What year did the Ford Flex get the EcoBoost?
The Ford Flex gained its EcoBoost option in the 2013 model year.
To understand what that means, the Ford Flex—a three-row crossover produced from 2009 to 2019—originally offered a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter Duratec V6. Ford introduced the EcoBoost version as part of a mid-cycle refresh to deliver stronger performance while aiming to preserve fuel efficiency. This move aligned the Flex with Ford’s broader EcoBoost strategy across its lineup.
Context: The Flex and Ford’s EcoBoost strategy
The Flex was built to seat families and cargo with a focus on practicality and comfort. EcoBoost engines, which use turbocharging and direct injection to extract more power from smaller displacement, were rolled out across Ford models starting in the early 2010s. For the Flex, adopting EcoBoost meant a move from the older Duratec V6 to a turbocharged option that could improve acceleration and towing capability without a dramatic hit to efficiency on highway runs.
Year of introduction and what changed
In 2013, Ford added the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 to the Flex lineup. This engine replaced or stood alongside the older Duratec powerplant in various trims, delivering enhanced horsepower and torque. The EcoBoost option was commonly paired with all-wheel drive on higher trims, reflecting Ford’s goal of combining practicality with stronger performance for a larger crossover.
Impact on buyers and daily driving
For buyers, the EcoBoost edition offered quicker acceleration and improved performance in overtaking and merging, particularly when the Flex was loaded with passengers or cargo. Fuel economy benefits depended on configuration and driving style, but the turbocharged setup was marketed as a balance of power and efficiency relative to the older naturally aspirated engine.
What happened in the later years
From 2013 through the end of the Flex’s production run in 2019, the EcoBoost option remained part of the lineup in various configurations. Ford continued to offer it as the performance-oriented alternative to the Duratec V6, with ongoing refinements and trim-level variations over the years.
Summary
The Ford Flex first offered the EcoBoost engine in the 2013 model year, introducing the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 as an available option to boost power while maintaining efficiency. The EcoBoost variant continued to be available in subsequent model years until the Flex’s discontinuation in 2019.
