When the 2011 Ford Flex crossover goes head-to-head with the competition (principally the Chevrolet Traverse, the Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Odyssey), it wins hands down in the form factor category. The Flex is an outstanding and affordable mid-sized SUV for families who need the features and room of a minivan and just simply cannot stand the thought of driving one.

With an essentially retro vibe, the Flex is available with a monotone or two-tone roof. The door panels are grooved and the grill is set off by three chrome bars. The capless fuel filler system saves you from the fear of driving out from under your gas cap. The instant the nozzle is removed, the opening automatically seals to decrease evaporative emissions.

With seating for seven (six if you opt for captain's chairs in the second row) and priced in an MSRP range of $29,075 to $45,185 (average actually paid is $28,247 to $43,731), most families can swing some flavor of Flex in search of spacious cargo and cabin room. Every seat except the driver's seat folds flat, so capacity is optimum on the Flex. With all seats in use the cargo capacity is 20 cubic feet; third row down buys you 43.2; and the second row down takes it to 83.2.

Don't get excited about the gas mileage; you're looking at 17 around town and 24 on the highway on the base model. Go up to a higher trim and you can opt for an EcoBoost turbocharged engine with the power of a V8 and the feel of a V6, but it's still only going to get you around 16/22. As an added misfortune, that engine tacks about $10,670 on to the base price.

For 2011 Ford has added a new, top-of-the-line Titanium model above the Limited trim at a starting price just north of $40,000. You get standard navigation, a power lift gate, and blacked out exterior trim (headlamps, tail lamps, black chrome grill, black belt line molding, black mirror skull caps, black roof) among other features. (There are four new paint options at this level: Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black, and Ingot Silver.) Front wheel drive is standard across the line (base SE, SEL, Limited, and Titanium) and anything above the base offers all-wheel drive as an option.

This baby can be packed with all kinds of extras families will love. These include a refrigerated console in the second row (with room for seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles, or two 20-ounce bottles), the SYNC voice-activated infotainment system, a dual-headrest DVD entertainment system, and voice-activated navigation. The second row reclines and features power folding control (ditto on the folding for the third row.) All models can be outfitted with a multi-panel Vista Roof consisting of four skylights.

At 4,839 lbs., some reviewers have found the handling rather boring, but all praise the engine power and smoothness of the ride, and many say with the EcoBoost the Flex feels lighter than much less hefty vehicles. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with 262 hp paired to a six-speed automatic. (The EcoBoost kicks it up to 355 hp.)

Although not yet crash-tested by the federal government, the 2011 should get marks equal to the 2010, which was five-star rated for occupant protection in all seating positions for both front and side tests. Dual-stage front seat airbags, front seat-mounted impact airbags, and side curtain air bags for outboard occupants on all rows are standard.

All in all, the Flex is a roomy, comfortable crossover with the options and ethos of a minivan in a much more attractive and upscale package. Very hard to go wrong with this model which is a winning combination of form and function.