2009 Ford Flex: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2009 Ford Flex

The 2009 Ford Flex is an all-new model and the first year of Ford’s boxy three-row crossover. Its headline change is the launch of the Flex itself, with SE, SEL, and Limited trims.

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About the 2009 Ford Flex

1st generation Ford Flex (2009-2012 pre-refresh), first year.

Ford positioned the Flex as a three-row family vehicle that mixed wagon-like styling, crossover practicality, and road-trip comfort. Its main appeal was carrying people and cargo in a cabin with more personality than a minivan and more usable third-row space than many rounded crossovers. The key differentiators were the distinctive boxy shape, adult-friendly third row, flexible seating layout, and a quiet, comfortable feel for everyday family use.

The 2009 Flex is positioned as a stylish, family-focused alternative to a minivan, with a low step-in height, adult-friendly seating, and flexible cargo space. The SE covers the essentials, the SEL adds heated leather-trimmed seats and dual-zone climate control, and the Limited brings features such as Ford’s voice-controlled SYNC system, HID headlights, a power liftgate, and memory settings.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
Every 2009 Flex uses a 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive versions are limited to the SEL and Limited trims.
Styling
The Flex debuted with a distinctive boxy shape and a lower step-in height than many traditional SUVs.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes stability control with roll stability control and side-curtain airbags.
Structural
The new crossover has three rows of seating and fold-flat rear seats designed to create flexible passenger and cargo space.

2009 Ford Flex specs and features by trim

Feature
2009 Ford FlexSE0 in stock
2009 Ford FlexSEL0 in stock
2009 Ford FlexLimited0 in stock
EngineV6, 3.5 LiterV6, 3.5 LiterV6, 3.5 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 6-SpdAutomatic, 6-SpdAutomatic, 6-Spd
DrivetrainFWDAWDAWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGas
MPG City17 mpg16 mpg16 mpg
MPG Highway24 mpg22 mpg22 mpg
Horsepower262 hp262 hp262 hp
Torque248 lb-ft248 lb-ft248 lb-ft
Max Towing4500 lb4500 lb4500 lb
Trunk/Cargo86.7 cu-ft86.7 cu-ft86.7 cu-ft
Rear Legroom33.3 in33.3 in33.3 in
Seats777
Doors444
Alarm System
Rear View Camera
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Tail Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Roof Rails
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Pedals
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power Driver Seat
Refrigerator/Cooler
Remote Start
Third Row Seat
Tilt Wheel

How the 2010 Ford Flex compares

The 2010 Ford Flex is a light second-year update, led by a 355-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 joining AWD SEL and Limited models. The basic three-row crossover carries over, with added safety and convenience features.

Frequently asked questions

Is 2009 the first year of the Ford Flex?

Yes. The 2009 Ford Flex is the model’s first year and the start of its first generation.

What engine is in the 2009 Ford Flex?

Every 2009 Ford Flex has a 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Does the 2009 Ford Flex have all-wheel drive?

Some do. All-wheel-drive versions of the 2009 Flex are limited to the SEL and Limited trims, while front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.

How many rows of seats does the 2009 Ford Flex have?

The 2009 Ford Flex has three rows of seats. Its rear seats fold flat to make more room for cargo.

What are the 2009 Ford Flex trim levels?

The 2009 Ford Flex lineup consists of SE, SEL, and Limited. SE is the straightforward family trim, SEL adds comfort features, and Limited has the strongest technology and convenience equipment.