- Style-level Rating
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7.5
/ 10 Overall Ratings
- Stylish and functional, the Flex will be the right answer for those who need space and utility but want to avoid V8 fuel economy and minivan stigma.
7.4 / 10 Dynamics
7.0 / 10 Engine Performance
- Average power for the class, but adequate.
7.0 / 10 Transmission Performance
- Needs manual control option like many of its competitors offer. "Low" range simply isn't enough.
7.5 / 10 Brake Performance
- Better stopping distance than many competitors. Average feel and fade resistance.
7.5 / 10 Steering Perfomance
- Good response and decent feel.
8.0 / 10 Handling
- Relatively flat cornering for a big SUV. Good feeling of control in most situations.
7.5 / 10 Fun-to-Drive
- As crossover SUVs go, the Flex is about as fun as they can be.
7.5 / 10 Comfort
7.0 / 10 Ride Comfort
- Busier and less compliant than some competitors, but still comfortable enough for a segment average.
8.0 / 10 Wind Noise
- Very little noise seeps into the Flex's interior -- either from road or wind.
8.0 / 10 Road Noise
- Very little noise seeps into the Flex's interior -- either from road or wind.
7.5 / 10 Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access
- Good long-distance comfort. A good balance between comfort and support with adequate space.
7.5 / 10 Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access
- Good fore/aft adjustability. Ample overall space.
7.0 / 10 Driving Position
- Some taller drivers might take issue with the lack of a telescoping steering wheel.
7.1 / 10 Function
8.0 / 10 Headlight Illumination
- HID headlamps are bright but some complain of a lack of coverage.
6.5 / 10 Visibility
- Thick C-pillars will bother some drivers.
7.0 / 10 Instrument Panel Layout
- Four large, easy-to-read gauges offer vital information.
7.0 / 10 Climate Control System Layout
- Too many buttons for our taste.
7.5 / 10 Audio System Layout
- Easy to use for a system which requires nav-screen interaction. Sync helps, too.
7.0 / 10 Secondary Control Layout
- Most controls follow industry-standard protocol.
7.0 / 10 Interior Storage
- Large center console bin, plus ample nooks and trays.
7.0 / 10 Standard Cargo/Trunk Space
- Large bin behind third-row seats offers ample space.
7.0 / 10 Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)
- Excellent flat-folding second and third rows expand total cargo space to be average for the segment.
7.0 / 10 Cupholders
- Cupholders are present for every passenger in every row.
7.4 / 10 Design/Build Quality
8.0 / 10 Exterior Design
- Ahead of the curve for crossover SUV styling, the Flex is a good-looking vehicle.
8.0 / 10 Interior Design
- Better than many competitors, the Flex's interior manages to be pleasing and functional.
7.5 / 10 Interior Materials
- A step up for Ford, the Flex's interior is on par with many foreign competitors.
7.0 / 10 Interior Control Tactile Feel
- Some controls offer a precision feel while others still seem flimsy.
7.0 / 10 Squeaks & Rattles
- We didn't observe any squeaks or rattles on our test car.
7.0 / 10 Panel Fitment & Gaps
- We didn't observe any panel fitment problems on our test car.
Consumer Ratings are also available for this style.
See the 2009 Ford Flex Consumer Ratings |