2009 Ford Flex: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

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.
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
2009 Ford Flex specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 262 hp | 262 hp | 262 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 86.7 cu-ft | 86.7 cu-ft | 86.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | |||
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.