The Ford Flex and other people and cargo movers are more about features, accommodations and equipment than the actual driving experience. That said, Flex is remarkably composed on the road and dynamically competent. Not just competent for a vehicle its size, but remarkably taut for a vehicle of any size. Seamless is the word that comes to mind.

The prevailing feeling on the road is less of power and speed than overall safety and solidity. Flex drives and feels like a vault. NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is exceptional. This results from a well reinforced body structure (both visible and notable in the way the various pillars and door openings are constructed) that eliminates the usual creaks and groans. The only noise you hear while underway comes from the mirrors, but even this is only slight and at speeds over 65 mph. Flex is one composed and quiet car.

Its 3.5-liter V6 with double overhead-cams has more than adequate power for normal driving conditions, plus sufficient torque to either tow a 2000–pound load in standard guise or a 4500-pound load with optional trailer towing package. A newly designed six-speed automatic transmission does its job efficiently and well. We found it was rarely, if ever, caught in the wrong gear.

Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 17/24 mpg City/Highway, 16/22 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Ride quality is controlled to the point of neither being noticeable nor a real factor in the driving experience. Cornering is level and quiet. Turns taken at speed elicit no audible reply from the Hankook 235x19 tires. Four-wheel disc brakes with every conceivable electronic interface are equally quiet and composed.

Towing capacity is rated at 4500 pounds when equipped with the optional Class III Trailer Towing Prep Package.

© 2009 NewCarTestDrive.com