Ford Flex

Like other offerings in Ford’s lineup, even the 2019 Flex comes very well equipped when it comes to the SUV’s cabin features. With the 2019 Ford Flex, the company targets every consumer and therefore there is an interior for every price configuration starting from the cost-effective plastic-laden cabin space to the luxurious optional extras which are exclusively offered with the top of the line variants. For instance, Ford Sync 3 infotainment system is offered on SEL variants and the top of the line ‘Limited’ trim models. Any variants below the mid-range, like the base model, do not come equipped with a touchscreen unit. For those that do, the infotainment system also comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and can also be made to a 12-speaker Sony audio speaker system which is offered as an optional extra.

Considering that despite some facelifts and design updates, the current Ford Flex continuous to broadly embody the same design and equipment which was first introduced over a decade ago in the debuting 2009 model. So it is understandable to that the aesthetics of the large wagon-like sport utility vehicle have undoubtedly aged and without a substantial overhaul since its debut, the 2019 Flex might even a little dated. However, when Ford Flex was launched, its design was so distinctive and arguably futuristic that the stylish SUV still manages to fight for its place amongst the car’s modern counterparts and considering how much space and versatility this eye-catching SUV offers, it is safe to say that the 2019 Ford Flex is still a desirable offering.

Thanks to the powerful 3.5-liter motors Ford Flex performs exceptionally well when it comes to acceleration but not so well in terms of handling, steering, and braking. Like the brakes, even the steering provides a little feel and does not offer much feedback. For SUV of this size, the handling characteristics of the 2019 Ford Flex make it feel like a much smaller car behind the wheel. The car does not body roll much while maneuvering around corners like other SUVs of this size but continues to feel clumsy which can mainly be attributed to its low grip tires, high weight, and long length.

Under the hood, the 2019 Ford Flex is powered by two V6 engine powerplants, both of which come mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine which also happens to be a 3.5-liter unit manages to produce 287 bhp of power and 254 lb-ft of peak torque and is available in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive setup. The optional twin-turbocharged top-of-the-line Limited trim model gets the power turned up to 365 BHP and produces 350 lb-ft of torque and gets the all-wheel-drive system as standard. The optional 2018 V6 model is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 6.2 seconds.

Prices for the base SE model start from $30,575 followed by the SEL variant with prices starting from $33,290 and finally we have the top of the range Limited trim which is priced at $38,790.

Equipped with the EcoBoost V6 engine, 2019 Ford Flex is quite quick on its feet when it comes to acceleration and when it comes to braking, the seven-seater SUV manages to come to a complete halt from 60 mph in a respectable 120 feet distance which is quite impressive but there is quite a long travel while using the brake pedal.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not crash-tested or assigned any safety ratings to the 2019 Ford Flex, however, during crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Ford’s offering performed rather well. The administration did point out that most of the driver assistance and safety features used by the model while being tested by IIHS are only available as optional extras. These optional driver assistant features include adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning to name a few and it is also worth mentioning that other modern competitors in the segment offer a wider range of advanced driver assistance features.

As eye-catching and funky its design language might be, with over a decade of its product life cycle in the bag, the Ford Flex has aged gracefully but age nonetheless. The seven-seater SUV is in a desperate need for a product revamp and might continue to perform well in the market once it is overhauled with modern technology and equipment. For now, we find solace in the fact that dealership across America will offer great deals on the outgoing 2019 Flex models as the SUV relishes in its final moments.