2010 Ford Flex SEL AWD

Seven-passenger crossover gets Ford’s new EcoBoost engine

By Nina Russin

2010 Ford Flex

The name says it all: the Ford Flex offers the versatility to haul a bunch of people and their gear in a surprisingly stylish package. Features such as Ford Sync, keypad entry, an available panoramic sunroof and  refrigerated center console give the Flex a competitive edge against other vehicles in its segment. Last year’s model won our ALV Best Value award for 2009.

This year Ford adds a host of new technologies, including the six-cylinder EcoBoost engine, also featured on the Ford Taurus SHO. The engine uses twin turbochargers to boost engine power under load. Because turbochargers increase the amount of air entering the engine, they also enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The idea is to duplicate the power of a V8 engine with much better gas mileage.

The EcoBoost engine produces 355 horsepower and 350 foot-pounds of torque: 25 percent more power than the base Duratec V6. A six-speed automatic transmission comes with paddle controls on the steering wheel for manual gear selection. Read the rest of this entry »