2012 Ford Flex: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Ford Flex is a light-update year, not a redesign. The main change is a center-mounted rear wiper that provides better coverage, while the V6-based lineup and overall design carry over.
About the 2012 Ford Flex
1st generation (2009-2019), final pre-refresh year before the larger 2013 update.
Ford presents the Flex as a roomy, distinctive three-row crossover for families who want minivan-like space without minivan styling. The big selling points are adult-friendly second- and third-row room, flexible cargo space, low step-in height, voice-controlled connectivity and an optional high-output EcoBoost V6. Against other big crossovers, the Flex leans more into comfort, everyday usability and standout boxy design than rugged SUV image.
The 2012 Flex remains a roomy three-row family crossover, with the SE focused on simple everyday usefulness and the SEL adding heated front seats and voice-activated phone and audio connectivity. Limited brings leather-trimmed heated seats, a power liftgate, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Titanium emphasizes appearance with dark exterior details and leather seats with suede inserts.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford Flex specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, 3.5L | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, 3.5L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 262 hp | 262 hp | 262–355 hp | 262–355 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft | 248 lb-ft | 248–350 lb-ft | 248–350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front 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 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Ford Flex a major update over the 2011 model?
No. The 2012 Ford Flex is a light update with a centered rear wiper and a few equipment revisions; its basic design, three-row cabin, engines, and transmissions carry over from 2011.
What is the main exterior change on the 2012 Ford Flex?
The main exterior change is the rear windshield wiper’s move to the center of the glass for better coverage. The rest of the Flex’s boxy exterior design remains largely unchanged.
Did the 2012 Ford Flex receive a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2012 Ford Flex received no lineup-wide engine or transmission change, so its V6-based powertrains carry over.
What interior equipment changed on the 2012 Ford Flex?
Limited and Titanium models with the second-row bench gained a flip-out center armrest with two cupholders. Other major cabin features largely carried over.
Was navigation standard on the 2012 Ford Flex Limited and Titanium?
No. Navigation was optional on the 2012 Flex Limited and Titanium after being standard on those trims for 2011.