almost instantly (from 1500rpm), pushing you into the seat, while the sprint from 0-60mph comes in just 6.5 seconds. Very quick and effortless. And this is a large seven seater we are talking about! The speed maybe something to get used to, Flex is a very quiet and comfortable car and it is very easy to seamlessy cross into the illegal speed range if not checking the speedo.

Another great aspect of the car is the ability to cross large distance without tiring either the driver or passengers. It is a great family GT car. That kind you can pack all the camping gear into, car seats for the little ones, seat two more adults in comfort (grandparents) and go for a weekend trip without worrying if the destination is couple hundred kilometers closer or further. Or fold all the seats flat and load up half of IKEA into it. Or take all the sippy cups and toys out and go enjoying the on-ramps and back roads. Flex can do it all and do it very well.