After being in production for more than ten years, Ford discontinued the Ford Flex Crossover SUV. A lot is known about the impressive-looking model that debuted in 2008 for the production year 2019.
Among all other features the Ford Flex SUV has to offer, its towing capacity is often overlooked. Yes, Ford Flex models can tow in impressive numbers, with the latest models having the highest figures, thanks to improved production technology.
What are the specific towing capacities of Ford Flex SUVs between 2009 and 2019? What are the features that affect Ford Flex’s towing capabilities? If you seek answers to these questions, then this article has everything you need to know.
Ford Flex Overview
The Ford Flex is a Crossover SUV/wagon manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The Flex model debuted in 2008, and its production stretched to 2019 when Ford halted it. It acted as a successor to the Ford Taurus X and functionally replaced the Ford Freestar minivan.
We only had a single generation of the Ford Flex throughout the production years. Not too much was introduced between year-to-year models; therefore, there was not much to differentiate. Consequently, you can expect several similarities within the production years.
Let’s look into the 2009-2019 Ford Flex-specific towing capacities.
2019-2016 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2016-2019 Ford Flex towing capacity is 4,500 pounds. However, it would be best to have a Class III towing package to achieve the maximum values. Neither the Axle Ratio nor the engine type was much of a determinant factor. (We had two engine models, the 3.5L V6 and the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost.) However, if you had the 3.5L V6, you needed a weight-distribution hitch for the maximum tow rating.
2015-2014 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The engine types on the 2014-2015 Ford Flex were the same as those in successive years. These were;
- 3.5L V6
- 3.5L V6 EcoBoost
Again, the 2014-2015 Ford Flex towing capacity remained at 4,500 pounds for both engines across the two years. However, these models were unique because they only required the Class III tow packages to maximize their towing capabilities.
However, nothing about a weight distributing hitch for these models is mentioned by Ford.
2013-2012 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2012-2013 Ford Flex maintained the same number and type of engines; the 3.5L V6 and 3.5L V6 EcoBoost. Again, as you’d expect, the maximum towing capacity remained constant, at 4.500 pounds. That was the towing capacity value regardless of the axle ratio or engine configuration.
Again, no information was put on the manuals regarding towing packages, so 4,500 pounds became the standard value for both years.
2011-2009 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2009-2011 Ford Flex towing charts used different metrics from the rest in successive years. Ford specified no engines for these years, and instead, the terms used were ‘Heavy-duty’ and ‘Light-duty’ models.
However, the 2009-2011 Ford Flex maximum towing capacity is around 2,000-4,500 pounds from the towing charts. The light-duty variant had the 2,000 towing capacity, while the heavy-duty models came in at the higher limit.
Which Specs Affect Towing Capacity?
A couple of factors affected the towing capacity of the 2009-2019 Ford Flex models. Even when the values seemed constant all through, slight differences came about due to several factors. The factors that affected the towing capacity of the Ford Flex were;
Engines
The engine choice is a significant determinant in the towing capacity of Ford Flex models and any other truck or SUV models.
Across all Ford Flex production years, there were only two engine types with the same displacement, 3.5L V6. The difference came in where one of these two used Ford’s EcoBoost technology. The 3.6L EcoBoost, on most occasions, didn’t need a trailer distribution hitch to achieve maximum towing weight. That alone gave it a slight edge above the other engine variant.
Axle Configuration
We only had two Axle Configurations on the Ford Flex over the years; the AWD and FWD. The 3.5L EcoBoost only came with the AWD, while the standard 3.5L EcoBoost could take either FWD or AWD.
Towing Packages
It’s a no-brainer that more outstanding towing capabilities can only be achieved when towing packages are installed. The Ford Flex engines needed extra towing packages, with the non-EcoBoost models requiring a trailer hitch for weight distribution.
Exceeding the towing capacity of your vehicle may pose serious dangers, especially to the engine. Therefore, you shouldn’t tow the maximum that your car can to minimize the chances of straining it. On the Ford Flex SUV, the maximum trailer weight is determined by several factors and measures. It would be best if you factored each one of them before you could decide on the weight to tow.
Some of the vital features to consider are the GAWR, GCWR, and GVWR. All these are found on a sticker located around your door jamb on the driver’s side. You also get other vital measurements like the maximum load weight and both the front and rear GAWR.
Conclusion
We can see that the overall 2009-2019 Ford Flex towing capacity is 2,000-4,500 pounds. That’s a pretty much reliable towing capacity, considering the SUV was not solely meant for towing capabilities. Several factors affect the towing of the Ford Flex, and you should consider should all before towing.
Always tow within the vehicle’s proposed weight limits, and avoid overworking the engine by pulling the maximum weights. Otherwise, if you have some light-work towing, then the Ford Flex has you covered. Happy Towing!
Bonus: Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity [2000 – 2021]
