Many of the options available on other trims come standard with the 2009 Ford Flex Limited. This front-wheel-drive crossover wagon is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, with 262 hp and 248 ft-lbs of torque at 4,500 RPM. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission. The wagon seats seven in three rows, with both the front passenger seat and the split-folding second- and third-row benches folding flat. With all seats down, the 15-cubic-foot cargo capacity grows to 83 cubic feet. Tie-downs and a net help in the cargo area, and both a roof rack and trailer wiring can be added. The Flex Limited can tow up to 4,100 pounds. Second-row captain's chairs are available as an option. Legroom exceeds expectations, with 40 inches up front and 44 in the second row.
The 2009 Flex Limited adds memory settings for the 10-way power driver's and 6-way power passenger seat. Other upgrades include xenon HID headlamps, Bluetooth, an iPod input jack, premium leather upholstery, and larger 19-inch alloy wheels. Though not yet tested for safety, the wagon provides plenty of standard equipment. Traction and stability control, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, a front stabilizer bar, and dual front-side airbags with passenger sensors and side curtain airbags for all three rows should rank the Flex highly. Automatic headlights, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, parking sensors, and a tire monitor are also included. Power-adjustable pedals are optional.
A full power setup features heated mirrors, heated front seats, remote keypad entry, wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a garage remote, and a trip computer. The 6-CD changer is MP3-compatible, and a trial period of satellite radio is also standard. All are played through a 10-speaker Sony sound system. Intermittent front and rear wipers, ten cupholders, power outlets in the front, second row, and cargo area, tilt steering, a temperature display and compass, and dual-zone climate control are all included in the 2009 Flex Limited. Leather trims the steering wheel and shifter, while alloy and faux wood trim accent the dash and doors. Added options for the Limited trim include a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates. Other add-ons are a DVD player, a three-panel sunroof, a power liftgate, and a refrigerator that holds seven 12-ounce cans.