For 2013, the Ford Flex gets a significant facelift with restyled front end, instrument panel and seats. There is a little more power in the base engine, manual shifting for the 6-speed automatic, new MyFord Touch, and several new available systems including parallel-parking assist and adaptive cruise control.
For 2011, a new Titanium trim on the Ford Flex joins the SE, SEL and Limited. The Titanium is easily identified by its blacked out tail lamps, black chrome grille, black roof, black mirror caps, unique interior and 20-inch painted luster nickel wheels. Other 2011 Edge improvements include the addition of HD radio to the optional navigation package, and an available power folding third-row seat with reversible tailgate feature that allows the seat to face outward from the rear hatch.
The big news for 2010 is the availability of Ford's 355-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Other items of note include an updated SYNC system with turn-by-turn direction and traffic updates; the MyKey system, which allows the vehicle's owner to set limits on top speed and radio volume and Pull-Drift Compensation, which automatically helps drivers offset pulling or drifting caused by strong crosswinds or uneven pavement.
The 2009 Flex is Ford's newest and arguably most attractive crossover SUV. Designed to carry seven passengers, yet achieve the same kind of fuel economy as a mid-size sedan, the Flex is part of a growing trend away from V8-powered leviathans and toward more efficient vehicles, particularly when towing is not a high priority. If all you need is room for the family, the Taurus X could certainly do the trick, but it doesn't have the cutting-edge cool the square-as-a-shoebox Flex seems to ooze; you might even have to wrestle your teenagers for driving privileges. And why not? With room for lots of their friends, an optional built-in refrigerator and the technology-friendly SYNC audio system, the Flex can easily transform itself from family transport to Friday-night cruiser with just a turn of the ignition.
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