Camping and Exploring Algonquin Provincial Park in the 2017 Ford FLEX

This summer we drove the 2017 Ford FLEX, full size crossover utility vehicle to explore Algonquin Provincial Park. There are plenty of trails, natural beauty, and educational opportunities to explore between the vast Algonquin park from the East Gate to West Gate. 

The rich history and natural diversity at Ontario's oldest and most famous provincial park was a perfect place for us to connect with nature and enjoy the last few days of summer this year.

Although, we didn't see any bears, moose or fox in bear country we were glad that we drove the long, spacious seven passenger Ford FLEX. We were able to comfortably store away food items and other belonging in the spacious FLEX during our overnight stay. 

The SYNC voice command made it easy for us to make phone calls, set the audio, open mobile apps and control the climate in the vehicle. We liked the touchscreen method of interacting with the vehicle to set the features we needed. The different screen views of navigation from full map, highway exit information display, and turn list options were comfortable and convenient to use. 

The information display on the left side of the vehicle shows the max speed, the amount of fuel and more. In the right display it shows the entertainment, navigation and phone, the driver can easily adjust these setting using the arrows on the steering wheel, as well as increase or decrease the volume on the audio and media controls.

The climate control feature includes temperature, airflow direction, and fan speed for the driver and front passenger. There are heated and cooled seat icons with three modes we can choose from that worked well. Since the weather become cooler in the mornings during our trip, we were able to test both the heated and cooled systems. We found the Ford FLEX either got too cold or too warm, and the settings were not as simple to operate and needed to be adjusted constantly. It would have been better if the temperature control was easier to operate. The second row heated seat controls are on the rear of the console. There is also an option to heat the steering wheel. The vehicle has remote start perfect to control the climate especially during the cold weather.  

There is an option to adjust the pedals, steering wheel, as well as program memory function for each driver so the vehicle recalls the driver seat, power mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering column and the adjustable pedals. The front row head restraints can be adjusted. Exterior mirrors can be adjusted easily or folded in by turning the button on the driver's side window panel. Autowipers adjusts the speed according to the moisture on the windshield, when the sensitivity setting is adjusted. There is also a 110 volt power outlet in the second row console to power small electrical devices which made it easy to charge small devices. 

The moonroof can be adjusted easily by sliding and tilting. We really liked that the moonroof in the FLEX were separate and each passenger can open or close as they wish. There is ambient lighting where we can choose colours to set and adjust the intensity. 

Keyless Starting allows us to start the vehicle by pressing the Start Stop button and the brake pedal. If the vehicle is idling for an extended period of time a message will appear in the information display giving an opportunity to override before the engine shuts down automatically. 

Getting to the third row of seats was uncomfortable, as we have to fold in the second row seat to get to the third row seats. We were glad that the third row seats can be folded and stowed away with a touch of a button to create plenty of space to add luggage. Being able to stow the third row of seats was perfect for our camping trip as we were able to load belongings comfortably without trying to adjust it to make room. We can also fold down the second row seats to put more cargo. The power liftgate can be opened and closed using the button on the key fob or by pressing the button in the inside of the cabin. We found having the closing button in the side a little awkward, compared to having the button on the top of the liftgate.

There is active park assist where the system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically steers the vehicle into that space hands free of the steering wheel as we control the accelerator, gearshift and brakes while the system visually and audibly instructs to park the vehicle. We can abrupt the procedure by simply grabbing the steering wheel. The rear view camera has three guides that show the intended path of the vehicle reversing, the path the vehicle is moving, and the centerline to help align the center of the vehicle with an object.

The collision warning system alerts with a red warning light and a tone when the vehicle approaches another. The brake support system assists reducing any collision speed by pre charging the brakes and preparing for rapid braking, it applies the brakes fully when we press the brake. There is blind spot information system and cross traffic alert with an amber indicator light in the exterior mirrors. Cross traffic alert also sounds an alarm and displays messages to warn from which direction the vehicles are approaching. Ford FLEX has a MyKey feature, where it allows us to program driving restrictions such as speed, limited volume levels, and safety belt reminders. Cruise control speed is easy to set and control.

There is a variety of exterior colours including this beautiful burgundy. The bold wagon exterior of the vehicle in a box shape may not suite everyones taste as we felt the exterior looked too long. Overall, we found the 2017 Ford Flex a comfortable vehicle to drive, and its spacious interior makes it perfect to take on long trips.

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