Ford's New Style
By IFCAR | 04.25.05 | Talk about it in Truck & SUV forum

Our buddies at the Institute for Consumer Automotive Research (IFCAR) recently conducted a full comparison test of 16 SUVs and crossovers.  The Ford Freestyle came out on top.  Below, you'll see why the Freestyle took the #1 prize.  But, remember to check out IFCAR's full comparison test as well.  Then, come back here and have your say in the forums!

The Freestyle, like the Chrysler Pacifica, is a crossover vehicle, a cross between a station wagon and a car-based SUV. Also, like the Pacifica, the Freestyle is advertised as "between a car and an SUV, a brand new way to get around". Though a bit misleading, as the very similar Pacifica came out a year earlier, the Freestyle indeed is not like even a typical car-based SUV. It's lower and longer, allowing for extra useful interior room. And this packaging efficiency gives the Freestyle a third row seat that is unique to this group in providing actual adult room and comfort.

The Freestyle delivers a firm, comfortable ride that is reasonably absorbent, and free of ride float and jitters. It also handles well by this group's standards; though not sporty, it feels fairly agile and has little body roll. The steering is quick, reasonably precise, and offers some feedback. The 3.0-liter V6 is one of the smallest in this group, but comes with a continuously variable transmission that makes the car adequately quick overall, though low speed acceleration still feels a bit tepid. The engine sounds strained under even moderate acceleration, but is quiet otherwise. Wind and road noise are also reasonably well-suppressed. Fuel economy is excellent for this group.

Inside, the Freestyle's front seats are reasonably comfortable and supportive, but they could be higher and a bit softer. The second row captain's chairs are comfortable enough, and the rear is very roomy, but those seats are also too low and firm. The third row is a strong point, it has more room than any other vehicle in this group, and is the only one that can comfortably accommodate adults, with comfort on par with better minivans'. The dash uses high-quality materials that fit together well. Instruments are well- placed and clear, but the gauges are a bit small. The driver doesn't sit as high as in most SUVs, but is very comfortable and has excellent visibility overall. Entry/exit is very easy, thanks to wide door openings, large footwells, and the low ride height. Even third row access is fairly easy, thanks to the amount of room available. A recessed well behind the third row seat makes excellent use of the space available; the Freestyle has more room behind its third row than any other vehicle in this group. The overall cargo area is also competitive, and the Freestyle's relatively low roof means that most space is actually usable.

 The Freestyle has done very well in crash testing, earning five stars for both the driver and the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, as well as five for both the driver and the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test, even without the optional side airbags. NHTSA has yet to evaluate the Freestyle's rollover resistance, and the IIHS has yet to conduct an offset crash test of the vehicle.

Overall, the Freestyle isn't as luxurious or refined as the Highlander, but its additional interior space and better handling make up the difference. In fact, the Freestyle's third row seat room, fuel economy, and competitive pricing make it the only SUV that is a viable alternative to a minivan in most ways (it still has less maximum cargo space). And those traits and more make the Freestyle an excellent, well-rounded vehicle that is worth serious consideration from all consumers shopping for a midsize SUV.