Wondering about the right fuel for your Ford Explorer? You’ve got options, but making the smart choice matters for your vehicle’s performance and your wallet. Let’s break down everything you need to know about fueling your Explorer without the technical jargon.
Ford Explorer Fuel Type Basics
Ford Explorers run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. This is the standard recommendation across all Explorer models and generations. Your Explorer’s fuel tank will happily accept this widely available and affordable fuel type for everyday driving.
The typical Ford Explorer has a fuel tank capacity of around 18-20 gallons, depending on the model year. This gives you a decent driving range before needing to refill.
Can a Ford Explorer Use Premium Gas?
Yes, you can use premium gas (91 octane or higher) in your Ford Explorer, and in some cases, it might be beneficial. The turbocharged EcoBoost engines, in particular, can extract additional performance when running on premium fuel.
For the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, using premium gas can unlock its full 300 horsepower potential, compared to slightly reduced output when using regular gas. Similarly, the 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost (found in ST and Platinum trims) can reach its maximum 400 horsepower when fueled with premium gas.
However, premium gas isn’t required—it’s optional. Your Explorer is designed to run perfectly well on regular 87 octane gas.
Ford Explorer Fuel Requirements by Engine Type
Different Explorer engines have slightly different fuel preferences:
| Engine Type | Minimum Recommended Fuel | Optimal Performance Fuel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L EcoBoost | 87 Octane Regular | 91+ Octane Premium | Premium fuel improves performance and throttle response |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 87 Octane Regular | 91+ Octane Premium | High-performance ST models benefit most from premium |
| 3.5L V6 (older models) | 87 Octane Regular | 87 Octane Regular | No significant benefit from premium |
| Flex-Fuel Engines | 87 Octane Regular | 87 Octane or E85 | Look for yellow gas cap indicating E85 compatibility |
| Hybrid Models | 87 Octane Regular | 87 Octane Regular | Designed for maximum efficiency on regular gas |
When to Use Premium Gas in Your Explorer
While not required, premium gas might be worth the extra cost in these scenarios:
- When towing heavy loads or hauling near the Explorer’s maximum capacity
- During spirited driving or when maximum acceleration is desired
- In high-altitude driving conditions where engine performance can be affected
- For Explorer ST or high-performance models to access full power potential
The performance difference is most noticeable in turbocharged engines. The sophisticated engine management systems in modern Explorers can adjust timing and boost pressure to take advantage of premium fuel’s higher knock resistance.
Can Ford Explorers Use E85 or Flex Fuel?
Some Ford Explorer models are equipped with flex-fuel capability, allowing them to run on E85 fuel (a blend containing up to 85% ethanol). If your Explorer is flex-fuel compatible, you’ll notice:
- A yellow gas cap or fuel filler area
- “FFV” (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) badging
- Information in your owner’s manual confirming flex-fuel capability
E85 typically costs less per gallon but delivers fewer miles per gallon—roughly 15-30% less range per tank. A flex-fuel Explorer might achieve around 327 miles per tank on E85 compared to 436 miles on regular gasoline.
Cost Considerations: Regular vs. Premium Gas
Let’s talk money. Premium gas typically costs $0.60-$0.80 more per gallon than regular. For the Explorer’s approximately 19-gallon tank, that’s an extra $11-15 per fill-up.
Is it worth it? Consider this table comparing annual fuel costs:
| Driving Scenario | Regular (87) Cost | Premium (91+) Cost | Annual Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 miles/year (20 mpg avg) | $2,100 | $2,520 | +$420 |
| Heavy towing use | $2,520 | $2,940 | +$420 (but better performance) |
| City driving only | $2,520 | $3,024 | +$504 |
For most daily drivers, regular gas provides the best value. The performance gains from premium fuel might not justify the added expense unless you’re towing regularly or demand maximum performance.
Impact of Fuel Choice on Explorer Performance
Your fuel choice affects more than just your wallet:
- Engine Performance: Premium fuel in turbocharged models can provide more consistent power delivery, especially in hot weather or under heavy loads
- Fuel Economy: Some drivers report slight improvements in MPG with premium fuel, but the cost increase usually outweighs any efficiency gains
- Engine Protection: Modern engines have knock sensors that protect them regardless of fuel type, but premium fuel reduces the need for these protective measures
- Emissions: Premium fuel can produce slightly cleaner emissions due to more complete combustion
For the 2023-2025 Explorer models, the EPA estimates fuel economy at around 20-21 mpg city and 28-29 mpg highway with the 2.3L engine on regular fuel.
Common Misconceptions About Ford Explorer Fuel
Let’s clear up some confusion:
- Myth: Using regular gas in an Explorer that “recommends” premium will damage the engine
Truth: Modern Explorers adjust timing to protect the engine—you’ll just get slightly reduced performance - Myth: Premium gas gives better mileage that offsets its higher cost
Truth: Any mileage improvements are typically minimal and don’t justify the price premium for most drivers - Myth: You need to use premium gas in cold weather
Truth: All Explorer engines start and run fine on regular gas in all weather conditions - Myth: Mixing regular and premium gas is harmful
Truth: It’s perfectly safe—you’ll just get performance somewhere between the two fuel grades
Fuel Saving Tips for Ford Explorer Owners
Regardless of what fuel you choose, these tips will help maximize your Explorer’s efficiency:
- Maintain proper tire pressure (check the driver’s door jamb for specifications)
- Replace air filters regularly (dirty filters can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%)
- Use the recommended motor oil viscosity
- Avoid excessive idling—modern engines warm up more efficiently while driving gently
- Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain steady speeds
Proper maintenance actually impacts fuel economy more than your choice between regular and premium gas in most driving scenarios.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fuel in Your Explorer?
Using a lower octane than recommended (like using 85 octane in high-altitude states) can cause engine knock, reduced performance, and potentially increased fuel consumption.
Using a higher octane than necessary (like premium in an Explorer that runs fine on regular) won’t harm anything except your wallet.
The real problem would be using diesel in a gasoline Explorer, which requires immediate attention to prevent serious engine damage. If this happens:
- Don’t start the engine
- Have the vehicle towed to a service center
- The fuel system will need to be drained and cleaned
Ford Explorer Hybrid Fuel Requirements
If you drive a Ford Explorer Hybrid model, the fuel requirements remain straightforward—regular 87 octane gasoline is recommended. The hybrid’s gasoline engine is optimized for efficiency rather than maximum performance, so there’s minimal benefit to using premium fuel.
The hybrid system itself helps improve fuel economy to around 27/29 mpg city/highway according to EPA estimates, significantly better than non-hybrid models.
Making the Right Fuel Choice for Your Explorer
The best fuel choice depends on how you use your Explorer:
- Regular commuting and family transportation: Stick with regular 87 octane gas
- Performance driving in ST models: Consider premium 91+ octane for maximum power
- Heavy towing or mountain driving: Premium fuel may provide more consistent performance
- Budget-conscious driving: Regular fuel will always be the most economical choice
Remember that modern Explorers are sophisticated enough to adjust to whatever fuel you provide, making this more about optimizing performance than preventing damage.
In the end, your Explorer will run reliably on regular gas, with premium offering potential performance benefits in specific high-demand situations.
