Used Ford Flex Buying Guide

Want to take a closer look at the used Ford Flex? These wagon-style crossovers have always been popular for their uniquely spacious cabins and sporty performance. But they’re also loaded with modern features, which makes them great used options for modern drivers. Our used buying guide helps you better understand not just what these crossovers can offer, but also how they’ve changed over the years.

Key Takeaways

• With its unique body style, a cross between a station wagon and a crossover SUV, the Flex offers impressive space for seven passengers.
• Recent multimedia features and driver safety aids help you navigate modern roadways.
• The Ford Flex changed throughout its first generation, offering newer tech features and more powerful engines as the years progressed.

First Generation 2009-2019

When the Ford Flex first appeared for the 2009 model year, it offered a very unique take on driving with its crossover wagon body style. Throughout its run, the Flex offered seven-passenger seating and a spacious, comfortable ride. Although the Flex was discontinued for the 2019 model year, it remains a pretty recent used option, which means you should be able to find the technology you seek in an everyday drive!

Except for the original 2009 Flex, which was only available with the standard V6, these Ford wagons were available with one of two engines, a standard 3.5-liter V6 and an optional turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. However, output varied slightly throughout the Flex’s run.

From the 2013 model year on, the Flex turned out the heat with a little extra engine output:

• Standard 3.5L V6 (287 horsepower, 254 lb-ft of torque)
• Optional turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp, 350 lb-ft)

The 2012 Flex and earlier model years still manage to impress, however:

• Standard 3.5L V6 (262 hp, 248 lb-ft)
• Optional turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (355 hp, 350 lb-ft)

There are three main Flex trim models: the base SE, mid-range SEL, and classy Limited. For some model years, an even more luxurious Titanium trim model was available. Not only does the SE give you the lowest price on a used Flex, but it also delivers an impressive list of standard features. Precise features will vary according to model year, but you can expect the SE to host items like keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The mid-grade SEL adds items like blind-spot monitoring, leather seating, and a seven-speaker sound system. With the Limited, you’ll enjoy greater interior style, with wood interior trim and ambient interior lighting. Its tech upgrades include built-in navigation and a 12-speaker sound system. The Titanium, which was available for the 2011 and 2012 model years, is especially swanky, with 20-inch wheels and faux-suede seating trim.

Throughout any model’s run, automakers make tweaks and updates to keep up with competition and give shoppers more of what they want and less of what they don’t! This was the case with Ford and the Flex, so model years will differ from one another. Before you begin shopping for your used Flex, these are the updates you need to know about, listed according to model year:

• 2018: The rear-seat entertainment system is discontinued.
• 2017: Shoppers can no longer add the heated row seats with the refrigerator in the middle.
• 2016: The new SYNC 3 infotainment system replaces the outgoing MyFord Touch interface. A rearview camera becomes standard equipment.
• 2014: The entry-level V6 engine is now more powerful, with 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque.
• 2013: This model year gets a big update. First, there are new features available: a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry, ventilated front seats, the MyFord Touch infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, parallel parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, and inflatable second-row seatbelts. The Flex also received a few performance upgrades, including electrically driven power steering and an increasingly powerful 3.5-liter V6 (285 horsepower, 255 lb-ft).
• 2012: The SEL trim model is no longer available with the optional turbocharged V6. Limited and Titanium trims now include a second-row flip-out armrest with cupholders. Ford also relocated the Flex’s rear windscreen wiper for optimal coverage.You can now option both the roof rack side rails and the Vista Roof.
• 2011: The top-of-the-line Titanium trim model debuts.
• 2010: The turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 debuts, offering an impressive balance of power and efficiency. And new features are available. All models now feature a power-folding second-row bench seat. The SEL comes standard with SYNC voice controls (though its leather upholstery is now optional). The Limited trims now include built-in navigation and a Sony sound system.