Ford has been pretty aggressive with their refreshed cars and trucks, and the new look 2013 Ford Flex SEL AWD keeps with that tradition. The seven-passenger Flex we reviewed had the new front grille that is quite the buzz in car buffs circles and we must say it establishes a whole new face on this crossover.
Exterior
From the time the Flex was revealed, this crossover was a brand new look for Ford. For many, it was a style statement, but for others, it was a straight-up people mover. For those who don’t want to stand out or make a statement, you probably aren’t thrilled with the exterior, as the Flex surely doesn’t blend in on the road. But if you are simply looking for substance and don’t have much of an opinion regarding the styling, then the Flex just might be the vehicle for you, as this baby has loads of practicality all over the place! Our test model was looking sharp in ingot silver metallic and 20-inch painted aluminum wheels. You see, the Flex looks cool, and with the 20-inch rims, this is a legit look that no minivan out there could pull off. The new front grille left behind the 3 razor look and reminded you that you needed a shave. Ford went with a bold but clean appearance that fits this vehicle much better. Also included on our media loaner were monochromatic roof, auto halogen headlamps, fog lamps, securicode keyless entry, dual power and heated black man fold mirrors, silver door handles, second and third row privacy glass, bright beltline molding and chrome exhaust tips.
Interior
A very sleek and large cabin awaits those who enter the Flex, and I have to say there is so much headroom you could probably wear a 10 gallon cowboy hat and still have room to spare! The clean and crisp dashboard rivals some very expensive sedans out there, and the extra large comfortable seats throughout are second to none. Plenty of options were included in our Flex, including charcoal black leather seats, driver seat with 1-way power adjustments, passenger seat with 6-way power adjustments, second row 60/40 fold flat, third row 50/50 fold flat, tilt telescopic steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio control, overhead console, dual illuminated vanity mirrors and one touch up and down driver’s window. You really have to get inside of the 2013 Ford Flex SEL AWD to truly appreciate how much space is in this offering, especially the cargo area behind the third-row seats.
Performance
The new 2013 Ford Flex SEL AWD got so many things right, and that includes the performance and overall driving experience. Smooth and sturdy are some words that first come to mind after spending a week behind the wheel of the Flex. You are certainly not as high from the road as many other crossovers, or dare I say minivans, and in our opinion, that ads to the superior handling of the Flex when matched up against competing people movers. Under the hood is a six-speed transmission with 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine producing 287 horsepower @ 6500 rpm which provides substantial power and delivers 17mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. We loaded the Flex up for a local drive and with seven adults seated, the Flex maneuvered wonderfully both in the city and highway driving.
Overview
If you need space but don’t want to go down the minivan express, take a hard look at the stylish 2013 Ford Flex SEL AWD for her good looks, practical interior and smooth ride. Our test model came in at a sticker price of $40,545, and believe us when we tell you that customers get a whole lot of car for the money. We also really like the refreshed look of the Flex and feel that this offering from the Blue Oval might have found the right groove in the marketplace.
