The Ford Flex’s versatility and space have allowed this large crossover to remain a popular choice for buyers since its release in 2009. The 2019 Ford Flex continues to offer practical features and unique design elements while adding a handful of necessary updates.

The Flex comes with one of two powertrains. The base setup is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 287 horsepower, which is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with either standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel-drive (AWD). This powertrain is rated at 16 miles per gallon city, 23 highway, and 19 combined with FWD, and those numbers drop to 15, 21, and 17 with AWD. From there, Limited buyers can opt for the premium EcoBoost engine: a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. The more-powerful EcoBoost powertrain is also linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD, which achieves 16 city, 22 highway, and 18 combined miles per gallon on regular fuel.

Like previous years, Ford will offer the 2019 Flex in just three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited. SE kicks things off with 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating, automatic headlights, power heated mirrors, a capless fuel filler, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, USB input, four 12-volt power outlets, and a 6-way power driver’s seat. SEL adds 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless access and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, simulated-wood appliques, and remote start. Leather upholstery, a premium audio system, a power liftgate, second-row bucket seats, and a panoramic sunroof are all optional upgrades.

Lastly, Limited comes with 19-inch painted alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, HID headlights, LED tail lights and fog lights, chrome door handles, a premium Sony audio system, and memory settings for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and foot pedals. Limited can be upgraded with second-row bucket seats, power-folding third-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, 10-way heated and cooled front seats, and a heated steering wheel. For those wanting a sportier look, SEL and Limited can both be equipped with an appearance package that decks out much of the car in gloss black and adds black-and-gray leather upholstery and special logos throughout the cabin.

In the realm of safety, every Flex comes standard with a reversing camera and sensors. Blind-spot monitoring is optional on SEL and standard on Limited. Limited also comes with active park assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Flex performed reasonably in tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2018.