How many miles per gallon does a 2009 Ford Flex get?
The 2009 Ford Flex’s fuel economy depends on drivetrain and fuel type. In gasoline form, front-wheel-drive models typically achieve about 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 on the highway (about 19 mpg combined). All-wheel-drive versions usually show around 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway (roughly 19 mpg combined). Flex models equipped to run on E85 Flex Fuel can see notably lower mpg. These figures are EPA estimates and real-world mileage varies with driving style, terrain and load.
EPA ratings by drivetrain
The following are official EPA estimates for the 2009 Flex when using gasoline, broken out by drivetrain.
- Front-Wheel Drive (gasoline): 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway; 19 mpg combined
- All-Wheel Drive (gasoline): 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway; 19 mpg combined
Note that actual mileage varies with load, terrain and driving habits. The numbers reflect standard testing conditions and may differ from your day-to-day experience.
What affects mpg in the 2009 Flex
Several variables influence real-world fuel economy for the Flex. The following factors commonly push mileage up or down.
- Driving style (aggressive acceleration and hard braking reduce mpg)
- Terrain and traffic conditions (hills and stop-and-go driving lower efficiency)
- Vehicle payload and towing (more weight lowers mpg)
- Tire type, condition and inflation (underinflated or low-rolling-resistance tires affect efficiency)
- Air conditioning use (extended A/C operation can reduce mpg in warm weather)
- Drivetrain choice (FWD vs. AWD) and mechanical condition
In practice, following good maintenance and conservative driving can help you approach the EPA estimates, while heavy loads or urban commuting can reduce them.
Engine and drivetrain options
3.5-liter V6 (gasoline)
Most 2009 Flex models used a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 delivering around 262 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup is the baseline for the gasoline EPA ratings listed above and represents the standard powertrain for the 2009 model year.
3.5-liter V6 with Flex Fuel (FFV) option
Some 2009 Flex models offered Flex Fuel capability to run on E85 (85% ethanol). Using E85 typically lowers mpg compared with regular gasoline, with energy content differences leading to noticeably reduced efficiency. For precise E85 figures, consult the EPA labels on your specific vehicle and remember that real-world results will vary with driving conditions and the ethanol content used.
Tips to maximize mpg
Coupling the right driving habits with prudent maintenance can help maximize fuel economy in a 2009 Flex.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressures.
- Limit roof racks and heavy cargo when not needed.
- Drive smoothly, anticipate stops, and use cruise control on highways.
- Avoid prolonged idling; turn the engine off when parked for extended periods.
- Follow scheduled maintenance (air filters, oil changes, spark plugs) to maintain engine efficiency.
Adopting these practices may bring you closer to EPA estimates, though results will vary by conditions and vehicle configuration.
Summary
The 2009 Ford Flex’s mpg depends on drivetrain and fuel choice. Gasoline-powered FWD models typically achieve about 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (roughly 19 mpg combined), while AWD versions run about 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (also around 19 mpg combined). Flex Fuel E85 can substantially reduce mpg. Real-world mileage will vary with driving style, load, and conditions, so use the EPA figures as a baseline and adjust expectations accordingly.
