What type of gas does Ford use?
Ford's vehicles predominantly run on gasoline. The lineup also includes flex-fuel capable models that can use ethanol blends like E85, diesel-powered options on certain trucks, and a growing family of hybrids and fully electric vehicles that rely on electricity or a combination of gasoline and electricity. As of 2025, Ford's electric offerings include Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit.
Understanding Ford's Fuel Landscape
To understand Ford's fuel options, it's helpful to categorize by propulsion: gasoline engines, diesel engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. This framework reflects how Ford designs powertrains to cover passenger cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles across regions and model years.
Gasoline and Flex-Fuel Options
Overview of Ford's gasoline-based lineup
Most Ford cars, trucks, and SUVs run on gasoline. A significant portion of the lineup is Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capable, meaning it can run on gasoline or ethanol blends up to E85. Not every model is FFV, so always check the specific vehicle’s specifications.
- Gasoline engines are standard in the majority of Ford's passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
- Flex-fuel capability lets eligible models run on E85 or other ethanol-gasoline blends.
- Even FFV models can run on regular gasoline, and many customers primarily use conventional petrol.
Concluding: Gasoline remains the default fuel for most Ford vehicles, with FFV options offering ethanol flexibility where available.
Diesel and Other Fuel Options
Diesel engines in Ford's lineup
Ford offers diesel-powered engines on select heavy-duty trucks and vans. The Power Stroke family is the best-known diesel line, including both smaller turbo-diesel options and larger setups for heavy-duty work. Diesel engines provide high torque and towing capability, but they are not offered across the entire lineup.
- 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo Diesel is available on certain F-Series trucks.
- 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel powers heavy-duty Super Duty models.
Concluding: Diesel is specialized to trucks and commercial vehicles, not a universal option across Ford's consumer lineup.
Electric and Hybrid Options
Hybrid and fully electric propulsion
Ford’s strategy includes a mix of hybrid and fully electric models. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline engine with electric motors, enabling higher efficiency and electric-only driving for short trips. Fully electric models run solely on battery power and electric motors.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models use gasoline engines alongside electric propulsion (e.g., Ford Escape Hybrid, F-150 PowerBoost hybrid).
- Fully electric models include Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit, which operate on electricity alone.
- Some regional or fleet offerings may include alternative fuel options like CNG/LPG, though these are not mainstream consumer choices.
Concluding: Electric and hybrid options diversify Ford's propulsion lineup, with gasoline still central for many hybrids and gasoline-powered components in several models.
Summary
In short, Ford primarily uses gasoline for its internal combustion engines, with many models offering flex-fuel capability for E85. Diesel is available on select trucks for heavy-duty use, while hybrids and electric models provide alternatives that reduce or eliminate gasoline dependence. Check the exact model year and trim to confirm the fuel type and capabilities, as availability can vary by region and year.
What gasoline does Ford recommend?
regular unleaded gasoline
If you drive a new Ford truck, car or SUV, regular unleaded gasoline should work fine for your vehicle. However, it's always important to read your Ford owner's manual for recommended fuel information.
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.
Should I use 87 or 93 gas in my F-150 EcoBoost?
You can run 87 for normal use. Ford lowered the compression ratio which is one reasons you don't need higher octane gas. 93 just burns slower and prevents pre det which you'd only see on really hot days or towing. Run 87 and save yourself the coin.
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.
