Ford gave me the opportunity to test drive the Ford Flex for a week to really get a feel for it. I don't know who was excited: me or my daughter.
The Flex is a crossover vehicle that seats seven. It gets decent gas mileage (17 city/24 highway) comparable to that of a minivan.
I'll spare you all of the little details; if you want to hear about all of the features and the specs, please head over to Ford's website and take a look under the hood.
There were several features that I would like to highlight.
Legroom
Does it bug you when your kids kick the back of your seat? My leggy five year old's feet couldn't reach the seat in front of her (yes!). We always feel like we are on top of each other in our wagon, but we each had plenty of room in the Flex.
Trunk Space
I was able to put five full reusable grocery bags across the trunk of the Flex. I assume that this trunk space is similar to what you will find in many minivans. Of course if the last row of seats is folded up, you could fit quite a bit of stuff back there.
The last row of seats was incredible easy to fold up. And there is ample storage room with both rear seats folded away.
I didn't try putting my full-sized stroller in the back. One thing I like about my Taurus wagon is being able to slide my stroller right in. With the third row of seats in use, you would almost have to put your stroller in vertically if you had other items with you. We did use the umbrella stroller and it fit nicely.
Backup Camera
I love the backup camera. In fact its one of the features I miss most.
I was able to put five full reusable grocery bags across the trunk of the Flex. I assume that this trunk space is similar to what you will find in many minivans. Of course if the last row of seats is folded up, you could fit quite a bit of stuff back there.
The last row of seats was incredible easy to fold up. And there is ample storage room with both rear seats folded away.
I didn't try putting my full-sized stroller in the back. One thing I like about my Taurus wagon is being able to slide my stroller right in. With the third row of seats in use, you would almost have to put your stroller in vertically if you had other items with you. We did use the umbrella stroller and it fit nicely.
Backup Camera
I love the backup camera. In fact its one of the features I miss most.
Dual Climate Control
My husband and I like differing temperatures and airflow, so this feature was nice for us.
Driver's Seat Memory
I'm 5'3" and my husband is 6'. I like that the Flex remembers exactly how each of us liked the seat and pedals positioned.
Backseat Controls and Electrical Outlet
I love, love, love the electrical outlet.
Automatic Rear Door
At my height I have a hard time closing the rear door on many vehicles, not so with the Flex. The automatic rear door is also handy for when you have a diaper bag or groceries in one hand and a toddler on your hip.
Built-In Refrigerator/Freezer
This feature is a bit of a frivolity and I am not sure I would pay for it as an extra. But if it came with a vehicle I was purchasing, I know we would use it. The refrigerator/freezer will keep your food and drinks at the right temperature on trips across town or across the country. Great for people like us who always bring an ice-filled cooler on trips.
Vista Roof
The model we drove had the optional Multi-Panel Vista Roof, which is a power front moonroof, two fixed skylights over the 2nd row, and a large fixed skylight over the 3rd row. We all loved the open airy feelings and both of my kids enjoyed being able to look up and out. As cool as it was, it precludes you from using a roof rack, something we use for a luggage carrier on long trips.
Overall Impression
We really, really liked this vehicle. It got a lot of looks from people when we were on the road and in parking lots; it doesn't look like your average minivan. It was comfortable on our short trip (50 miles each way) that we took with leg room for everyone. Car seats were easy to install with the latch and tethers.
The backup camera was a great feature. I also liked being able to hook up the iPod for our trip. I know I didn't fully use the SYNC's capabilities. The driver's seat memory and automatic lift gate were definite pluses.
We would have to think about the moonroof since we travel with a car topper for our luggage.
The fully-loaded model we drove was a bit out of our price range for a brand new vehicle, but if you are considering a new minivan, I would definitely suggest giving the Flex a test drive as well.
My daughter refused to let it go at the end of our week and I have to say I moped every time I got into my wagon for the next few weeks. I didn't think that vehicles really mattered that much to me, but the Flex was definitely a good driving experience and offers a lot of little details that make driving a pleasure.
I can't wait to take a look at Ford's hybrid options and at the new Taurus design (which I hear has an incredible amount of trunk space).
This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! Her family loves taking test drives and touring the countryside. Leighann will be attending the Ford What Women Want: Tech & Quality Event in Chicago.
