Autotropolis 2009 Truck of the Year: Ford Flex

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2009 Ford Flex Base MSRP: $28,295 Read the Autotropolis Road Test Visit the Ford Flex Research Center

Those looking for a truck, crossover or SUV in 2009 will have one of the best selections to choose from in recent history. New entrants from just about every automaker grace the 2009 autoscape from compact crossovers to full-size pickup trucks. Narrowing down all of the new offerings coming to the truck, crossover and SUV markets for 2009 to just six vehicles was exhaustive enough, let alone coming up with a winner. But our pick was a clear winner for its safety, versatility and overall attitude. After careful deliberation and much thought, our editorial staff has named the Ford Flex as the Autotropolis.com Truck of the Year for 2009.

Although all of the competitors provide good safety, the Flex’s unique look and versatile interior helped it stand out from the rest of our picks that included the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota Venza – except for the Ram and F-150 pickups, all of these vehicles are brand new models for 2009. The 2009 Ford Flex is a segment-busting full-size crossover that blends the best aspects of a minivan and SUV into a design that is getting a lot of attention. The long, squared-off proportions are accentuated by the low ride height, tall roofline and blacked-out greenhouse.

Even Ford admits that the boxy design can be polarizing, but the interior cabin is where the Flex really shines. Compared to other vehicles we put the Flex up against, it was the overall adaptability to match just about any need that made it our top pick for 2009. Like its namesake, the Flex is truly a flexible vehicle. Whether the need is hauling passengers or cargo, the 2009 Flex gets the job done with spacious seating for up to seven passengers or a maximum 83.2 cubic feet of interior cargo space plus a 4,500-pound towing capacity. Flex’s interior offers enough convenience options to keep even the fussiest passengers happy. Exclusive options such as Microsoft’s SYNC system, built-in refrigerator/freezer and a multi-panel Vista Roof help make the cabin seem more like a family room. Voice-activated navigation, Sirius Travel Link and reverse camera system make piloting the new Ford Flex an even easier task.

Despite its imposing size, the Flex is extremely manageable to navigate in daily driving due to the high seating position and excellent visibility. Ford’s accomplished 3.5-liter V-6 is the only engine offered in the Flex making a healthy compromise between power output and fuel economy – neither are class-leading but are acceptable. With a platform derived from Ford’s safest vehicle, the Ford Taurus, the 2009 Flex similarly provides high levels of safety through solid construction and standard safety systems such as Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Autotropolis.com congratulates Ford by naming the new Flex our 2009 Truck of the Year.

_{By: Jeffrey N. Ross,  Autotropolis Editor}