Acceleration
"Sluggish on takeoff but adequate thereafter, helped by liberal use of the throttle pedal. Test AWD Limited did 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. Smooth CVT provides good passing response. Unlike conventional automatic transmissions, CVTs allow engine speed to race ahead of road speed in rapid acceleration, then fall back when it finds optimum ratio."

Value
"This Recommended choice excels as an on-road family wagon. It won't tow or go off-road like truck-type SUVs, but Freestyle does match most rivals--and even some minivans--for utility, space, and comfort. Ride and handling are agreeable, as are prices. But more power would be welcome, particularly with heavier loads."

Ride
"Generally composed, absorbent, though sharp bumps can jolt. Little difference in ride quality between 2WD and AWD or with 17- vs. 18-inch tires."

Economy
"Quite good for the size and weight. Test AWD SEL averaged 19.7 mpg in a city/highway driving mix. Test AWD Limited logged 18.7, including gas-eating performance runs. Ford recommends regular-grade fuel."

Noise
"On par overall with other car-type SUVs--and better than most truck-style SUVs--with moderate highway wind and road noise. Engine, however, roars loudly during even moderate acceleration."

Comfort - Front
"Generous head room. Only tallest drivers will want more leg room. Low cowl, tall windows, standard height-adjustable seat provide commanding position. Easy ingress/egress. Comfortable seats. Visibility hindered to rear corners by thick roof pillars, but headrests don't interfere unless raised."

Comfort - Rear
"Rear doors afford easy entry/exit for roomy 2nd row with comfortable chair-height seats. Limited's fore/aft sliding buckets allow favoring leg space or cargo room behind. All 2nd-row seats fold and tumble for good access to 3rd row, which is surprisingly spacious for adults, though cushion too low for long-distance comfort."

Controls
"Gauges simple, clear, well-placed. Ditto most controls, though climate panel mounts too low for safest use while driving. SEL and Limited include look-alike steering-wheel switches for cruise control and some audio functions that take learning. Cabin has upscale air but few padded surfaces; most panels are hard plastic, though attractively textured."

Cargo Room
"All rear seats fold flat. Load deck stretches to 9.5-ft with right-front seatback dropped, too. The 3rd-row seat converts more easily than most, disappears into floorwell that provides handy storage otherwise. Console and dashtop bins swallow lots of small stuff."