What kind of gas does a 2012 Ford Flex take?
A 2012 Ford Flex generally runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87.
Some Flex models from that era were designed as flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) and could also burn ethanol blends like E85, provided the car is FFV and labeled accordingly. Always check your owner’s manual or the fuel-filler door sticker to confirm compatibility.
Fuel options for the 2012 Ford Flex
Here is a concise guide to the gasoline types you might encounter in a 2012 Flex, including how to identify which options apply to your specific vehicle.
- Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is the standard recommendation for most 2012 Flex models that are not FFV.
- Flex Fuel capability (E85) is available if your Flex is an FFV. E85 can be used up to 85% ethanol where allowed by the vehicle label and manual.
- Premium gasoline (91–93 octane) is not required by the base engine in most 2012 Flex configurations. Using higher-octane fuel generally does not improve performance on these engines unless Ford specifies otherwise for a particular variant.
- Be mindful that ethanol blends like E85 have lower energy content and can reduce fuel economy compared with pure gasoline, so consider your driving needs when deciding what to use.
In practical terms, most owners should opt for regular 87-octane gasoline unless their specific vehicle is confirmed as FFV and you choose to use E85 according to the label and manual.
How to verify if your 2012 Flex is FFV
A quick check can confirm whether your vehicle can use E85. The steps below help you verify your model’s fuel capability.
- Inspect the fuel-filler door for a Flex Fuel or E85 label indicating compatibility.
- Consult the owner’s manual, looking under fuel or engine specifications for “FFV” or “Flex Fuel” designation.
- Review the original window sticker or dealer documentation for “Flex Fuel” capability.
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) or contact a Ford dealer with your VIN to confirm FFV status.
Not all 2012 Ford Flex models are FFV, so verification is important before using E85 or other ethanol blends.
Summary
The 2012 Ford Flex is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) in most configurations. Some FFV variants can also use E85 (up to 85% ethanol) if the label and manual permit it. Always verify your specific vehicle’s fuel capabilities by checking the fuel door label and the owner’s manual, and opt for 87 octane unless FFV confirmation and E85 usage are clearly indicated.
Can I put 87 in a flex fuel?
Yes, a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) can safely use 87 octane gasoline. In fact, FFVs are designed to run on a range of fuels, including regular 87-octane gasoline, E10, and E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol). The vehicle's computer will automatically detect the fuel type and adjust engine performance for optimal operation.
Key points
- Flexibility: An FFV can use any combination of gasoline and ethanol blends (up to 85% ethanol).
- Auto-adjustment: The car's sensors detect the fuel's ethanol content and adjust the engine's fuel injection and timing accordingly.
- Fuel options: You can use 87 octane gasoline, or you can use fuels with ethanol blends like E10, E15, or E85.
- What to avoid: Do not put diesel or regular leaded gasoline in a flex-fuel vehicle, as it can cause damage.
What kind of gas does the Ford Flex take?
A Ford Flex is a flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) and can use either regular unleaded gasoline or E85, a blend of up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. To confirm if your specific vehicle is flex-fuel, check for a yellow fuel cap or label, says Ford's service site.
Using E85
- Check for identifiers: Look for a yellow fuel cap or a "flex fuel" label on the fuel door, according to Ford's service site and Clay Maxey Ford Harrison.
- Flexibility: FFVs can run on regular gasoline, E85, or any combination of the two, says Chalmers Ford and Clay Maxey Ford Harrison. The vehicle's system automatically adjusts to the fuel blend.
- Fuel efficiency: While using E85 might be cheaper, your vehicle may get fewer miles per gallon compared to using gasoline, notes Kelley Blue Book.
Using regular unleaded gasoline
- Octane requirement: For most models, 87 octane regular unleaded gasoline is sufficient, as it won't damage the engine, states Clay Maxey Ford Harrison and Reddit users.
- E15 limitation: Prior to the 2013 model year, Ford models were limited to E10 (10% ethanol), but since 2013, they can use E15 (15% ethanol), says Ford's support site.
- Engine protection: Never use gasoline with metallic-based additives or methanol, and never use leaded fuel, notes Clay Maxey Ford Harrison.
What is the gas mileage on a 2012 Ford Flex?
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined with front-wheel drive. AWD drops those estimates to 16/22/18. Optional on the Flex Limited and Titanium is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (dubbed EcoBoost) that produces 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
What gas can you put in flex fuel?
A flex-fuel vehicle can use any blend of gasoline and ethanol, from regular unleaded (E0) to E85 (85% ethanol). You can mix these fuels in the tank, and the vehicle's sensor will automatically adjust to the blend being used.
Fuel types
- Unleaded gasoline: You can put regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher in the vehicle.
- E85: This is a gasoline-ethanol blend that can contain between 51% and 83% ethanol. E85 is often labeled as "flex fuel".
- Blends: You can mix gasoline and E85 in the same tank without any risk of damage. The vehicle's sensors will detect the blend and adjust the engine's performance accordingly.
What to know
- The vehicle's fuel system is designed to handle either fuel type.
- Using higher ethanol blends like E85 may result in lower fuel economy compared to gasoline.
- Always check your owner's manual for specific fuel recommendations and requirements.
- Some stations may also have other blends, such as E15 or E25, and many modern vehicles can use E15.
