Overview & Reviews

Three-row crossovers may have replaced the minivan as the preferred form of family transportation, but that doesn't mean they're hip. Enter the Ford Flex, which is a lot like a large wagon, but in a stylish way. By adding a few Mini Cooper-inspired design touches (such as the blacked-out roof pillars and contrasting roof colors), the Ford Flex strikes us as perhaps the coolest choice among seven-passenger crossovers. It also happens to work just fine as a family vehicle with its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, excellent build quality and pleasant driving dynamics. As a new or used vehicle, it's one of our top choices.

Current Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is a seven-passenger crossover wagon with a boxy body designed to maximize interior volume and style. Available second-row captain's chairs that slide and recline increase comfort, but decrease seating capacity to six.

Standard across the board is a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Limited offers the option of a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 good for 365 hp and 350 lb-ft that is all-wheel drive only. Both engines send their power through a six-speed automatic.

The Flex comes in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. The base SE comes pretty well equipped, with feature highlights including 17-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, the Sync voice command system and a six-speaker CD stereo. The midlevel SEL adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, an enhanced Sync system, heated front seats and a 12-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The Ford Flex Limited gains 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, a rearview camera, a navigation system and an upgraded sound system with HD radio. Notable options, depending on the trim level, include a multipanel sunroof, second-row captain's chairs, a refrigerated second-row console, adaptive cruise control and an automated parallel parking system.

The Flex's interior has an upscale appearance and very good materials, although both the standard and MyFord Touch electronics interfaces can be unintuitive. The Flex features three spacious rows of seats, and even the rearmost seats can comfortably accommodate those taller than 6 feet. Entry and exit to those seats are eased by the Flex's low ride height and the second row that can tumble forward at the push of a button. Both back rows fold flat for cargo storage.

In reviews, we've found the Flex a great road trip companion with its responsive performance, handy features and smooth, quiet ride. The standard V6 powertrain is fairly refined, and handling of the SE and SEL versions composed, if not entertaining. The Limited's turbocharged V6 and tighter suspension tuning give it more of a sport wagon demeanor that should please enthusiasts who need a spacious family vehicle.

Used Ford Flex Models
The Ford Flex was introduced for 2009 and ran through 2012 mostly unchanged. That first year, the standard (and only) engine offered was the 3.5-liter V6, then producing 262 hp. Three trims were offered: base SE, midlevel SEL and plush Limited. Although generally very well-rounded and comfortable, the debut-year Flex lacked a telescoping steering wheel, which made it difficult for taller drivers to get comfortable. For 2010, Ford introduced the telescoping steering wheel as well as the turbocharged, 355-hp 3.5-liter V6 option. The following year, the glitzy, chrome-wheeled Titanium trim level joined the lineup. Oddly, the very next year would be the last for the Titanium.

The Flex received a midcycle refresh for 2013, which swapped out the triple-blade shaver-inspired grille for a sleeker, simpler look. Other changes that year included increased engine output (with the base V6 making 285 hp and the turbocharged version cranking out 365 hp) and the availability of cutting-edge features such as MyFord Touch, the automated parking system, inflatable second-row seatbelts and adaptive cruise control. Today's Flex is pretty much identical save for a small bump in output for the base V6 (to 287 hp) and a minor shuffling of equipment.

User Reviews:

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  I love it - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Mike R - October 21 - 10:50 am

  Ford Flex rides as smooth as a luxury vehicle. Interior is thoughtfully appointed and the electronics are fantastic. I love Sync, Sirius, and travel link. Blows my friends away when i demonstrate it.

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  FLEX mpg combined 22! Very Nice. - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Rob Penlas - October 16 - 1:46 pm

  Flex legroom is awesome all 3 rows. 22MPG Combined with 4500 miles on vehicle. Extremely happy with mileage and comfort of FLEX.

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  My new Ford Flex - 2009 Ford Flex
  By rgurta - October 15 - 6:43 pm

  I am very impressed with all aspects of my red Ford Flex SEL. It is very roomy and the quality is outstanding. My only cons on this vehicle is that I find my front seat headrests to be very uncomfortable and that the two second row captain chairs need armrests. The sync radio with bluetooth hands free cell phone features are a real plus. I can not get over how many people have asked to see my car and how many heads it turns when being driven. It is hard to believe that the dimensions on this roomy vehicle is almost identical to my 2005 Ford Freestyle. I am getting better than 20 miles to the gallon so far in mixed driving conditions.

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  Never thought Id own a Ford - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Lovin my Flex - August 13 - 12:30 am

  I wasnt convinced on Ford cars/trucks or SUVs so I did my homework and Ford is comparable to Toyota and Honda as far as reliability. I love how the style is unique and different. I get excited knowing there arent that many of them on the road. We took a road trip the day after purchasing the Flex and it was so much fun discovering all the cool things the car has to offer. It is a lot of fun to drive and its great that my husband wants to drive my car now!

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  Happy Customer - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Tink - May 22 - 1:23 am

  This car is great, we searched high and low and we found nothing that had as much style, comfort and interior size. Beyond all that it is very cool, incredible retro look, great sound system and well designed nav/data system. I have already had the misfortune of being in an accident, I was smashed almost head on by a VW. The other car was destroyed and I barely felt anything. I was stunned at how hard a hit this car took (the police officer was very impressed) and I was still able to (sadly) drive it to the shop. We are not easy to please but the Flex did what Audi, Volvo and Honda were unable to do - make us very happy customers!

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  Great Choice! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By SCMom - April 21 - 4:56 am

  I LOVE my Flex! We looked at a lot of crossovers and the Flex beat them all by far. The options are wonderful!

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  Love It...except... - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Tracy - March 16 - 9:00 pm

  I love this car! I love the looks I get when I drive it, given that there are not a lot of them on the road yet. It was hard trying to get a SEL model with AWD, which I definitely wanted. Im a former Pacifica drive, which I loved and probably would have kept driving if they were still being made. I was not able to find an AWD Flex with everything I wanted (had to get an after-market DVD installed) but all in all, I like it.

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  Fabulous Flex - 2012 Ford Flex
  By Win Hollister - December 24 - 3:37 am

  We purchased a Flex in 2012 to meet the needs of traveling, towing boats and moving. The car performed admirably. Unfortunately, we recently had a severe accident at highway speeds which totaled our car. The air bags deployed properly and the interior was untouched. Engineering is excellent and we look to replace the car with another Flex!

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  We love our Flex!! - 2009 Ford Flex
  By A. Ekstrom - May 7 - 7:36 pm

  We were about to have our third boy and I did not want a minivan, thankfully we found the Flex! We absolutely love it!! It has so much room, the two big boys love their spots in the third row, they have their own cup holders and compartments! The second row has about 47 inches of leg room, sometimes Ill sit back there just because. I love the front heated seats, even living in Arizona I use them all the time. We love the look of it, ours is all black with black leather inside. Next time we buy one I want two colors, Im think red and black. We also love the navigation system and back up camera, the boys call it the Flexs iPad. Its easy to use and navigate and all buttons and such are perfect. The few cons: We received a new big sit and stand stroller after the baby was born and it doesnt fit just in the back. We have to move one of the boys to the second row by the baby, flip down one side of the third row and put it there. Our Flex had almost 100,000 miles on it when we bought it and it was beautiful inside and out, the only its started doing is hesitating when shifting at slower speeds. After looking this up it seems to be a common problem. Overall we will definitely be buying another Flex, we love how comfy it it, how it looks, the technology and that its unique!!

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  Best family car - 2016 Ford Flex
  By M F - April 13 - 1:12 pm

  This is my second Flex, I traded in my 2009 for a 2016. It is the best family mover. My husbands Ford Explorer doesnt have nearly the space or flexibility as my Flex. I can haul 6 kids and all their stuff. The cargo area is deep so you have a lot more space than some other cars. It has great leg and head room, even in the third row. The third row sits up, like stadium seating, so it is less claustrophobic. My SEL has a 120V plug and well as many charger locations which is definitely needed. The sync system works very well. I looked at Toyota, Nissan, Honda, GMC, Buick, Hyundai but the Flex was definitely the best.