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Once gas prices started to edge over the $3.00/gallon level a few years back, sales of trucks, SUVs and just plain UTs (Utility Vehicles) took a big hit.
After this segment shakedown, the buyer base was smaller, but steady — a solid core or people who had a regular need to carry a lot of people, or cargo, or tow, or maybe all of the above. Lately, those ranks have been swelling again. Despite cringe-worthy fuel prices, sales of large Utility Vehicles have grown 34 percent in the last two years.
This suggests that there's still a substantial market for substantial vehicles. Even if owning one can cause gas pains. The good news for big Utes buyers is that it's getting little less painful. While giving away little of their functionality, the latest crop of UVs are improving on fuel economy, and they don't all look the same, either.
Our test drive this week focuses on one such vehicle with both these traits — the 2013 Ford Flex.
When the first Flex appeared in 2009, it was more notable for what it wasn't, than what it was. With its modern, industrial design, the big Ford didn't look like the rest of the competition — almost all of which were SUVs. It still doesn't. Large and low, with square-shouldered, slab sided lines, the 2013 Flex carries over signature styling cues like the ribbed roof, side slats and stainless back panel sash. In the latest version, the grille gains a single, brushed band stretching from headlight to headlight, while above, the letters F-L-E-X are writ large across the hood edge, replacing the former blue oval. Ford takes the high ground from the aftermarket by offering six new wheel styles (including three, 20-inchers), to go along three new color choices. Three trim levels are offered — SE, SEL and Limited.
By Utility Vehicle standards, Flex sits low to the ground. This benefits the boxy Ford on matters of both fashion and function. The first part is simple: Lower just looks better than higher. As for the practical bits, the reduced ride height makes it easy for passengers to get in and out of, without need for running boards or a running start. Flex seats seven, in a 2-3-2 configuration (or six, if you opt to replace the second row split bench with available captain's chairs). The first two rows easily accommodate adults, while the third row best suits kids and smaller adults. The last row's seats fold and store easily (a one-touch, power, fold and tumble option is available) if you want to trade seating for storage. Cargo capacity starts at 20.0 cubic feet with all three rows in place, and increases to 43.2 cu. ft. if you fold the back row. Stowage space tops out at 83.2 cubic feet if you fold the second row, too.
The Flex interior is fresh looking and liberally appointed with soft touch materials. Like any progressive people hauler, Flex offers all the latest cabin conveniences.
Among the standard and available features: ventilated front seats, automated parallel parking assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Vista Roof, voice-activated navigation system with reverse camera, a 12-speaker Sony surround sound system with HD radio, Rear seat DVD entertainment system and a refrigerated console between the second row seats (on models with captain's chairs). Finally, MyFord Touch — the company's electronics interface and SYNC — Ford's voice-activated communications and entertainment control system — has improved functionality, with the revamped dash display incorporating a pair of 4.2-inch screens flanking the speedometer. However, there's still room for improvement on the switchgear. HVAC controls are found on a touchpad low on the center stack. The buttons are small targets to hit while driving, and sometimes require more than one peck to engage. The temperature readouts in the 8-inch main display screen above are small enough to test your visual acuity.
There are two engine choices on the charts, both linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard is a 3.5 liter V-6 rated at 285 horsepower (about 25 percent more than last year) and 253 lb. ft. of torque. Flex is front wheel drive, with AWD available on SEL and Limited models. The top-ranging Limited also offers an available EcoBoost V-6. The all-aluminum, direct injection EcoBoost motor generates 355 horsepower and 350 lb. ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively with AWD. The twin turbocharged six "EcoBoosts" the big Ute from 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. For a vehicle weighing almost 2 1/2 tons, this is quick, and the powertrain feels lively at all speeds. EPA estimates for fuel economy on AWD models are 17/23 (V-6), and 16/23 (V-6 EcoBoost). Both engines can be equipped to tow up to 4,500 lb. Electric-assisted power steering is now fitted on all Flex models and it imparts an unusually good-for-the-breed road feel. Ride quality is comfortable. New technology rides shotgun (Torque Vectoring Control, Curve Control) to promote stable handling.
Flex is a conquest champ — 55 percent of its owners are buying their first Ford. And once they buy, they tend to stick around. Some 67 percent make their next buy a Ford, too — the highest percentage in the company's roster. Fully 20 percent of Flex buyers hail from California, presumably because they're more open to the cutting edge styling.
And that design is the key. If you like it, you'll find what's behind it likeable, too. Behind the modern lines, Flex packs nearly as much functionality as you'll find in a minivan, and more drivability than virtually any SUV.
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