Ford took a calculated risk with the introduction of the 2009 Flex. Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications, said upon the crossover SUV’s debut: “Flex is provocative, no doubt about it. The Flex is like nothing else on the road, and it defies being categorized. I have a feeling that Flex is going to appeal to a group of customers who feel absolutely the same way about themselves.” Though it may not be easy to categorize, the Ford Flex is packaged most like a mid-size crossover SUV, able to seat up to 7 passengers, offered with available all-wheel drive, able to carry 83.2 cubic feet of cargo, and able to tow up to 4,500 pounds.

Here is a summary of the 2009 Ford Flex:
• Unique, distinctive design
• Seating for 7 passengers
• Front- or all-wheel drive
• 3.5-liter V-6 making 262 horsepower
• EPA fuel economy rated at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls Flex a “Top Safety Pick.”
• SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels
• Standard EasyFuel capless fuel filler design
• Standard stability control with roll stability control
• Available programmable ambient lighting
• Available multi-panel Vista Roof
• Available 390-watt Sony premium audio system
• Available Ford SYNC technology with Sirius TravelLink service
• Available voice-activated navigation system
• Available refrigerated storage between optional second-row captain’s chairs
• Available reverse camera system
• Available White Suede or Brilliant Silver roof paint colors
• Made in Canada

The 2009 Ford Flex is available in SE, SEL, or Limited trim levels equipped with front- or all-wheel drive. The Flex SEL can be told apart from the SE thanks to added chrome exterior trim, body-color side mirror caps, and machined-finish wheels. Inside, the SEL receives leather upholstery and woodgrain interior décor, plus a heated 10-way power driver’s seat and a heated 6-way power front passenger’s seat. Other SEL goodies include a universal garage door opener, Sony premium audio with Sirius satellite radio, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a cargo net. The SEL model is also the pathway to options such as a rear seat DVD entertainment system, second-row captain’s chairs, second-row refrigerated storage, a two-tone painted roof, a glass panel Vista Roof, HID headlights, LED taillights, programmable ambient lighting for the interior, power adjustable pedals, a power liftgate, seat and mirror memory, and a 110-volt inverter.

The Flex Limited is distinguished on the outside by its polished 19-inch wheels, satin aluminum tailgate trim, chrome mirror caps, HID headlights, and LED taillights. Inside, the Limited includes SEL equipment plus Ford SYNC, perforated leather upholstery, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, seat and mirror memory, and ambient interior lighting. Limited buyers can also select an optional voice-activated navigation system, Sirius TravelLink service, and a reversing camera in addition to other options offered on the SE and SEL.

The 2009 Ford Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine driving the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine generates 262 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway with all-wheel drive, burning regular unleaded. Our review vehicle, a Flex Limited AWD, averaged 19.9 mpg driven primarily on the highway with a cargo area loaded with gear.

Standard safety equipment on every 2009 Ford Flex includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats that can remain inflated for an extended period in the event of a rollover accident. Additionally, the Flex comes standard with four-wheel-disc ABS; stability control; roll stability control; and traction control.

A reverse sensing system is standard on all Flex models, but buyers of the Flex Limited can opt for an available reversing camera that helps the driver see objects behind the vehicle. When the optional Ford SYNC system is added to any Flex, it includes 911 Assist that can help occupants of the vehicle contact rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Ford Flex competes against other midsize multi-activity vehicles such as the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, and Toyota Highlander.