Have power, will tow
Buyers with towing on their minds typically seek-out a truck-based SUV for such duty, and to date there has been little alternative. The unfortunate side-affect is that those owners remain saddled with a V8-powered gas hog while not actively pulling a trailer.
In steps the Flex EcoBoost
In the Flex EcoBoost, Ford has what could be the ideal replacement for SUV overkill. Remember the sensational torque? That’s what makes towing a breeze.
Ford has developed an optional Tow Package that will equip the Flex EcoBoost with a Class III hitch as well as their highly effective Trailer Sway Control, which works in-conjunction with AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control to keep the vehicle and trailer in complete control when chaos threatens.
Everything combined gives the Flex EcoBoost a tow rating of 4,500lbs. Research has shown that the majority of SUV owners tow no more than 3,500lbs, making the Flex a wise choice for most buyers intending to haul trailers.
So how does it all come together behind the wheel?
Ford wasn’t reticent about providing the opportunity to put EcoBoost through a series of arduous tests at high elevations outside of Boulder. The drive route headed into the mountains adjacent the ‘Mile High’ city where many long ascents and winding sections of roadway were encountered.
Immediately evident was the wealth of power underfoot without the need to push the V6 or cause it to become excited. The EcoBoost engine remained calm and collected when confronted with hills. That ease of power is the improved driveability that I mentioned earlier.
In the passing lane, the Flex EcoBoost imparts confidence while wasting no time to press its full cadre of horses into service. I undertook several passing operations that I wouldn’t have attempted in a conventionally powered Flex. Nor would I have attempted the following tow exercise in a regular Flex.
Towing like a big boy
Ford setup a towing test in which identical trailers, each loaded with 1,000kgs of gear, were attached to the Flex EcoBoost and a variety of V8-powered SUVs plus one crossover with V6 under its hood. The route was primarily highway with several moderate inclines.
Buyers with towing on their minds typically seek-out a truck-based SUV for such duty, and to date there has been little alternative. The unfortunate side-affect is that those owners remain saddled with a V8-powered gas hog while not actively pulling a trailer.
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| Ford has developed an optional Tow Package that will equip the Flex EcoBoost with a Class III hitch as well as their highly effective Trailer Sway Control. |
In steps the Flex EcoBoost
In the Flex EcoBoost, Ford has what could be the ideal replacement for SUV overkill. Remember the sensational torque? That’s what makes towing a breeze.
Ford has developed an optional Tow Package that will equip the Flex EcoBoost with a Class III hitch as well as their highly effective Trailer Sway Control, which works in-conjunction with AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control to keep the vehicle and trailer in complete control when chaos threatens.
Everything combined gives the Flex EcoBoost a tow rating of 4,500lbs. Research has shown that the majority of SUV owners tow no more than 3,500lbs, making the Flex a wise choice for most buyers intending to haul trailers.
So how does it all come together behind the wheel?
Ford wasn’t reticent about providing the opportunity to put EcoBoost through a series of arduous tests at high elevations outside of Boulder. The drive route headed into the mountains adjacent the ‘Mile High’ city where many long ascents and winding sections of roadway were encountered.
Immediately evident was the wealth of power underfoot without the need to push the V6 or cause it to become excited. The EcoBoost engine remained calm and collected when confronted with hills. That ease of power is the improved driveability that I mentioned earlier.
In the passing lane, the Flex EcoBoost imparts confidence while wasting no time to press its full cadre of horses into service. I undertook several passing operations that I wouldn’t have attempted in a conventionally powered Flex. Nor would I have attempted the following tow exercise in a regular Flex.
Towing like a big boy
Ford setup a towing test in which identical trailers, each loaded with 1,000kgs of gear, were attached to the Flex EcoBoost and a variety of V8-powered SUVs plus one crossover with V6 under its hood. The route was primarily highway with several moderate inclines.
 |
| Ford setup a towing test in which identical trailers, each loaded with 1,000kgs of gear. |