What kind of gas does a Ford 6.2 take?
It runs on regular unleaded gasoline (gasoline-only) with a minimum octane of 87; it is not a diesel or flex-fuel engine.
This article explains the fuel type and octane requirements for Ford’s 6.2-liter V8, including ethanol compatibility and practical fueling tips for various model years and trims.
Fuel type and octane basics
Ethanol compatibility
The 6.2L V8 is a gasoline engine. In the United States, most gasoline contains up to 10% ethanol (E10). The engine is not a dedicated flex-fuel design, and high-ethanol blends such as E15 or E85 are not recommended unless explicitly approved in your owner's manual.
Octane and performance
The standard minimum octane is 87 (regular unleaded). Using higher octane (89–93) is optional and may be beneficial in towing or hot conditions, but it typically does not add power unless the engine is tuned for higher compression.
Note: Always check the model-year manual or the fuel door label for the exact recommendation, as it can vary by market or trim.
- Gasoline only: The engine is designed for gasoline and is not a diesel or alternate-fuel engine.
- Ethanol content: In the U.S., fuel commonly contains up to 10% ethanol (E10); avoid high-ethanol blends like E15 or E85 unless the manual approves them.
- Minimum octane: 87 octane; higher octane is optional and may be used for certain conditions, but not required for normal operation.
- Fuel quality: Use reputable brands and avoid contaminated fuels to protect the fuel system and engine.
Key fuel characteristics at a glance:
Always verify with the owner's manual for your specific year and trim, as recommendations can vary.
Practical fueling guidance
Before diving into day-to-day fueling, here is a concise guide to help you make informed choices about how you fuel a Ford 6.2.
- Follow the octane guidance in your manual; 87 octane is typically the baseline.
- For towing, heavy loads, or certain climates, higher octane may be suggested by your manual or dealer, though it is not universally required.
- Stick to gasoline unless the manual explicitly states compatibility with other fuels; E85 and other blends are generally not supported.
- Choose reputable fuel brands and consider top-tier options if available to maintain fuel-system cleanliness.
Key considerations for everyday fueling:
Adhering to these practices helps maintain performance, efficiency, and the long-term health of the 6.2L V8.
Summary
The Ford 6.2-liter V8 uses gasoline, not diesel or flex-fuel, with a minimum recommended octane of 87. Ethanol content is typically limited to standard E10 in the U.S., and higher-ethanol blends are not generally approved unless specified in the owner's manual. Always consult the manual or the fuel door label for model-year-specific guidance.
