What type of fuel does a Ford Flex take?
Most Ford Flex models take regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Some FFV variants can also use E85 ethanol, but you should verify the exact capability for your vehicle.
Ford's midsize crossover was produced from 2009 through 2019, and its fuel requirements vary slightly by year and trim. This article explains the standard gasoline needs, how to confirm your specific model’s capabilities, and what to consider if you’re buying or maintaining a Ford Flex.
Standard fuel requirements for most Ford Flex models
Here's the core guidance most owners will rely on for daily fueling. The following list highlights the typical assumptions and where to check for confirmation.
- Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 is the minimum requirement.
- Premium gasoline (91–93 octane) is not required for the standard Flex engine and typically does not provide a meaningful performance boost.
- Always verify the exact specification on the fuel door sticker and in the owner's manual, as there can be year-to-year differences.
Conclusion: For everyday driving, using 87-octane gasoline is usually sufficient and cost-effective. Higher-octane fuel should only be used if specifically recommended by Ford for your exact engine configuration.
E85 compatibility and the Flex Fuel option
Some Ford Flex models were offered as FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) and can operate on E85 (up to 85% ethanol) in addition to regular gasoline. Whether your vehicle supports E85 depends on the year, trim, and factory options.
- FFV capability depends on the model year and trim; not every Flex is equipped to run E85.
- If your Flex is FFV, you may use E85, gasoline, or any blend up to E85; performance and fuel economy can vary with ethanol content.
- If your vehicle is not FFV, do not use E85; gasoline (87 octane minimum) should be used.
Conclusion: Confirm FFV status before using E85. If in doubt, consult the owner's manual, the fuel door label, or your Ford dealer to verify supported fuels for your exact VIN.
How to confirm fuel compatibility for your Ford Flex
- Check the fuel door or fuel cap label for the recommended fuel type and octane rating.
- Read the 'Fuel' section of the owner's manual for allowed fuels and octane requirements.
- Contact a Ford dealer or use official Ford VIN tools to determine FFV status and fuel compatibility for your vehicle.
Conclusion: Accurate fuel compatibility helps protect engine performance and longevity, especially if you own a Flex Fuel Vehicle.
Summary
In short, the Ford Flex generally takes regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Some years and trims offered FFV capability, allowing E85 use, but you must verify your exact vehicle’s capabilities. Always rely on the fuel door label and the owner's manual, or consult a dealer to be sure.
What happens if you put 87 in a flex fuel car?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to use 87 octane gasoline in a flex fuel vehicle (FFV). Flex fuel vehicles are designed to run on any combination of gasoline and ethanol, up to a maximum of 85% ethanol (E-85), and the vehicle's sensors automatically adjust for the fuel mixture. You will not cause damage to the vehicle by using 87 octane gasoline, but you can expect the vehicle to perform normally without any issues.
- Automatic adjustments: FFVs are equipped with sensors that detect the ethanol content in the fuel and automatically adjust the engine's timing and fuel injection for optimal performance.
- Normal operation: Using 87 octane gasoline will result in normal vehicle operation. The vehicle does not require a higher octane fuel to function correctly unless the vehicle's manufacturer specifies a minimum requirement for gasoline-only use.
- No harm: Unlike using E-85 in a non-flex fuel vehicle which can cause damage, using regular gasoline in a flex fuel vehicle is safe and will not damage the engine or fuel system.
- Fuel type: You can use any octane level of standard gasoline (87, 89, or 91) in a flex fuel vehicle.
What kind of gas does the Ford Flex take?
Use only UNLEADED gasoline or UNLEADED gasoline blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol (E-85) in your Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV).
What kind of gas do 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.
Can you put regular gas in a flex car?
Can You Use Regular Gas in a Flex-Fuel Vehicle? One benefit of flex-fuel vehicles is that they are also compatible with regular gasoline. FFV engines have sensors that detect the gasoline-ethanol ratio in the fuel and make adjustments for optimal performance.
