The Freestyle is huge on the outside and on the inside. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Our tester is equipped with dual power front seats with perforated leather.
The second row seats are also comfortable. The 60/40 split bench reclines, which would help on long trips. We?re not so sure if the passengers in the third row would like those in front to recline, however. The third row is surprisingly roomy. Typically most third row seats are a joke. We would say that most smaller framed individuals under 6 feet would survive in the back of the Freestyle. I was able to get my huge frame back there, and although it would not be comfortable for long periods it was certainly better than some second row seats I?ve sat in.
Speaking of interior room, this Ford can really swallow a lot of junk. When equipped with the second row bench seat, the Freestyle can do some serious hauling. The front passenger, second and third row seats all fold down. This versatile interior combined with the Freestyle?s sheer interior volume creates a cavernous space that can carry a wide variety of objects. Something like a huge potato cannon, and a bin of potatoes. Do I see a Monster Garage vehicle in the making?
Despite not having extreme ride height, the Freestyle feels tall while still offering a car-like interior. The upright seating position or CommandView as Ford calls it is very comfortable and provides the driver with an excellent vantage point. One look at the doors will show you the vertical dimension of the interior cabin. This interior height allows more light into the cabin, and more leg and head room than you normally expect.
All this interior room does not translate into a cheap low quality interior. We are duly impressed by the Freestyle?s material and assembly quality. The car feels European. The switchgear is actually nice, and the control layout is thought out. In fact, this is probably the best Ford interior we?ve ever seen. Even the steering wheel is well designed. When we had the Escape, we keep thinking ?Is this a Ford?? and how the interior and exterior fit and finish could easily rival some Nissan products. The Freestyle is in a whole other league. This car could easily compete with anything near its price range as far as interior quality is concerned.
The cabin is also relatively quiet. We noticed that the doors are double sealed as well. They close with a very European thump. The Freestyle represents a huge leap forward in interior quality. We foresee that their attention to interior quality will continue, and will influence the Fusion and its derivatives as well.
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