Ford expands its Flex lineup for 2011 by adding a new top-level Titanium trim. Based on the Flex Limited trim and designed to stand out from the crowd, the Flex Titanium sports a new Tuxedo Black two-tone roof, a black chrome finish grille, and blackout treatments for the headlights and taillights. The interior also exudes an upscale tone, thanks to the charcoal-black leather seats with gray Alcantara suede inserts, metallic-finish center stack, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and illuminated scuff plates. Ford plans to extend the Titanium-level trim, which has proved successful in Europe, to other vehicles in the near future.

Now in its third year, the four-door Ford Flex full-size crossover vehicle seats up to seven passengers in three rows. The Ford Flex comes in SE, SEL, and Limited trims for 2011, as well as in the new Titanium trim. All trims except the entry-level SE are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Outside, the Flex retains its funky box design, which results in a large, versatile cabin with plenty of legroom in all three rows of seats. All trims come equipped with front bucket seats, while the second-row bench seat splits 60/40, and the fold-flat third row splits 50/50. Owners can swap out the second row for optional bucket seats, reducing seating capacity to six.

Standard interior features across all trims include a fold-flat front passenger seatback, a leather-wrapped shifter, 10 cupholders, air conditioning, ergonomic audio and climate controls, a manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror. The entry-level SE trim also includes a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player and an audio input jack. The SEL trim adds power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, woodgrain appearance applique trim, and Ford's SYNC in-car connectivity system, as well as an upgraded audio system with a 6-CD changer and Sirius satellite radio.

The Limited trim comes well-equipped with such upscale features as perforated leather seats in the first and second rows, memory for the driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inlay, a voice-activated navigation system, a rear-view camera system, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Options include a Vista Roof and a dual-headrest DVD entertainment system for all trims except the SE, and a PowerFold third-row seat for the Limited and Titanium trims.

A 3.5-liter, 262-hp Duratec V6 provides base power for all four trims. The engine mates to a six-speed automatic transmission designed to deliver responsive acceleration while conserving fuel. The V6 posts fuel economy numbers of 17/24 mpg for front-wheel-drive trims. Owners who desire more spirited performance can opt for an EcoBoost V6, available on all trims except the SE. The EcoBoost features direct fuel injection and a twin-turbo setup, and generates 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It links to a SelectShift six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual shifting. Fuel economy numbers drop slightly, to 16/21 mpg.

All Edge trims feature independent front and rear suspension and come equipped with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with Roll Stability Control, as well as antilock brakes. The Edge SE rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the SEL receives 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Limited gets 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, while the new Titanium sports 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.