New for 2015

Changes for 2015 are minor, and include new color options, the addition of heated exterior mirrors on the SE model, and a heated steering wheel on the Limited model.

Thinking Outside the Box

The car-based crossover has largely subsumed traditional truck-based SUVs and the old-fashioned station wagon, and it’s hard to argue with that. The crossover’s combination of utility and car-like fuel economy and refinement are hard to beat.

That doesn’t mean every crossover needs to be the same, though. Take one look at the 2015 Ford Flex and it’s immediately apparent that Ford was thinking outside the box, even though the final product resembles one.

The Flex offers three rows of seating, fuel-efficient V6 engines, and available all-wheel drive, but with style that’s like nothing else in the shopping mall parking lot.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Ford Flex may look like a retro throwback, but there’s nothing old fashioned about the performance and economy offered by its pair of available powertrains.

The Flex comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option on all Flex models, but buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

With front-wheel drive, the naturally-aspirated V6 gets an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway),* or 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway)* with all-wheel drive.

While many carmakers would offer a gas-guzzling V8 in a vehicle of this size, Ford goes the more efficient route with an optional 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6. Shared with the sporty Taurus SHO, F-150 pickup truck, and numerous other Ford models, this engine produces 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Because the extra power doesn’t come with an increase in displacement, the EcoBoost engine does not take a big fuel-economy hit. The EPA rates it at 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) in mandatory all-wheel drive form.

Features and Trims

The 2015 Ford Flex is available only as a five-door crossover, with seating for up to seven. There are three trim levels to choose from, with prices starting at $29,100.**

Starting from the bottom, the Flex SE comes well equipped with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, cloth seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, and a second-row 60/40 split-folding bench with Autofold.

The middle Flex model is the SEL, which builds on the SE by incorporating its applicable standard features and adding equipment like fog lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, dual-zone automatic climate control, a lockable glovebox, pushbutton start, and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The top Flex model is the appropriately-named Limited. In addition to the applicable features from the SE and SEL, it includes a power liftgate, HID headlights, LED taillights, Ice Blue interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, four 12-volt power points, leather seats and navigation. 

Exterior/Interior

The 2015 Ford Flex is no cookie-cutter crossover. While most vehicles in this category have exterior styling referencing off-road capabilities they don’t have, Ford went in an entirely different direction with the Flex.

It’s squared-off front end, flat sides, and available contrasting roof say 1950s or 1960s station wagon, but the proportions and interior space say modern crossover. No matter how you approach it, there’s nothing quite like the Flex on the road today.

On the inside, you’ll find flexible (pun intended) seating for up to seven, including a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench and 50/50 split third-row bench. There are also up to 10 upholders to keep all of those passengers satiated.

While the exterior may look fairly retro, the interior is packed with technology, with available features including Ford’s Sync with MyFord Touch infotainment system, navigation, and a Sony 12-speaker audio system.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Ford Flex includes anti-lock brakes, Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control, and a full compliment of airbags. Optional features include inflatable second-row seat belts, a backup camera, parking assist, and a Reverse Sensing System.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Ford Flex provides all of the utility and economy of a competitive modern family crossover, but all wrapped up in a package that defies classification.

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.

Image: Ford