Does a Dodge Durango take E85?
In most cases, a Dodge Durango does not take E85, because Durango models are not flex-fuel vehicles. To know for sure, check the door label, the owner's manual, or consult a dealer for your exact model year and trim.
Understanding E85 and what it means for the Durango
E85 is a gasoline-ethanol blend that can contain up to 85% ethanol. Vehicles labeled as flex-fuel (FFV) are designed to run on gasoline, E85, or any blend of the two. If a Durango is not FFV, using E85 can lead to suboptimal performance and potential drivetrain concerns, and the vehicle may not be calibrated to handle high ethanol content. In recent years, Dodge has not broadly marketed the Durango as an FFV, and many Durango models operate on regular gasoline or gasoline with a small ethanol percentage (commonly E10) as standard fuel. Always rely on the vehicle’s documentation and labeling to guide fueling choices.
How to verify if your Durango can use E85
To determine your specific Durango’s fuel compatibility, check these indicators:
- Door jamb label: Look for a "Flex Fuel" or "E85 capable" designation on the fuel door sticker.
- Owner’s manual or official brochure: See if the manual lists FFV capability or E85 compatibility for your engine/transmission combo.
- VIN lookup with a dealer or Stellantis/Chrysler service portal: Confirm whether your exact build is FFV.
- Fuel filler info: If the pump label or fuel-cap area indicates E85 compatibility, that’s a positive sign for FFV status.
If your Durango is not FFV, do not use E85. Stick to the recommended fuel grade specified in the manual (typically 87 octane gasoline, with allowances for higher-octane options as noted by the manufacturer). If you do have an FFV Durango, you can use E85, but be prepared for possible changes in fuel economy and performance due to ethanol’s different energy content and engine calibration. Always refuel according to the vehicle’s official guidance.
Bottom line for potential Durango E85 usage
In practice, most Dodge Durango models are not designed to run on E85. The key step is to confirm whether your exact vehicle is FFV-enabled. If not, E85 should be avoided. If yes, you may fuel with E85, understanding there could be fuel economy and performance trade-offs.
Summary
The Dodge Durango’s ability to use E85 depends on whether the specific vehicle is a flex-fuel vehicle. Most modern Durangos are not FFV, so E85 is generally not a recommended option. Verify FFV status via the door sticker, owner’s manual, or a dealer VIN check. If FFV, E85 is possible with potential differences in economy and power; if not FFV, use the fuel specified by the manufacturer.
Can a Dodge Durango use E85?
The patented ProFlex™ Commander adaptive flex fuel system for 2010-present Dodge Durango with 3.6L Pentastar V6 allows you to start making more power and running cooler with E85. True plug and play flex-fuel for your V6 Durango in about an hour with no tuning required.
What type of gas does a Dodge Durango take?
The type of gas a Dodge Durango takes depends on the engine: most models with a V6 engine run on regular unleaded (87 octane), while models with the 5.7L V8 engine are recommended to use mid-grade (89 octane), though regular will work. The high-performance 6.2L supercharged V8 (SRT) engine requires premium unleaded (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance.
Engine-specific recommendations
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane).
- 5.7L HEMI V8: The recommended fuel is mid-grade unleaded (89 octane), but regular unleaded (87 octane) is an acceptable alternative, as explained by Capital One and Hendrick Dodge Cary.
- 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (SRT): Use premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane) or higher, as it is required for performance and to prevent engine damage, according to Hendrick Dodge Cary.
Important to know
- Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate information specific to your vehicle.
- If your vehicle is designed for higher octane fuel, using 87 octane will not necessarily damage the engine but may lead to a decrease in performance.
What is flex fuel durango?
A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) or dual-fuel vehicle (colloquially called a flex-fuel vehicle) is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank.
Which vehicles can use E85 gas?
Examples of vehicles often found on an E85 flex-fuel used cars list include:
- Trucks: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra.
- SUVs and Crossovers: Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Cherokee.
- Sedans and Minivans: Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan.
- Luxury options: Jaguar XJ, Land Rover Range Rover.
