Overview

The Ford Flex is a 7-passenger family wagon with an unmistakable profile. Now in its third year of production, the Ford Flex sees few changes for 2011, but a new trim level has been added at the high end, and new colors have been introduced.

Standard equipment on the basic 2011 Ford Flex SE trim includes 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights, a full range of power accessories, rear parking sensors, fog lamps, keyless entry with exterior access code pad, and a 6-speaker sound system. The Flex SEL trim level features 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, the Sync interface system, upgraded sound system with satellite radio, heated front seats, plus a Convenience package that adds a power tailgate and other amenities. The top-level Flex Limited includes the Convenience features as standard, and steps up to 19-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery, and much more. Finally, the new Flex Titanium trim provides 20-inch chrome wheels and various styling upgrades, including microfiber suede seat inserts.

The 2011 Ford Flex's standard power plant is a 262-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 248 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. On the Flex SEL and Limited trims, a turbocharged V-6 engine is available: the same displacement as the standard engine, but with 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. It works with AWD and a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. EPA fuel-economy estimates for both engines are 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Ford Flex include anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side air bags, and side curtain air bags. A rearview camera is optional. In government crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Flex 5 (out of 5) stars in frontal- and side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2011 Flex highest-possible "Good" ratings in all of its crash tests.

The 2011 Ford Flex had an MSRP starting at around $29,355.