Read More Customer Reviews

2012 Ford Flex Manchester

Click Here to See Our New Ford Flex Inventory in NH!!

For the 2012 Ford Flex, the "EcoBoost" turbocharged V6 is no longer available on the SEL trim. The rear windscreen wiper has been relocated for better coverage, while a flip-out armrest with cupholders has been added to the second-row bench seat in the Limited and Titanium trims. You can also now get the roof side rails with the optional Vista Roof. The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover utility vehicle that can seat up to seven adults and carry luggage or groceries at the same time. It's the modern-day equivalent of what used to be the family station wagon, but no station wagon can match the comfort, utility, capabilities or driving enjoyment of the Flex.  The Flex offers a choice of V6 engines: the relativelyt conventional 3.5-liter Duratec, and the more powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost. EcoBoost utilizes advanced turbocharging technology to deliver the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine with the power and performance of a larger engine. EcoBoost includes two turbochargers and direct fuel injection. The 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine in the Flex is rated at 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, yet with little penalty in fuel economy compared to the standard non-EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6, which is rated at 262 horsepower. In the Flex, the EcoBoost engine is available only with all-wheel drive. 

Driving Impressions of the '12 Flex

The Ford Flex and other people and cargo movers are more about features, accommodations and equipment than the actual driving experience. That said, the Flex is remarkably composed on the road and dynamically competent, and not just for a vehicle its size, but remarkably taut for a vehicle of any size. Seamless is the word that comes to mind.   NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is exceptional. This results from a well reinforced body structure (both visible and notable in the way the various pillars and door openings are constructed) that eliminates the usual creaks and groans. 

Interior Features of the '12 Flex

On opening a door and seeing the Flex interior for the first time, the impression is rich and inviting. Color coordination is carefully managed. Materials, plastics, fabrics, leathers and carpets are well matched with textures and sheen is nicely controlled.  The two front seats, separated by a stylish multi-function console, are more comfortable and accommodating than the second-row seats, which in turn are more comfortable and accommodating than the third-row seats. Perforated leather inserts and smooth leather seatbacks are on the front seats, but only leather inserts in the middle seats (vinyl everywhere else) and all-vinyl seats in back. All interior materials, including the vinyls, have a look and feel that communicate quality and durability. Titanium models feature unique charcoal leather with grey Alcantara suede inserts.  Second-row seats offer generous legroom and basic support good for long trips, and are marginally less supportive and comfortable than those in front. The second-row seats are adjustable fore and aft, and they can also be folded through an electric switch to enable third-row access. Push a button in the C-pillar and the seatback folds forward, then the seat cushion folds up. It's clever and well done. Another interesting second-row touch is a pair of wedged footrests that attach, with Velcro, to the carpeted floor and add greatly to overall comfort. Safety features include driver and front-passenger dual-stage airbags, side-impact and safety canopy airbags, front passenger airbag sensing system, rear door child-safety locks, perimeter alarm, seatbelt pre-tensioners, reverse sensing, passive anti-theft system and tire pressure monitoring system. Active safety features include anti-lock brakes (ABS), AdvanceTrac electronic traction control, RSC Roll Stability Control, brake assist, and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). Adjustable pedals come on the Limited model. All-wheel drive is available for the SEL and Limited.

Exterior Features of the '12 Flex

The Ford Flex looks boxy, in an attention-getting and stylish sort of way, but boxy nonetheless. The hood and roof are long and flat, the windshield stands tall and proud, corners are squared-off, side body panels are vertical, side glass is nearly vertical, and the tailgate could be plotted with a T-square. The overall box shape suggests interior room and maximum space utilization. Many would also find the shape honest, simple and elegant.  A signature three-bar Ford grille in a muted silver finish extends across the front. Front bumper foglights are encased in highly reflective jeweled surrounds. Door mirror housings are not only chromed, but the caps have little tab-like crenellations that sparkle in sunlight.  On the new Titanium model, a black chrome grille, black trim around the park-and-turn lights, and darkened headlight bezels visually unite these different elements into a single, dark panel spanning the face of vehicle and wrapping around into the front fenders. Similarly, blacked-out nacelles make the fog lights disappear into the air opening below the bumper. The Flex name is spelled out in bold, black capitals above the grille, a rather truck-like touch. Around back, the taillights and the trim panel between them get the same blackout treatment as the headlights and grille. A black-painted roof ties it all together. Ten-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels are painted a color Ford calls Luster Nickel, which has a subtle brightness that nicely complements the Titanium's otherwise dark trim

Model Lineup

Ford Flex SE comes standard with cloth seating surfaces, single-zone air conditioning, seven-passenger capacity (2-3-2 seating), six-way power driver seat, manual tilt steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, fog lights, power door locks with autolock, power mirrors with manual-folding bezels, remote keyless entry, retained power, AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio with MP3 compatibility, center-stack screen display (for audio, compass, temperature), message center with trip computer, front-row center console, 10 cup holders/bottle holders, power windows, carpeted floor mats, rear privacy glass, three 12-volt power outlets, 235/60R17 BSW tires, and alloy wheels.

Flex SEL adds bright exterior trim, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, dual-zone A/C, Sony AM/FM/six-CD/MP3, heated first-row seats, 10-way power driver seat, six-way power passenger seat, universal garage door opener and interior woodgrain trim. The Flex SEL AWD adds all-wheel drive. The SEL Convenience Package 201A adds 110-volt power inverter, power adjustable pedals with memory, power liftgate, memory driver's seat and side mirrors, door-mirror mount puddle lamps, and heated mirrors. Convenience Package 202A  includes everything in package 201A, plus leather seating in the first and second rows and a Sony premium 12-speaker sound system. The SEL AWD is also available with the EcoBoost V6 engine. It offers Convenience Package 203A which bundles the contents of 202A with 20-inch wheels.

Flex Limited adds HID headlamps, power multi-function door mirrors with puddle illumination, power-opening liftgate, P235/55R19 BSW tires, 19-inch polished alloy wheels, 110-volt power outlet, power-adjustable pedals with memory, ambient lighting, second-row footrests, perforated leather seating surfaces (for first and second rows), first-row memory seats, Microsoft SYNC system, Sony AM/FM/6CD audio with 12 speakers, Sirius satellite radio with six-month subscription, DVD entertainment system, and navigation. The Flex Limited AWD adds all-wheel drive. The Limited AWD with the EcoBoost engine adds, along with the twin-turbocharged engine, dual exhaust, SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle-shifting, and electronic power steering.

The Flex Titanium adds a distinctive beltline molding; black chrome grille and liftgate trim; darkened headlight bezels; black roof, mirror caps, and foglight nacelles; charcoal-colored leather-and-suede seating, and 20-inch wheels with P255/45R20 tires. The Titanium AWD adds all-wheel drive. And again, the Titanium EcoBoost AWD adds, along with the twin-turbocharged engine, dual exhaust, SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle-shifting, and electronic power steering.

Options include a Class III Trailer Towing Prep Package with receiver hitch, wiring harness with 4/7 pin connector, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit; second-row 40/40 reclining seats; second-row floor console; rear console refrigerator; DVD rear entertainment center; deep-tint Vista roof; steel roof panel in contrasting White Suede or Brilliant Silver; tri-coat paint; Microsoft SYNC system; roof rack side rails; six-CD with satellite radio; remote start system; Active Park Assist; power-folding third-row seats and 20-inch wheels. Package 301A for SEL and Titanium bundles a refrigerated second-row console with the vista roof, second-row 40/40 seating, and 20-inch wheels.

Conclusions

The Ford Flex is a large, stylish and capable crossover vehicle that can carry six or seven passengers and a fair amount of cargo in luxury and comfort. It is easy to access, easy to use, easy to drive over short and long distances, and comfortable for everyone. The exterior design is distinctive and memorable. The interior is filled with clever details and surprise-and-delight features. High-tech touches abound. For families who need a large vehicle, the Ford Flex offers everything you would want in the way of a satisfying and rewarding vehicle to own and drive.  Click here to learn about the 2012 Ford Flex.

Some of the information from this review was obtained through newcartestdrive.com