What kind of gas does a Ford Mustang take?
The Mustang’s fuel needs vary by engine: EcoBoost models generally use regular 87-octane gasoline, while most GT and higher-performance variants require premium (91–93 octane) for best power. In short: regular for EcoBoost, premium for V8 and performance trims.
To help you fuel up correctly, this article explains how fuel requirements differ across common Mustang engines and trims, and what to check in your owner’s manual or on the fuel door label for your exact model year and market.
Fuel requirements by engine
Below is a quick guide to the typical fuel requirements for common Mustang engines. Always verify the fuel type on the vehicle's fuel door label or the owner's manual for your exact model year and market.
- 2.3L EcoBoost (turbocharged four-cylinder): Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is the minimum; higher-octane fuel (89–93) can be used and may improve performance in hot weather or when using performance modes, but 87 octane remains acceptable for everyday driving.
- 5.0L V8 GT and other high-compression variants: Premium unleaded gasoline (typically 91 octane or higher; commonly 93 octane in the US) is recommended to achieve peak performance and prevent knock; 87 octane can be used but may reduce power and efficiency.
- Mach 1 and Shelby variants (where applicable): Premium gasoline (usually 93 octane or higher) is required or strongly recommended due to higher output and tuning.
These guidelines reflect typical factory recommendations across recent model years, but models and markets differ. Always check the fuel door label and owner's manual for the exact requirement for your car.
Practical fueling guidance
Using the correct octane helps preserve engine performance and reliability. If you own a performance-oriented Mustang, plan to use premium fuel to maintain peak power, especially in hot weather or during aggressive driving. For EcoBoost models, regular 87-octane fuel is usually sufficient for daily driving.
What to do if you accidentally fill with the wrong fuel
Filling with a lower-octane fuel than recommended can reduce performance and efficiency and, in some cases, trigger knocking. If this happens, refuel with the correct octane as soon as possible and monitor engine performance. If you notice persistent knocking or reduced power, consult a dealer or a qualified mechanic.
Summary
In summary, Ford Mustangs equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine generally run on regular 87-octane gasoline, while GT and higher-performance variants typically require premium 91–93 octane for optimal performance. Always verify the exact fuel requirements for your exact model year and market by checking the owner's manual or the fuel door label.
