What fuel does a Ford use?
Ford vehicles use a mix of fuels depending on the model and market: gasoline is the default fuel for most models; diesel is available on select trucks; hybrids and plug‑in hybrids blend gasoline with electricity; and there are fully electric models that run on electricity.
Overview of Ford's current fuel options
The following categories cover the primary fuel types you’ll encounter across Ford’s lineup today. Availability can vary by country, trim, and model year.
Gasoline-powered vehicles
Most Ford passenger cars and utility vehicles rely on gasoline engines. They power a broad range of popular models globally, from sport coupes to family SUVs.
- Mustang (gasoline-powered variants)
- Escape (gasoline-powered variants)
- Explorer, Expedition, Bronco, Edge (gasoline-powered variants)
Gasoline remains the default fuel for a large share of Ford’s current lineup, especially in regions with established gasoline infrastructure.
Diesel-powered vehicles
Diesel options exist for selected Ford trucks and heavy‑duty applications, offering high torque and efficient highway cruising for towing and hauling.
- F-150 with 3.0L Power Stroke turbo diesel
- Super Duty lineup (F-250/350/450) with 6.7L Power Stroke diesel
Diesel power is most common in commercial and heavy‑duty contexts, with limited use in consumer SUVs and crossovers depending on the market.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models
Ford combines internal combustion with electric propulsion in several hybrid configurations, and some models offer plug-in capability for extended electric driving.
- Escape Hybrid (gasoline-electric)
- F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid (gasoline-electric)
- Maverick Hybrid (gasoline-electric)
- Escape Plug-In Hybrid (gasoline-electric with larger battery and EV range)
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options provide a middle ground between traditional gas engines and full electrification, with regional availability varying by market and year.
Fully electric models
Ford is expanding its all‑electric offerings, delivering battery‑electric performance and zero tailpipe emissions in several models.
- Mustang Mach-E (fully electric)
- F-150 Lightning (fully electric)
- E-Transit (fully electric van)
Electric models are central to Ford’s electrification strategy, with varying battery options, range estimates, and charging compatibility across regions.
Notes on market differences
Fuel options vary by country, model year, and regulatory environment. Some markets emphasize diesel for commercial use, while others prioritize electrification or plug-in hybrids. Always verify the exact fuel type and charging capabilities for a given vehicle configuration.
Summary
In short, Ford’s lineup spans gasoline-only engines, diesel options for certain trucks, hybrids and plug‑in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. The best choice depends on your needs—whether you prioritize refueling convenience, towing capability, fuel efficiency, or zero-emission driving—and on the specific market where the vehicle is sold.
Does Ford use gasoline?
If you drive a new Ford truck, car or SUV, regular unleaded gasoline should work fine for your vehicle. However, it's always important to read your Ford owner's manual for recommended fuel information.
Should you use 87 or 89 gas?
No, 89 octane gas is not inherently better than 87, but it can be necessary for certain vehicles. For most cars, using 89 octane instead of 87 will not provide benefits like increased power or efficiency and is simply a more expensive choice. However, some engines are designed to require a higher octane level (like 89 or 91) to prevent knocking and damage, especially if they have a turbocharger or higher compression ratio. You should always use the octane level recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
When 89 octane may be needed
- Your car's manufacturer recommends it in the owner's manual.
- Your engine has a turbocharger or supercharger.
- Your engine has a high compression ratio.
- You hear your engine "knocking" or "pinging" when using 87 octane gas.
When 89 octane is not necessary
- Your car is designed for 87 octane fuel and doesn't have a high-performance engine.
- Using 89 octane won't make your car faster or more efficient than the recommended 87.
- You will simply be paying more for no added benefit.
What kind of gas does a Ford take?
regular unleaded gasoline
The Ford Ecoboost is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87, but it recommends premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher for best overall vehicle and engine performance.
What fuel does an F-150 use?
regular unleaded gasoline
"Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or regular unleaded gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E85). Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87.
