“This vehicle is not for everyone. I would have preferred a crossover but all of them were too high to get into for me. Gas mileage on the Flex is terrible.”
2017 Ford Flex: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Ford Flex was mostly a carryover, but the Limited trim gained several previously optional features as standard equipment. The most important upgrade was standard adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking on the Limited.
About the 2017 Ford Flex
1st generation (2009-2019), after the 2013 refresh, late-cycle year.
The 2017 Flex is Ford’s boxy three-row family crossover for shoppers who want minivan-like passenger and cargo room without buying a minivan. Ford’s messaging centered on spacious seating, useful technology, and available all-wheel drive, while reviewers highlighted the easy step-in height, roomy third row, and low, wagon-like shape. Its core appeal is space, comfort, and distinctive styling rather than off-road ability or sporty handling.
The SE is the utility-focused Flex, with seven-passenger seating, fold-flat rear rows, a rearview camera, and parking sensors. The SEL adds road-trip-friendly features such as heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited brings leather seating, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, premium audio, and, on some AWD examples, the stronger EcoBoost V6.
What changed, by category
Safety
Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking became standard on the Limited after being optional for 2016.
Tech
The Limited made automated parking assistance, cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel standard; all had been optional for 2016.
2017 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 | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| 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 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 | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed from the 2016 Ford Flex to the 2017 Ford Flex?
The main change was more standard equipment on the Limited trim. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automated parking assistance, cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel moved from optional to standard; the broader lineup otherwise carried over.
Was the 2017 Ford Flex redesigned?
No, the 2017 Ford Flex was not redesigned. It remained part of the first generation and kept the body, structure, styling, and general trim lineup used for 2016.
Did the 2017 Ford Flex get a new engine?
No, the 2017 Ford Flex did not get a new engine. The 3.5-liter V6 remained standard, while the stronger EcoBoost V6 continued in certain Limited AWD models.
Which 2017 Ford Flex trim received the year’s upgrades?
The Limited received the meaningful upgrades for 2017. Its newly standard equipment included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automated parking assistance, cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Is the 2017 Ford Flex meaningfully different from the 2016 model?
Only the Limited is meaningfully different, because several previously optional safety and comfort features became standard for 2017. The SE and SEL had no confirmed major product changes.
2017 Ford Flex Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Ford Flex.
4.3
2017 Ford Flex
(103 reviews)
“Very roomy vehicle. Very smooth drive. Fuel economy is poor. Location of gear shift is in way of cup holders. Heating vents can't be totally closed.”
“We love the Flex. It is perfect for our family of 4. It is easy for my wife to get in and out of (she is short). It's a safe and reliable vehicle!”