Can you put regular gas in a Ford Bronco?
Yes. Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable for most Ford Bronco models in normal daily use.
Across the Bronco lineup sold in the United States, Ford generally specifies regular 87-octane fuel as the baseline requirement for both the 2.3L EcoBoost I4 and the 2.7L EcoBoost V6. You can use higher-octane fuels if you wish, and in some situations they may offer marginal performance benefits, but they are not required for standard operation. Always check your specific year and engine in the owner’s manual, and note that fuel requirements can vary by market.
Understanding octane and why it matters
Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking, which is premature detonation that can harm engines. Modern engines use knock sensors and electronic timing to adapt to the fuel you put in, so 87-octane regular gas is typically adequate for the Bronco. Turbocharged EcoBoost engines can tolerate regular gasoline, with premium fuel available for those who want to maximize performance under demanding conditions.
Bronco engines and octane recommendations
For the U.S. market, the two most common Bronco powertrains and their octane guidance are outlined below. Always verify with your exact model/year in the owner’s manual.
Engine-specific notes
- 2.3L EcoBoost I4: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is the minimum recommended fuel; higher-octane fuels are optional and may be used.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is the minimum recommended fuel; using premium (higher octane) is optional and may provide a performance benefit in certain driving conditions.
In everyday driving, regular 87-octane fuel is typically sufficient for both engines. Premium fuel is not required for normal use, though it can be chosen for potential performance gains in hot climates, heavy towing, or sustained high-load driving.
Practical fueling tips for Bronco owners
To ensure you fuel appropriately and get reliable performance, consider these guidelines:
- Follow the octane recommendation shown in your specific owner’s manual for your year and engine.
- Be aware that most U.S. gasoline is E10 (up to 10% ethanol). The Bronco is not a flex-fuel vehicle unless your market/version is specified as such.
- For typical daily driving, regular 87 octane is fine; reserve higher-octane fuel for situations that may benefit from additional knock resistance or peak performance demands.
If you’re unsure about your exact model, engine, or regional fuel standards, consult a Ford dealer or the official Bronco owner resources for your year and market.
Summary
What fuel does Ford recommend?
Ford recommends regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) for most vehicles, but check your owner's manual for specific requirements, as some high-performance models recommend premium fuel for optimal performance. It is crucial to use the fuel recommended in your owner's manual to avoid engine damage, which may not be covered by warranty. For Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), Ford recommends unleaded gasoline or E85 if the yellow fuel cap indicates it's safe.
General recommendations
- Regular unleaded: Most Ford vehicles are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 87 or higher.
- Premium unleaded: Some high-performance models or certain conditions, like towing, may recommend premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for best performance. Using premium in a vehicle that doesn't require it will not improve performance or efficiency.
- Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs): If your vehicle is a Flex Fuel model, identified by a yellow fuel cap or bezel, it can run on E85 (gasoline blended with 51-83% ethanol) or regular unleaded gasoline.
Important considerations
- Consult your owner's manual: Always check your specific vehicle's owner's manual for the exact fuel requirements, as this is the most accurate source of information. You can usually find it under the "Fuel and Refueling" section.
- Avoid lower octane fuels: Do not use fuels with an octane rating below what is recommended, as this can cause engine damage.
- Do not use additives: Ford advises against using aftermarket fuel additives, as modern fuels already contain sufficient cleaning additives.
- Use unleaded fuel only: Never use leaded fuel. Also, avoid fuels that contain more than 15% ethanol, methanol, or metallic additives like MMT.
Is Ford Bronco gasoline or diesel?
Ford launched the Bronco in May 2024. At launch, the Bronco came in one variant, the Bronco Outer Banks with Sasquatch Package. This variant comes with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission putting out 330 hp and 550 Nm of torque.
What happens if I put 87 instead of 91?
If you put 87 octane instead of 91 in a car that requires it, your modern engine's computer will likely adjust timing to prevent damage, but you may experience reduced performance and fuel efficiency. For a one-time mistake, drive gently and fill up with 91 octane the next time to dilute the fuel. However, consistently using lower-octane fuel in a high-compression or performance engine can lead to engine knocking and potential damage.
What to expect in the short term
- Reduced performance: You may notice less acceleration and overall power.
- Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling noise that can occur when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder.
- Decreased fuel economy: Your car may use more fuel to go the same distance.
How to mitigate the effects
- Avoid hard acceleration: Drive gently, especially at high speeds or when climbing hills, to minimize the risk of engine knocking.
- Fill up with 91 octane: When your fuel tank is low, fill it up with 91 octane to mix with the remaining 87 octane fuel. This will dilute the lower-octane fuel and raise the overall rating.
- Check your owner's manual: The manual will specify if 91 octane is a requirement or simply a recommendation.
- Be cautious with performance vehicles: Cars with turbochargers or high-compression engines are more susceptible to damage from lower-octane fuel, so it is especially important to avoid aggressive driving.
Do broncos take regular gas?
Premium Fuel. The selection of Ford Bronco engine options is versatile, allowing you to choose between regular and premium fuel.
