Got kids that have to get places?  The 2013 Ford Flex is a prime way to go.  Just back from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, it’s clearer than ever that cars have vibes.  And the vibe on the Ford Flex is hip and stylin’.  New for 2013 is a sleek-styled nose, a power boost to the V6 engine, an updated modern interior and the new MyFord Touch system.

Driving a car this big can feel heavy and cumbersome.  Not so on this people mover.  I was surprised at how easily it maneuvered around town and the responsive handling.  It’s not a speed demon, but it moves with some heft.   Gas numbers won’t break any records either.  The model I drove, the 3.5L, V6 Ti-VCT with AWD gets 17 city/23 hwy.  Roughly the same as the 3.5L,V6 Ecoboost but without the 350-hp punch and the added cost.

Car seat installation was easy peasy, as Goofy would say.  Less than a minute to install my daughter’s forward facing Recaro seat.  Lower latches visible and accesible.  Top tether anchor on the lower seat back.  Done.  Cargo space is limited with third row seating at 20 cu. ft., With the third row seat folded down, space goes up to 43.2 cu. ft.  Still not huge for a car this size.  But overall, this interior is a comfy place to be.

What about the new MyFord Touch system? This time around, I wasn’t as afraid to touch it.  I think it helped that I recently joined the rest of the world and got a smartphone. Those same user-touch skills, if you can call them that, were helpful and lended confidence to the MyTouch learning curve.

The Flex also comes equipped with Ford’s newest safety and driver aid features including industry-first inflatable seat belts, a blind spot system with cross-traffic alert and radar-based cruise control with collision warning and brake support.

A fun, big car.  With an optional refrigerator in the center console.  Nice way to drive the family in style.

Some Basics
MSRP: $35,175 (base)
engine: 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT
hp/torque: 287 hp/254 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD or AWD
fuel economy:  17 city/23 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
big, comfortable, cool

What’s the best thing about it?
spacious seating

What’s the biggest drawback?
fuel economy

Mom-friendliness score: A

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“Just back from the orthodontist…no more toothy grin!”