2019 Ford Flex

The 2019 Ford Flex is a three-row crossover SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. It is available in three trim levels, which are SE, SEL, and Limited. From the outside, the SE trim level shows off halogen headlights, dual exhaust tips, heated side mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors, 17-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, and a keyless entry keypad. The mid-level SEL trim comes with 18-inch wheels, chrome and stainless-steel exterior elements, keyless entry and ignition, and fog lamps. An available package for this trim level tacks on a power-operated liftgate. Choose the Limited trim to get Xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, and automatic windshield wipers. Available options for this model include roof rails, 20-inch wheels, black exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof, and a towing package.

Beneath the hood of the 2019 Flex, you'll find a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 254 pound-feet of torque and 287 horsepower. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission. If you want more power, the Limited trim has an optional 3.5-liter turbocharged V-6 that generates 350 pound-feet of torque and 365 horsepower.

Each model equipped with the standard engine comes with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an upgrade on the upper two trims. If you opt for the turbocharged engine with the Limited trim, all-wheel drive comes standard. When properly equipped with the optional towing package, this SUV can tow up to 2,000 pounds. With the standard engine and front-wheel drive, EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 16 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops the highway and combined estimates by 1 mpg apiece. With the more powerful engine, the estimates are 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, for a combined estimate of 17 mpg.

Standard cabin features in the SE trim level include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable driver's seat, 50/50-split folding seats in the third row, a 4.2-inch central display screen, a six-speaker audio system with a USB port and voice controls, and Bluetooth connectivity. With the SEL, you'll get dual-zone automatic climate control with rear controls, a power-adjustable passenger's seat, Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, satellite radio, an 8-inch touch screen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an additional USB port. The SEL is also available with an options package, which adds leather upholstery, a seven-speaker audio system, and a 110-volt household-style power outlet. These features come standard with the Limited, along with wood interior trim, navigation, a premium Sony audio system, and ambient interior lighting.

The standard suite of safety features in the 2019 Ford Flex includes a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, plenty of air bags, and traction and stability control. Optional features are available in packages, such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and an automatic parallel parking system.