Do any Ford vehicles require premium gas?
Yes. A number of Ford’s most performance‑oriented models require or strongly recommend premium gasoline (typically 93 octane) to achieve their advertised power, while the majority of Ford’s everyday vehicles run on regular 87-octane gas.
What premium gas means for Ford engines
Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking under compression. High‑performance Ford engines—especially turbocharged or supercharged units and race‑inspired designs—need higher‑octane fuel to maintain peak power and prevent knocking. Ford communicates fuel requirements in owner manuals, on fuel door labels, and in product sheets for specific models and trims.
Models that explicitly require premium fuel for peak performance
These Ford models’ official documentation specifies premium gasoline (93 octane) as necessary to reach published horsepower and performance figures. Using regular gasoline can still run the vehicle but will typically reduce power and performance.
- Focus RS (2016–2018): Premium unleaded gasoline, 93 octane, is required for maximum performance.
- Shelby Mustang GT500 (2020–present): Premium gasoline, 93 octane, is required for peak horsepower and performance levels.
- Ford GT (specialized high‑performance supercar): Premium gasoline, 93 octane, is required for its high‑output engine.
If you own one of these models, plan to use premium fuel to ensure you’re getting the performance Ford advertises. Always verify with your exact model year and trim in the owner’s manual.
Models where premium fuel is recommended but not strictly required
Many Ford vehicles with turbocharged or high‑output engines can run on regular 87 octane, but Ford notes that premium fuel can provide the best performance, throttle response, and efficiency in certain conditions. The exact requirement varies by engine and year; consult the owner’s manual for your specific configuration.
- Various high‑performance trims and turbocharged engines across the lineup may list premium as recommended for maximum power, even if they can operate on regular fuel.
- Other performance‑oriented variants of Ford’s mainstream models may advise premium to sustain peak output, particularly in hot-weather or high‑load driving.
In short, if you’re chasing the full power and performance Ford designed into a vehicle, premium fuel is often the safer bet. For daily commuting, regular gas remains suitable for most models.
How to confirm your specific Ford model’s fuel requirement
To be sure your car uses the correct gasoline, check:
- The owner’s manual section on Fuel Requirements or Powertrain Specifications.
- The fuel door label, which usually lists octane requirements.
- Ford’s official product pages or your dealership for model‑year specifics and trim details.
Using the recommended octane ensures you get the engine’s intended performance and protection. If you use a lower octane than specified, you may experience reduced power, knocking, or timing adjustments that limit performance.
Bottom line and practical guidance
Yes, some Ford vehicles require premium gas—most notably the Focus RS, Shelby GT500, and Ford GT—for peak performance. The vast majority of Ford’s everyday models run on regular 87 octane, though premium may be recommended for certain engines or driving conditions. Always verify the exact fuel requirement for your year and trim.
Summary
In summary, premium gasoline is necessary for Ford’s top‑tier performance models to achieve their advertised power, while most Ford vehicles run on regular gas. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or your dealer to confirm the octane requirement for your specific vehicle. This ensures you get the intended performance and engine protection Ford designed into the model.
