04.09.16 - 2016 Ford Flex

2016 Ford Flex: The Urban SUV You Want to Drive

When you look for an SUV most of the time the thought is to find one that is an easy drive with the above the road height you want to be able to head off road. The Ford Flex is not the SUV you buy for heading off road, it’s also not the one you want when you feel like you need a small maneuverable vehicle. While the Flex is maneuverable enough it’s a larger box shape that is awesome on the roads anywhere. You can take this SUV through the snow and rain or you can enjoy the driving of this vehicle on the open road.

The Flex is not a minivan, it replaces many minivans and is a great choice for a family who just might need what a minivan offers but can’t bring themselves to buy one. The interior space is exceptional in this vehicle and there are plenty of great options for you to choose from with the Flex. For 2016 the Flex adds a rearview camera and brings in the Sync 3 multimedia system to replace the old MyFord Touch to give you a couple new upgrades you are sure to love.

The interior of the Flex is a place you want to spend some time. There is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the ride, even if they are sitting in the third row of seats. There is a four panel skylight for you to enjoy the view of the sky around you. Up front the instruments are functional and clean while being elegantly placed for the best visual effect. If you need to turn your Flex into a cargo hauler you can do so easily with the fold flat second and third row of seats. Even the front passenger seat folds flat for you to be able to enjoy putting longer cargo into the cabin of your Flex.

The exterior of the Flex looks different from most SUVs. This vehicle is boxy and offers a Euro-touring quality to its appearance. With a grill that looks nearly nonexistent and body panels that are close to vertical the outside gives you the interior space you want to enjoy so you can have an amazing ride in this cool vehicle. With the Flex you can have a two toned look to it with a contrasting roof color that gives it even more pizzazz on the road. One thing is certain, you will be noticed when you drive the Flex.

When you look between this SUV and a minivan you will find there isn’t much difference in the price. The base Flex SE comes in at $30,500 to start with the mid-level SEL starting at $33,200 for the FWD model and the AWD version costing you $35,150. At the top of the line the Limited model comes in just below the $39,000 mark but is increased to $44,000 with the EcoBoost engine and AWD. If you check off all the boxes you can reach up over $50,000 for the Flex. With a price range this vast you are certain to find a model that fits your needs perfectly.

There are two engines you can enjoy on the Flex. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 which gives you 287 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines for the Flex are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For this base engine the powertrain returns fuel mileage numbers of 16 city/23 hwy mpg for the FWD version and 16 city/22 hwy mpg for AWD models to give you reasonable fuel numbers for the size of this vehicle.

The second engine used on the Flex is a 3.5-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine that uses the same transmission and brings in 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is only used with an AWD setup and the fuel mileage you will enjoy comes in at 15 city/21 hwy mpg to give you more power than the base engine.

As with any Ford product you have a wide range of great features to choose. The Flex has the three trim levels mentioned and start with standard features that include keyless entry, a six-way power driver’s seat, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, a Reverse Sensing system, fog lights, front and rear air conditioning, a rearview camera and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The Limited trim brings in heated front seats, a ten way power driver’s seat with memory, the Sony Premium audio system with Ford Sync 3, a heated steering wheel, voice activated navigation, leather upholstery, a power folding third row of seats and 19-inch alloy wheels. The safety you will enjoy on any model includes three row side curtain airbags and inflatable second row seat belts to help keep everyone safe and secure.

Looking to the options for this vehicle you will find the upgraded engine and the AWD systems, a power rear liftgate, heated second row seating, a power Autofold mode for the second row, second row captain’s chairs, a center console refrigerator, the four-panel Vista roof, a contrasting color painted roof, adaptive cruise control with Collision Warning and Brake Support, a remote starter, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, Parking Assistance and active parallel parking aids. All this can make your Ford Flex feel like a fantastic luxury riding SUV and give you all the features you really want to enjoy.

You may think driving the Flex will feel like a truck because it does look a lot like a throwback to a time gone by but this vehicle is actually extremely maneuverable. The steering is precise and responsive and the suspension is soft enough to handle all the road abrasions without jarring you at all. The acceleration of this vehicle is enjoyable and you will love the quietness of the cabin in an SUV that was built with the family in mind. Isn’t it time you gave your family a ride where everyone felt comfortable, the Ford Flex can give your whole family that feeling of comfort.

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