“This is the best vehicle we could find for older, less agile adults to get in and out of comfortably. The only negative is that around town fuel economy is only about 13mpg. This doesn't matter much with our type of usage, but might be a problem for others.”
2016 Ford Flex: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Ford Flex is a light-update model, not a redesign. The headline change is a newly standard rearview camera on every trim.
About the 2016 Ford Flex
1st gen (2009-2019), late-cycle year after the 2013 refresh.
Ford sold the Flex as a one-of-a-kind seven-passenger utility vehicle that mixed wagon-like style with SUV usefulness. Its core appeal was space: adult-friendly seating in all three rows, a very square cargo area, easy outward visibility, and a lower step-in height than many larger SUVs. Compared with rivals, the Flex leaned more toward road-trip comfort and family hauling than rugged image, while still offering strong V6 power and an optional EcoBoost performance version in upper trims.
The SE is the straightforward utility trim, with seven-passenger seating, a V6, and split-folding second and third rows. The SEL adds a more modern 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and push-button start. The Limited has a more upscale cabin with leather seating, navigation, Sony audio, and blind-spot monitoring; some Limited models also have the stronger EcoBoost V6.
What changed, by category
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard across the lineup, including SE, SEL, and Limited.
Tech
SEL and Limited replace the older MyFord Touch system with the newer SYNC 3 touchscreen.
2016 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 |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 15–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 21–23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 287 hp | 287 hp | 287–365 hp |
| Torque | 254 lb-ft | 254 lb-ft | 254–350 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Pedals | |||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ford Flex a redesign?
No. The 2016 Ford Flex keeps the same basic design, engines, and three-row seating layout as the previous year; its main updates are a standard rearview camera and newer touchscreen technology on upper trims.
Does every 2016 Ford Flex have a rearview camera?
Yes. A rearview camera is standard on every 2016 Ford Flex trim: SE, SEL, and Limited.
Which 2016 Ford Flex trims have SYNC 3?
The 2016 Ford Flex SEL and Limited have the newer SYNC 3 touchscreen. The SE uses a simpler SYNC system with a 4.2-inch display.
Did the Ford Flex engines change for 2016?
No. The 2016 Flex carries over the standard 287-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, while the turbocharged EcoBoost V6 remains limited to the Limited trim.
Is the 2016 Ford Flex meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Only slightly. The 2016 model adds a standard rearview camera across the lineup, and SEL and Limited models switch from MyFord Touch to SYNC 3; the core design, seating layout, and engines otherwise carry over.
2016 Ford Flex Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Ford Flex.
4.3
2016 Ford Flex
(234 reviews)
“Been wanting to own a Ford Flex for many years. This vehicle is highly rated on ease of ingress and egress and is a good replacement for my wife's minivan. It has a unique style and is a comfortable daily driver.”
“Would highly recommend the Ford Flex as a comfortable vehicle to ride in, economical to maintain and lots of room for hauling things”