What type of gas does an Expedition take?
A Ford Expedition runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. In most cases, 87 octane is sufficient, while higher-octane fuels are optional depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.
The question covers not just octane levels but also whether some Expeditions can use alternative fuels. Across generations, Ford has kept the baseline simple: use regular 87-octane gasoline or higher, and consult the owner's manual or the fuel-fill door placard for your exact model year’s guidance.
Minimum octane and fuel options
Here is a quick guide to octane levels and what they mean for an Expedition:
- 87 AKI (regular unleaded): This is the standard minimum for most Expeditions. It is widely available and cost-effective.
- 89–93 AKI (mid-grade to premium): Higher-octane fuels can be used if desired, but they are not required by most engines. They may offer theoretical benefits in certain conditions, such as hot weather or towing, but Ford does not require them for normal operation.
- Flex Fuel/E85 (if equipped): Some Expeditions are Flex Fuel capable and can use E85 (ethanol blend) in addition to gasoline. If your vehicle is Flex Fuel capable, the fuel door placard or owner's manual will indicate this.
Always verify the exact fuel requirement for your specific Expedition by checking the owner's manual or the fuel-filler door placard for your model year and trim.
Flex-Fuel capability and fueling tips
For drivers of Flex Fuel-capable Expeditions, awareness of fuel options and their impact is important. If your model is Flex Fuel capable, you can use E85 where available, but you should consider fuel economy and performance trade-offs since ethanol blends typically have lower energy content than pure gasoline.
E85 and ethanol blends: what to know
Ethanol blends like E85 are approved for Flex Fuel vehicles, but availability and performance can vary by region and season. When using E85, expect changes in fuel economy and possible adjustments in driving feel. Always follow the labeling on the vehicle and refer to the manual for guidance.
To ensure you’re fueling correctly, follow these quick tips:
- Check the fuel-filler door placard or the owner's manual for the exact octane requirement and whether the vehicle is Flex Fuel capable.
- Avoid using diesel or gasoline not approved for gasoline engines. Use only the fuel type specified for your Expedition.
- If you frequently tow heavy loads or drive in extreme conditions, you may consider higher-octane gasoline, but it is optional and not required for normal operation.
These checks help prevent fuel-related issues and ensure your Expedition runs smoothly under a variety of conditions.
Summary
The Ford Expedition generally uses regular unleaded gasoline with an 87 AKI rating or higher. Higher-octane fuels are optional and not required for everyday driving. Some Expeditions are Flex Fuel capable and can use E85 where available. Always verify the exact fuel requirements for your year and trim via the owner's manual or the fuel-door placard, and tailor your fueling choices to your driving needs.
Do Ford Expeditions need premium gas?
No, a Ford Expedition does not require premium gas, as it is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. However, using premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is recommended for optimal performance, especially when towing or driving in hot weather, and is required to achieve the vehicle's maximum horsepower and torque ratings, say Cars.com, Ford, and Reddit users, Facebook users.
- Regular gasoline (878787 octane): This is the minimum requirement and will work fine for normal driving without causing engine damage. The vehicle will still function correctly.
- Premium gasoline (919191 octane or higher): This is recommended for best performance, especially in certain conditions like towing or hot weather. Some owners with high-output engines report a noticeable difference in performance with premium fuel.
- Important note: The engine's computer will adjust timing to prevent knocking when using lower octane fuel, but it will not be able to produce the maximum power it's capable of.
What does a Ford Expedition take for gas?
Either 87 or 93.
What happens if I put 87 instead of 91?
If you put 87 octane instead of 91 in a car that requires it, your modern engine's computer will likely adjust timing to prevent damage, but you may experience reduced performance and fuel efficiency. For a one-time mistake, drive gently and fill up with 91 octane the next time to dilute the fuel. However, consistently using lower-octane fuel in a high-compression or performance engine can lead to engine knocking and potential damage.
What to expect in the short term
- Reduced performance: You may notice less acceleration and overall power.
- Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling noise that can occur when the fuel pre-ignites in the cylinder.
- Decreased fuel economy: Your car may use more fuel to go the same distance.
How to mitigate the effects
- Avoid hard acceleration: Drive gently, especially at high speeds or when climbing hills, to minimize the risk of engine knocking.
- Fill up with 91 octane: When your fuel tank is low, fill it up with 91 octane to mix with the remaining 87 octane fuel. This will dilute the lower-octane fuel and raise the overall rating.
- Check your owner's manual: The manual will specify if 91 octane is a requirement or simply a recommendation.
- Be cautious with performance vehicles: Cars with turbochargers or high-compression engines are more susceptible to damage from lower-octane fuel, so it is especially important to avoid aggressive driving.
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.
