2023 Ford Flex
The 2023 Ford Flex is a full-size crossover SUV or wagon manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The 2023 Ford Flex is a large SUV-like wagon that can hold six or seven passengers and is available in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels. Introduced as the successor to the Ford Taurus X, the model series also functionally replaced the Ford Freestar minivan. Slightly larger than its predecessor, the Flex was sized alongside the full-size Ford Explorer in the Ford model range, marginally taller, but not quite as tall as the Explorer. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
Highlights standard for 2023 Flex SE equipment includes 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, keyless entry keypad, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and six-way power. Driver’s seat, 60/40 split-folding second-row seats and auto-folding passenger side, 50/50 split-folding third-row seats, rearview camera, Bluetooth, 4.2-inch central display, audio controls, and a CD player and sound system with a port USB.
2023 Ford Flex : Interior
The Flex cabin is equipped with lots of luxuries, but few are standard. The SYNC 3 infotainment system available in the SEL and Limited trim is worth seeking out. It is intuitive with a simple and responsive touchscreen. However, the touch panels used to adjust many other settings can be a bit sensitive. The standard infotainment system has a 4.2-inch screen, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a six-speaker stereo.
There are two sets for the 2nd-row outer seats and one for the 3rd-row passenger side seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest Acceptable rating for ease of use. The lower anchors in the second row are located deep into the seats, and the rope in the third row is difficult to find and can be confused with other equipment.
2023 Ford Flex : Engine
The Ford Flex 2023 model is powered by two different 3.5 L V6 engines, both paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available for SEL and Limited trims. Limited equipment is also available for the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with standard all-wheel drive. The base engine produces enough power for most everyday driving situations, but this vehicle struggles when loaded with passengers or cargo. For something sharper, check out the EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 available in Limited equipment. This engine is only available with AWD. Steering feedback is inconsistent, but body rotation is kept under control, helping the Flex feel stable in turns. Ride quality is generally smooth, but driving on uneven ground can push those in the cabin away.
2023 Ford Flex : Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Ford Flex the highest Good rating in four crash tests and the second highest Acceptable rating in the driver’s side small overlap pretest. The top-of-the-line Limited rig headlights received the second lowest Marginal rating for how well they illuminate the road ahead, while the SE and SEL rigs received the lowest Poor ratings. IIHS uses various parameters to rate collision avoidance features.
The Ford Flex received the lowest Basic rating for the current frontal collision avoidance system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave this vehicle four out of five stars on the rollover test. The 2023 Ford Flex standard and advanced safety features are Ford MyKey, adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, parallel and vertical parking assist, blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and front collision warning.