[onewhippedpuppy]

With kid #1 driving, my wife and I have considered unloading her 2017 Ford Flex Limited Ecoboost for something a little smaller and more sporty, but still with some practicality. So we took a really clean 2011 Cayenne S out for a test drive. It was a relatively high option S model with full leather, air suspension, navigation, etc. Sadly we came away pretty unimpressed. Compared to the Flex the Cayenne was less responsive, felt less powerful, and rode more softly (even in Sport). You'd also be hard pressed to carry more than 4 in the Cayenne for any real distance, where you can fit 6 into the Flex in comfort. The Cayenne did have better steering weight (but not feel), better seats, and a much nicer interior in terms of materials and assembly. Finally the Cayenne was substantially more expensive, which wasn't a shock.

I honestly expected to be selling the Flex and buying a Cayenne, but we were both totally underwhelmed. So instead I think I will be installing H&R springs, a sport exhaust, and a tune on the Flex. If nobody makes the car we want, I'll make it myself!