The Flex was in Ford’s lineup as a full-size crossover SUV from 2009 to 2019. Ford vehicles are known for their reliability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex has a towing capacity of 2,000 to 4,500 pounds depending on the model year and if a tow package was installed at the factory.
There’s a bit more to know about Ford Flex towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2019 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2019 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs when properly equipped with a tow package.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| SE | 4,500 lbs | V6 | 287 hp | 254 lb.-ft |
| SEL | 3,500 lbs | V6 | 287 hp | 254 lb.-ft |
| Limited | 3,500 lbs | V6 EcoBoost | 365 hp | 350 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Ford Flex being put to a real-world trailer towing test:
Ford Flex Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Ford Flex Braked Towing Capacity: 4,500 lbs.
Ford Flex Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Ford Flex Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Ford Flex tow capacity.
Engine Options
The engine options for Ford Flex haven’t changed a whole lot throughout it’s lifetime, and they also didn’t make a significant difference in the towing capability compared to other factors.
Factory-Installed Towing Options
The biggest factor in how much a Flex can tow is whether the factory-installed Ford towing package is selected.
Trim Level
Ford makes each one of the Flex’s trim levels a little different, and some may have access to certain engine specs or axle ratios that aren’t offered on others.
Even so, the towing capacity of your Flex may vary a bit even within the same trim level based on the other factors we mentioned above.
Wheel & Tire Size
Some of the earlier model years’ Flex towing capabilities could be significantly reduced depending on what tire and wheel size the Flex had installed on it.
Ford Flex Engine Specs
The current generation of the Ford Flex has three engine options.
3.5 Liter V6 Engine (998)
The most common Ford Flex engine is the 3.5 Liter V6 engine, code 998.
This engine produces 287 hp and 254 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 Engine (99T)
The second Ford Flex engine is the 3.5 Liter Twin-Turbo (EcoBoost) V6 engine, code 99T.
This engine produces 365 hp and 350 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Ford Flex Tow Package Info
Does The Ford Flex Have A Tow Package?
The towing package for Ford Flex is called the Trailer Towing Package (53G).
The Ford Flex trailer towing package 53G includes the following:
- Class III tow hitch receiver
- 4 and 7-pin Wiring Harness
- Trailer Sway Control
- Engine Oil Cooler (not included with EcoBoost engine)
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Ford Flex?
If you plan on towing anything with your Ford Flex, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Ford Flex Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Ford Flex uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Ford Flex trailer hitch:
- CUSTOM DESIGNS: Draw-Tite Class 3 trailer hitch tow packages are custom built according to manufacturer specifications to ensure a perfect fit.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH: Made of solid, all-welded steel for maximum strength and safety, each hitch is put through rigorous fatigue and stress testing to withstand road abuse. Protected by a two-part black powder coat finish to resist rust and corrosion.
- TESTED: Draw-Tite tow hitch receivers are tested to meet and exceed V-5 and SAE J684 standards.
- CAPACITY: Tow hitch package rated for up to 4,000 lbs. GTW and up to 400 lbs. TW. Also suitable for use with Weight Distribution systems of up to 4,000 lbs. WD and 400 lbs. WDTW.
- VEHICLE FIT: 2009-2019 Ford Flex, 2010-2019 Lincoln MKT.
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Flex:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Ford Flex Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Flex, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Ford Flex trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With A Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Ford Flex Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Flex to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Flex.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2018 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2018 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs with the class III trailer tow package (53G) installed.
The 2018 Ford Flex with 3.5L V6 engine can pull 4,500 pounds as long as you have the class III trailer towing package installed.
The 2018 Ford Flex with 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine can pull 4,500 pounds as long as you use a weight distribution hitch and have the class III trailer towing package installed.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Towing Package Installed |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | 3.5L V6 | Yes |
| All (Requires Weight Distribution Hitch) | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | 3.5L V6 (with EcoBoost) | Yes |
2017 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2017 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs with the class III trailer tow package (53G) installed.
The 2017 Ford Flex with 3.5L V6 engine can pull 4,500 pounds as long as you have the class III trailer towing package installed.
The 2017 Ford Flex with 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine can pull 4,500 pounds as long as you use a weight distribution hitch and have the class III trailer towing package installed.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Towing Package Installed |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | 3.5L V6 | Yes |
| All (Requires Weight Distribution Hitch) | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | 3.5L V6 (with EcoBoost) | Yes |
2016 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2016 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs with the class III trailer tow package (53G) installed.
The 2016 Ford Flex with 3.5L V6 engine can pull 4,500 pounds as long as you have the class III trailer towing package installed.
The 2016 Ford Flex with 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine can pull 4,500 pounds as long as you use a weight distribution hitch and have the class III trailer towing package installed.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Towing Package Installed |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | 3.5L V6 | Yes |
| All (Requires Weight Distribution Hitch) | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | 3.5L V6 (with EcoBoost) | Yes |
2015 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2015 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs with the class III trailer tow package (53G) installed.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Towing Package Installed |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All | Yes |
2014 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2014 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs with the class III trailer tow package (53G) installed.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Trailer Towing Package Installed |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All | Yes |
2013 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2013 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All |
2012 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2012 Ford Flex can tow a maximum of 4,500 lbs.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All |
2011 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2011 Ford Flex can tow between 2,000 lbs and 4,500 lbs depending on your tire and wheel size.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Tire/Wheel Size |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All | 22” |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All | All Others |
2010 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2010 Ford Flex can tow between 2,000 lbs and 4,500 lbs depending on your tire and wheel size.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Tire/Wheel Size |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All | 22” |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All | All Others |
2009 Ford Flex Towing Capacity
The 2009 Ford Flex can tow between 2,000 lbs and 4,500 lbs depending on your tire and wheel size.
| Ford Flex Trim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Tire/Wheel Size |
| All | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg | All | 22” |
| All | 4,500 lbs / 2,041 kg | All | All Others |