The 2014 Ford Flex, on sale here at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California, is an exceptionally spacious crossover that doesn’t force you to play truck driver just to get three rows of seats. The Flex has car-like responses and a lower ride height than most crossovers, making it easy to get the most out of (and into) the Flex.
There are three Flex trims to choose from. The Flex SE (MSRP $29,015) is the square-shouldered champion of its segment. It offers some premium features without hitting you with a luxury-car price tag. There are standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a Reverse Sensing System, automatic headlamps, integrated blind spot mirrors, remote keyless entry, and Ford’s exclusive MyKey™ technology, which allows owners to program keys with set limits on maximum vehicle speed and audio volume, and add reminder chimes that sound at certain speeds, among other features, to help keep inexperienced drivers safe.
The front-wheel drive Flex SE gets power from a 3.5-liter V6 with Twin independent Variable Cam Timing (Ti-VCT). This engine puts 287 hp and 254 lb/ft of torque at your command and is paired with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic® transmission with shifter button activation. As roomy and powerful as it is, the Flex still returns an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with this powertrain, fuel economy more usually available only from smaller, less powerful vehicles.
The Flex SEL (MSRP $31,900) adds standard Ford SYNC® with MyFord®, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. The interior is accented with San Macassar wood-grain appearance trim on the instrument panel and door panels, and perforated leather upholstery is available to increase the level of luxury. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is standard for the Flex SEL, and you can choose the standard 60/40-split second-row bench seat or the available 40/40 reclining bucket seats. The third row is a 50/50-split bench that folds flat, leaving a lot of room for the stuff of life. You can add the available power liftgate to your Flex SEL, and a multi-panel Vista Roof® for an airy cabin atmosphere.
For all-weather going, the Flex SEL can be equipped with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. This active system watches for wheel spin and also monitors throttle position and steering angle to give the driver the intended response. Many AWD systems are reactive, transferring power only after wheels have started to slip and compromise safety and stability. The AWD system in the Flex can prevent the slippage from occurring at all.
The Flex Limited (MSRP $37,600) is the most luxuriously-equipped Flex, with standard navigation, 12-speaker 390-watt Sony® audio system, and available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6. The Flex Limited rolls on standard 19-inch painted alloy wheels and carries exterior trim enhancements to give it a refined air. The power liftgate is standard, along with Intelligent Access with push-button starting. The driver’s seat has memory functions for seat position, exterior mirror and adjustable foot pedal positions, and standard ambient lighting sets the mood. Leather seating is standard, and you can also opt for Charcoal Black leather upholstery with gray perforated leather inserts.
The Flex Limited lights the way with standard High Intensity Discharge headlamps paired with standard foglamps. LED taillamps illuminate quickly and burn brightly, helping enhance your visibility to other drivers. The Flex Limited also features chrome door handles and a satin aluminum liftgate panel and front grille.
The available 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 will satisfy even the most ravenous cravings for power. This turbocharged engine produces 365 hp and 350 lb/ft of torque. It’s useable muscle, too, with peak torque available from just 1,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm. A Class III trailer hitch is available, too, because the Flex can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped. The EcoBoost® V6 is paired with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic® transmission with Paddle Activation, plus the all-wheel drive system to keep torque-steer at bay and get every last measure of horsepower to the pavement.
Flex Limited available features include a PowerFold® third-row seat, second-row console, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and Active Park Assist. The available Appearance Package adds a black-painted roof and mirror skullcaps, along with 20-inch alloy wheels with painted black pockets.
Every Flex rides on a fully independent suspension that’s responsive and supple. As roomy as it is, the Flex is as easy to drive as your average midsize sedan and it delivers what people need every day in a vehicle. The Ford Flex is aptly named for all its capabilities – it has all the bases covered, and that means driving pleasure and peace of mind as you get on with your busy life.
To learn more about the new 2014 Ford Flex, stop in today for a test drive.
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