Ford is betting the farm on vehicles like the Flex. Its wager is raised even higher when you realize how polarizing the form is: people either detest it or love it. While resembling a taffy-pulled Mini to some degree, the Flex has a vibe all its own, and most definitely stands out in the sleekly aero’d crossover world with its sense of exaggerated linearity, invoked by such details as the grooved sides and accent-colored roof.

The Flex’s interior is a solid effort as well: thoroughly sorted cubbies and plenty of space for six occupants (or seven, depending on what seating arrangement is spec’d) thanks to the theater-style seating and very comfortable chairs. The level of perceived quality in the front row is excellent—a new highpoint for Ford—with rich moldings, flock-lined compartments, and buttery leather turned out in fascinating patterns. As one moves rearward, however, the number of cheap-feeling materials increases, and by row three, it’s back to business as usual, with vinyl perches and flash-plagued plastics. At least there’s still decent cargo room with all seats upright, and they fold completely flat to make for a truly cavernous load area.

The Mid-century Modern design of the Flex carries through to its dynamic demeanor as well. Everything feels calibrated to sooth the occupants and create pleasantly refined progress. It’s incredibly hushed, and the ride is simply wonderful, even with the available 19” rims: pillow soft over most urban acne without succumbing to float at higher velocities. Steering feel is more than decent (and the turning circle is excellent for something over 200 inches long); there’s excellent on-center feel, and the Flex has enough starch in its trousers to make tackling the twisties possible without inducing nausea. Roll angles remain surprisingly benign thanks to the Ford’s low stance and thoroughly sorted suspension. Rounding things out, the brakes are feelsome and powerful.

The powertrain is merely adaquite, with a 3.5-liter DOHC Duratec V6 huffing out 262hp and 248lbs-ft of torque. Teamed to a six-speed auto, it provides mid-eight second runs to 60mph, accompanied by a bit of top-end trashiness. While the shift software generally remains unobtrusively smooth, it can become a bit obtuse, occasionally throwing up some strangely timed or abrupt gear swaps.

But buyers won’t be choosing the Flex to rat race it. They’ll want it because it proffers family safety and 155 cubic feet of bright and airy accommodations (especially with the optional four-pane Vista Roof) and all the up to the minute tech, clad in a skin that recalls the past without being beholden to it.

The Ford averaged 16-18mpg. That might put some off (though it’s about par for minivans with this kind of roominess). Key to the Flex’s success will be how the market perceives its pricing, as it enters the hyper-competitive crossover niche with a sticker somewhat bloated beyond the hardware’s actual ability. Americans may baulk at paying more for the Ford’s style over the proven value of a Honda or Toyota, though those who do will end up with a sweet-driving and funky fresh alternative to the staid family haulers that define the segment.

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Price as tested: $41,125

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