“We love our Flex! Just took it on our 50th wedding anniversary trip and it was great for room, gas, etc.”
2018 Ford Flex: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Ford Flex is mostly a carryover, with no redesign, styling refresh, or powertrain update. The main change is that several features previously standard on the Limited trim became optional.
About the 2018 Ford Flex
1st generation (2009-2019), late-cycle year; second-to-last model year before the Flex ended production.
Ford positions the Flex as the three-row family vehicle for shoppers who want space and flexibility without a tall, bulky SUV feel. Its appeal is the boxy shape, easy step-in height, roomy cabin, and strong cargo usefulness, plus a look that stands out from more conventional crossovers. Against rivals, the Flex sells more on interior packaging, road-trip comfort, and personality than on fuel economy or off-road image.
The 2018 Flex remains a three-row family vehicle offered in practical SE, more comfortable SEL, and upscale Limited forms. SE seats seven, while SEL adds an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Limited brings leather-trimmed seating, navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
What changed, by category
Safety
On Limited, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and park assist changed from standard equipment to optional.
Tech
On Limited, cooled seats and the heated steering wheel changed from standard equipment to optional.
2018 Ford Flex specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft | Auto, 6-Spd w/SelShft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 15–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 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 Rear Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Ford Flex compared with the 2017 model?
The main change for 2018 is equipment packaging on the Limited trim. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, park assist, cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel moved from standard equipment to optional; the body, engines, and SE/SEL/Limited lineup otherwise carried over.
Was the 2018 Ford Flex redesigned?
No, the 2018 Ford Flex was not redesigned or restyled. It remained part of the first generation introduced for 2009 and was the second-to-last model year before production ended.
Did the 2018 Ford Flex get a new engine?
No, the 2018 Flex kept its existing powertrain lineup. It used a standard 3.5-liter V6, while the Limited also offered a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6; both were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2018 Ford Flex Limited equipped the same as the 2017 Limited?
No, not every Limited feature carried over with the same status. Adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, park assist, cooled seats, and the heated steering wheel were optional for 2018 after being standard for 2017, so the equipment on an individual used Flex Limited should be checked.
Is the 2018 Ford Flex a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
No, the 2018 Flex is not a major upgrade over the 2017 model. It has the same basic design, engines, transmission, and trim structure, with the notable difference being that several Limited features became optional.
2018 Ford Flex Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Ford Flex.
4.3
2018 Ford Flex
(164 reviews)
“The height level of the seats is great for folks that have difficulty getting in and out. No trouble getting up, like with a lower car seat; and no having to climb up like into most trucks and SUVs. Seats are also relatively flat, which is more comfortable for those with wider hips than most of today's contoured bucket seats.”
“Very practical design for passenger/cargo capacity. Excellent adjustability to accommodate a variety of driver sizes. One big complaint is that the speedometer is too small to read accurately.”