Some of you may not know that the Ford Flex was my very first car review! In 2009 a friend asked if I’d like to review the vehicle for her blog and the rest is history!
I’ve been driving cars and trucks for years now and hadn’t seen an updated Flex until a few weeks ago when the 2017 Ford Flex Limited pulled into my driveway. And just like all those years ago, I was excited!
You see, I’m not a minivan girl. I can admit they’re awfully convenient for families and they are comfy for road trips. But I want a car that’s more than a way to get from point A to point B. I want something fun to drive. Something that looks and sounds good and makes me feel good!
The Ford Flex might not be my number one choice for an SUV (more on that later) but it’s not a minivan so it’s already got a lot going for it in my book!
The 2017 Ford Flex has Space and Lots of It!
Have you ever tried to use your family car for an all-adult outing and then felt bad for the people sitting in the backseat, nevermind the 3rd row? This is something you won’t have to regret with the Ford Flex. The spacious design leaves plenty of legroom for everyone. The model we drove was a 6-seater, meaning you have captain’s chairs in the second row, and the backseat has two full-size seats instead of a crowded 3-across bench. The Flex is also available with a 60/40 split bench seat for the 2nd row if you need it, but I like the captains chairs!
The kids had plenty of space to color, read, play, and sleep in the 3rd row while all the adults were comfy in their seats.
You also get a decent amount of cargo space behind the 3rd row. We traveled with 4 adults and two kids, all the way to Galveston (7 hours) and back, with luggage for all 6 of us for 4 days. We did pack light, but I was impressed that we didn’t need to put bags under the kids’ feet or between the 2nd row’s captains chairs just to fit it all.
Need to haul something? All the seats in the 2nd and 3rd row fold flat leaving you with a massive cargo area! I picked up a 5′ tall 6-drawer chest and brought it home before our trip. The low profile of the Ford Flex made it super easy to load too!
3-Way 3rd Row Seats
Ok, so this is the most genius thing about the Flex. Not only do the 3rd row seats fold flat for extra cargo space, you have the option to fold them up, or flip them over backwards to create a comfy tailgating option! I’ve never seen this in any other vehicle. I mean, station wagoms of old had rear facing seats, but not like this! You can ride in them while driving down the road, but this configuration would be great for watching the kids play soccer!
Exterior Styling on the 2017 Ford Flex Limited
The Flex is a vehicle with a class of its own. It’s not a van, or an SUV, or a crossover. But it is a family car, which means it’s a pretty large vehicle. Since its start in 2010 the Flex’s lines have rounded a little, but it’s still a modern boxy vehicle that reminds me of a grown-up Mini Cooper. It’s sleek and comes in several rich colors accented by chrome and tinted windows. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but I happen to think it’s pretty sharp! The Flex we drove was painted Blue Jean blue.
Inside the 2017 Ford Flex Limited
Of course, you will find all of Ford’s latest technology in the Limited edition! Things like Sync3 infotainment system, a 3.5L EcoBoost engine that delivers 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque. It also comes with a six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission for smooth shifting. Active Park Assist aids in everyone’s favorite city-nemesis: parallel parking. You’re also going to love the updated and simplified infotainment and climate control dash. So many features, but Ford has organized them in such a way as to leave you with a refreshingly clean dash.
The all-leather seats are roomy and comfortable for long trips. The sound system is incredible and if you happen to get the model with the double moonroof you’ll be in for a real treat!
Check out some of these sweet little details!
So Would I Buy a Ford Flex?
Probably not. I’m a real truck girl who could settle for a full-size SUV, but probably not a crossover. The Flex rides a little low for me. But, it’s a great family car and an amazing alternative to the minivan that so many families feel they have to settle for.
CLICK HERE for the 2017 Ford Flex Limited maroney.
