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The 2003 Ford Freestyle FX Concept was designed to be incredibly versatile, offering three distinct configurations: a three-row crossover, a four-door pickup, and an off-road sedan. This flexibility came from its ability to transform at the touch of a button, making it ideal for various uses. The concept featured a rear window that slid forward to extend the cargo area, allowing it to quickly shift from one form to another.
Inside, the Freestyle FX focused on practicality and comfort, with a flat floor and low-mounted seats to maximize space. The rear seats could fold flat, creating a large cargo area. The trunk was lined with scratch-resistant plastic and had built-in guide rails for easier cargo management. The interior was outfitted with premium materials like leather and included advanced features such as an early navigation system, customizable ambient lighting, and a multimedia DVD system for rear passengers.
The concept also came with a panoramic glass roof, adding to the open and spacious feel. It sported 20-inch alloy wheels and LED taillights, which were quite advanced for the time. Daytime running lights were built into the exterior mirrors for improved visibility.
Under the hood, the Freestyle FX was powered by a 3.0-liter V6 Duratec engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Ford touted the CVT as being 10% more fuel-efficient than a traditional automatic. Despite the innovative design and features, the production version of the Freestyle was far more conventional. It lacked the transformation features of the concept and instead became a standard three-row crossover, missing the excitement and innovation of the Freestyle FX.
