What type of transmission does a Ford Flex have?
The Ford Flex uses a six-speed automatic transmission, paired with its V6 engines; there is no manual transmission option.
Launched in 2009 as Ford’s three-row crossover, the Flex offered two V6 engine choices and a single, electronically controlled automatic transmission. This setup has characterized every model year in the production run, with modern versions incorporating a manual-shift mode for more control when desired.
Transmission basics
Below is a concise overview of how the transmission is configured across Flex models.
- The transmission is a six-speed automatic (Ford 6F-series family).
- It supports front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations depending on trim and year.
- It includes a manual shift option known as SelectShift, allowing the driver to manually select gears without a clutch.
- Both main engine options—the 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6—are paired with this six-speed automatic.
- There is no factory-installed manual transmission option for the Ford Flex.
In summary, the Flex relies on a six-speed automatic transmission with optional SelectShift, compatible with FWD or AWD layouts, and tied to its two V6 engines.
Engine options and transmission pairings
3.5L Ti-VCT V6
The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 is paired with the six-speed automatic transmission, with available all-wheel drive depending on the model year and trim. It uses Ford's automatic transmission control to deliver smooth shifting and predictable performance.
3.5L EcoBoost V6
The EcoBoost version of the 3.5-liter V6 also uses the six-speed automatic transmission, often accompanied by all-wheel drive on higher trims. This engine pairing emphasizes a balance of power and efficiency, managed through the same 6-speed automatic family.
Note: Some model years offered updated electronics or shifting modes, but the fundamental transmission type remained a six-speed automatic across Flex trims.
Summary
The Ford Flex uses a robust six-speed automatic transmission with a selectable manual shift mode (SelectShift), available in both FWD and AWD configurations, and matched to the Flex's V6 engine options. There is no manual transmission option for this model.
