The Ford Motor Company's quirky Flex soldiers on, receiving several updates for its fifth model year. The 2013 Ford Flex is available in front- and all-wheel-drive, a station wagon-like vehicle that seats seven. New for 2013 is an updated front end, a new interior, and six new wheel styles, to give the Flex a refreshed look.
California Market
As before, the Ford Flex offers 7-passenger comfort across three rows of seats. The car's design has been called quirky, polarizing and boxy, but that hasn't stopped consumers from embracing this unique crossover SUV. Its strongest market is California, where nearly 1 in 5 Ford Flex vehicles are sold. Beyond its design, the utility aspects of the Flex are prized, offering ample passenger room, towing capabilities and many storage options. This model, when equipped with Class III towing, can pull up to 4,500 pounds.
Nine exterior colors are offered with the Ford Flex including three new colors. An Appearance Package is now available with Limited and SEL models, with such features as a two-tone black roof, black mirrors and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets.
Interior Refinement
Inside, the Ford Flex offers new technologies including standard Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch. The screens have been modified to present larger letters for improved ease of use. Also available is radar-enabled cruise control, a collision warning system, a Blind Spot Warning System with cross traffic alert and available rear seat inflatable seat belts, a new feature not offered by any other car manufacturer.
The Flex's standard engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 287 horsepower, an improvement over the previous 262 horsepower in the previous model. This engine makes 254 foot-pounds of torque. Also available is an EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine features direct fuel injection and twin-turbochargers, making 365 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque. Both transmissions are SelectShift, enabling drivers to enjoy manual shifting capabilities for more spirited driving.
Smoother Ride
For 2013, the Ford Flex offers a smoother and quieter ride. An enhanced chassis system, including electric power assist steering, revised spring and damper rates, and a quicker steering ratio provide improved handling. An all-new brake system, with a larger master cylinder and revised booster tuning gives heightened brake feel. Ford wrapped the Flex's shock absorbers with sound absorbers and increased the amount of sound-deadening materials used in the dash. The result is a quieter Flex that rides smoother and handles with ease.
