Around since 2007, the 2010 Ford Flex is the sixth member of the Ford lineup for cargo hauling vehicles. It keeps company with the Taurus X, the Edge, Explore, Escape and Expedition. The Flex features three rows of seating with a 2-3-2 standard layout. Although Ford is sure to call the Flex a crossover, it is actually classified as a passenger-car. It is not a truck with a body-on-frame design. And truly, in terms of both functionality and physicality, the Flex is actually a station wagon. In fact, beneath its utility-based appearance, it is actually this same vehicle as the Taurus X. It drives smooth and efficiently with a conventional carlike feel.

Because of its third seating row, the 2010 Flex by Ford is more spacious than either the Edge or Escape. The driver and front passenger are treated to 42 inches of headroom (41 in the rear), an arm-stretching 58 inches of shoulder room in both the front and the rear, 56 inches of frontal hip room (55 and the rear seating rows) and 40.8 inches of frontal legroom (44.3 in the rear). With all three seating rows intact, 20.0 cubic feet of luggage capacity is offered. Take out the rear seating rows to increase maximum cargo capacity to 83.2 cubic feet.

The Ford Flex for 2010 is offered in seven different trims: SE FWD, SEL FWD, Limited FWD, SEL AWD, Limited AWD, SEL w/ EcoBoost and Limited w/ EcoBoost. Base models feature a 3.5L 262hp (@ 6250 rpm) 248 lb-ft (@ 4500 rpm) V6 engine that is reported to propel its nearly 4500 pounds of curb weight quite nicely. It requires 20.4 feet of turning radius.

The Ford Flex is more stylish and distinctive than the Taurus X, yet it lacks the towing capacity of the Expedition and/or Explorer. However, it is still able to tow up to 2000 pounds. Competition is presented from the Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Veracruz, Mitsubishi Endeavor, the Buick Enclave and the Honda Pilot. Ford recommends that retail pricing ranges from $28,550 up to $42,065.

The 2010 Ford Flex has exterior measurements of 201.8 inches x 75.9 inches x 68.0 inches in length, width and height respectively. Its wheelbase measures 117.9 inches. It features an 18.6 gallon fuel tank and delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy at 17/24 MPG. Standard safety features include anti lock brakes, electronic stability control, front and side airbags, overhead airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, active head restraints and an engine disabling system. It has received 5-star ratings from the NHTSA for frontal crash tests on both the driver and passenger sides. Safety, practicality, spaciousness and unique styling all combine to make the Flex an intelligent choice for family-based transportation.