Like most vehicles of this ilk, the Freestyle is most comfortable on paved roads, where the MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear can shine. If AWD is ordered, the Freestyle is equipped with load leveling rear shocks. Bringing the Freestyle to a stop is a four-wheel-disc system with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. The SE and SEL ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/60R17 tires; P225/60R18 rubber comes on the Limited's standard 18-inch wheels. Where the 2005 Ford Freestyle excels is passenger comfort and cargo carrying utility. With tall seating and lots of foot room, the Freestyle offers good thigh support and impressive comfort for all occupants. Available second-row captain's chairs slide fore-and-aft to increase legroom if desired. All seats except the driver's can fold flat, creating a cargo area as long as 9.5 feet from the dashboard to the rear hatch. When all three rows are raised, there is space for seven adults - Ford claims the rearmost bench seat is designed to be comfortable for a person who is over six feet tall. Fold that seat into the floor and the Ford Freestyle can hold 47.4 cubic feet of cargo. Storage was a priority, too. Cupholder mavens will appreciate that there are 12 beverage containers littering the Freestyle's cabin. A dashtop storage bin can be used for small items and an optional overhead console stows sunglasses and remote controls out of sight. A conversation mirror similar to the one in the Ford Freestar allows the driver to see every rear seating position and play referee, if necessary. The center console has a power point, and a cutout in the lid helps to keep cords from getting pinched. On the Limited, the third-row seat is split so that each side can be individually folded for maximum utility.
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