The Ford Flex is a new vehicle for 2009 and another Ford mid-size sports utility vehicle marketed as a crossover along with the Ford Edge and Ford Taurus X. All three share the same 3.5-liter, V-6 engine managed by a six-speed automatic transmission, although body shapes are vastly different. The Flex boasts a black boxy body, station-wagon retro style, white or silver roof, plus chrome mirror and door accents to create exterior panache. The squared-off design enables a roomy, comfortable, versatile interior that feels spacious and luxurious.

The Flex comes in three front wheel drive trims, base, SEL and top-of-the-line Limited The SEL and Limited Offer an all-wheel-drive option and a Limited AWD was our tester, outfitted with about $8,500 in options that morphed the vehicle into a customized, fully-equipped luxury crossover/SUV/sedan. The Flex promises to be a market delight, winning at least 18 awards for 2009 including best crossover utility vehicle; best stuff of the year; best family car; ultimate road trip car, and most accessory friendly sports utility vehicle. One feature attracting rave reviews is the easy entry and exit with large doors and second row captain chairs that auto-fold ($870) forward for third row access and can fold flat along with the front passenger seat. Second row riders have wedge-shaped foot rests with enough leg and head room for an NBA star. Between the second row captains chairs, a refrigerated console ($760) holds seven 12-ounce cans and can chill from room temperature to 41 degrees 40% faster than a standard home refrigerator. It has a safety feature that won’t let it drain the battery dead. A panoramic roof ($1,495) brightens the interior with a sliding moon roof over the front seats, two fixed windows over the middle seats and a large pane above the third row. If natural light isn’t enough to brighten the mood, Ford’s ambient lighting provides choice between seven colors. Voice-activated navigation incorporates seven functions ($5,375) and was easy to use. It displays on-screen the rear view when backing up ($395). Fit and finish is excellent – no gaps or cheap looking materials.

The ride is smooth and quiet with handling slightly resembling an SUV, due to its two-and-a-half ton weight. While adequate with the V-6, many will yearn for extra punch and Ford promises it with a new EcoBoost engine designed to produce V-8 power and at the same time boost fuel economy 20 percent, achieving improved mileage in this era of vacillating gasoline prices.