2015 Ford Flex Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The 2015 Ford Flex adds three new exterior colors, an updated navigation system with 3D mapping, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with brake support, blind-spot warning, and inflatable rear seat belts. Heated mirrors are not standard on SE models, but SEL variants get standard push-button start.
Vehicle Summary
The 2015 Ford Flex is a six- to seven-passenger crossover available in SE, SEL, and Limited grades and in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Two V-6 engines are available and are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Overview
Most 2015 Flex crossovers will come equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 making 287 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. A twin turbocharged V-6 with the same displacement and 365 hp and 350 lb-ft is also available but needs premium gasoline to achieve best performance. (Regular gas is acceptable.) Both engines provide good acceleration, but the twin-turbo V-6 provides a noticeable improvement in power. Steering feel is excellent in the 2015 Flex with weighting that "felt natural" and good levels of communication with the driver. The transmission, however, shifts at a leisurely pace, making the car feel slightly sluggish. Fuel-economy ratings for the 2015 Ford Flex have not been published by the EPA as of this writing, but the 2014 model gets 18/25 mpg city/highway with the base engine and front-wheel drive, 17/23 mpg with that same engine in all-wheel-drive form, and 16/23 mpg with all-wheel drive and the twin-turbo V-6.
Interior space is where the Flex excels with generous room for seven passengers and cargo with up to 83.2 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down. High-quality materials and clear, legible gauges make the cabin a pleasant place to be and feel premium with improved sound deadening.
The 2015 Ford Flex has a four-star roll over safety rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars).
UPDATE: Additional safety aids include blind spot warning, collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. In IIHS evaluations, the 2015 Flex received a Good score in four categories (Good is the highest possible score).
What We Think
The 2015 Ford Flex is an ideal car for families looking for a spacious three-row crossover with an upscale cabin. Its available twin-turbo V-6 sets it apart because it gives the 2015 Flex the power to "move out with crazy authority." In a 2012 First Drive review, we said the crossover has great power and steering feel that improve its drivability without hurting ride quality. However, its automatic transmission was slow to shift and hindered the car's ability to put down power effectively. Interior refinement is a Flex strong suit with "interior noise levels that are remarkably low, allowing front-seat conversations to be easily heard from the third row." Exterior styling remains bold and subjective with a front grille bar that extends into the headlamps, and the word "FLEX" in big fonts replaces Ford's logo.
Key Competitors
- Toyota Highlander
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Mazda CX-9
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Kia Sorento
