2013 Ford Flex Preview

Exterior Features

The 2013 Ford Flex receives an exterior styling makeover in the form of a redesigned front end, new aluminum wheel designs, and fresh paint color choices. An optional Appearance package includes two-tone paint and 20-inch wheels.

Interior Features

A new gauge cluster and steering wheel are included in the updated 2013 Ford Flex. The front passenger's seat folds flat, creating a handy footrest for the right rear passenger if only three to five people are aboard. The Flex also offers 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 43.2 cubic feet behind second-row seat, and 83.1 cubic feet with both rows of seats folded down.

Optional Features

Three Flex trim levels are available: SE, SEL and Titanium. Depending on the model selected, the Flex can be equipped with leather, new second-generation MyFord Touch infotainment technology, navigation system, premium Sony audio system with touch-capacitive controls, and a large glass moonroof. Reclining second-row seats with a refrigerated center console are also optional, along with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Intelligent Key passive entry and push-button starting, Active Park Assist technology, and inflatable rear seat belts than can help cushion impact in a crash.

Under the Hood

A 285-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard in the 2013 Ford Flex, newly equipped with twin independent variable camshaft timing to produce 20 more horsepower while getting better gas mileage than the previous engine, according to Ford. A turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 is available, making 355 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter figure peaking between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. A 6-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection is standard, delivering power to the front or all four wheels.

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Ford Flex's standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine is more fuel-efficient than its optional turbocharged EcoBoost V-6, and not just because the more powerful engine is paired only with all-wheel drive:

• Flex with FWD: 18/25/20 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Flex with AWD: 17/23/19 mpg
• Flex EcoBoost with AWD: 16/23/18 mpg

Safety

Six air bags, traction and stability control with roll stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and side blind-spot mirrors are standard on the 2013 Ford Flex. The crossover SUV also includes MyKey technology, which allows the owner to program speed and volume limits, as well as speed and seat-belt usage warnings, among other items.

Ford's Sync hands-free communication system includes 911 Assist technology. If the air bags deploy and a smartphone is paired with Sync, a 9-1-1 operator can get in contact with the occupants and send rescuers to the vehicle's exact location.

Safety-related options for the 2013 Flex include adaptive cruise control, Collision Warning with Adaptive Brake Support, a blind-spot information system, and rear inflatable seat belts.