
We cover all sorts of vehicles from Ford in our gas-type articles, such as the Escape, F-150, and Explorer models.
Now, it’s time to do the same thing for the Ford Expedition, arguably one of the most well-known full-size SUVs to come out of the US of A.
Though most Ford Expedition models require the same type of gas, there are still some small differences between each generation and the engine option’s fuel specifications.
For that reason, we’ll be talking about everything gas-related for the Ford Expedition right here, and that includes even its gas tank size and gas mileage!
What kind of gas does a Ford Expedition take?
All Ford Expedition models can take regular 87-octane gasoline, though newer models with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 can benefit from using premium 91-octane gasoline for optimum performance.

Ford Expedition Fuel Requirements by Generation and Engine Option
All generations of the Ford Expedition require at least 87-octane gasoline, though Ford also recommends switching to 91-octane for 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 models for optimum performance.
The 3rd-gen Ford Expedition with the 5.4-liter Triton V8 also has flex-fuel/E-85 capability from 2009 to 2014.
1st-Generation Ford Expedition (UN93) (1997 to 2002)

Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
4.6L SOHC 16V Triton V8 (215 hp)(1997 to 1998) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
4.6L SOHC 16V Triton V8 (240 hp)(2001 to 2002) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
5.4L SOHC 16V Triton V8 (230 hp)(1997 to 1998) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
5.4L SOHC 16V Triton V8 (260 hp)(1999 to 2002) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The first-ever Ford Expedition debuted in 1996 for the 1997 model year as a direct replacement for the Ford Bronco.
It was released with two Triton V8 engines to choose from, the smaller one having 4.6 liters and the bigger one having 5.4 liters of displacement.
Both of these engines were designed to take gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87, and this fuel requirement remained unchanged even after both engines received a significant boost in power output later on.
2nd-Generation Ford Expedition (U222) (2003 to 2006)

Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
4.6L 16V SOHC Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
5.4L 16V SOHC Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
5.4L 24V SOHC Triton V8 (3-Valve) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The 2nd-generation Ford Expedition was made under the U222 platform from 2003 to 2006, marking the Triton V8’s return to the Expedition’s engine bay.
Both the 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 options were carried over from the previous gen, this time sporting numerous updates and improvements to keep up with the times (and the competition).
By 2005, the 5.4-liter V8 was fitted with 3 valves per cylinder for a total of 24 for the entire engine. This is contrary to all other previous Triton V8 engines used on the Expedition, which all had only 16 in total.
Just like the previous generation, the 2nd-generation Expedition’s engine lineup all require 87-octane gasoline in their systems.
3rd-Generation Ford Expedition (U324) (2007 to 2017)

Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
5.4L 24V SOHC VCT Triton V8(2007 to 2008) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
5.4L 24V SOHC VCT Triton V8(2009 to 2014) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
3.5L 24V DOHC Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6(2015 to 2017) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane Recommended) |
3rd-generation Ford Expedition models had the longest model year run out of any of the four generations of the SUV, and with them came a mix of both previous-gen engines and fresh-from-the-factory EcoBoost engines.
The previous-gen engine in question is, of course, the 5.4-liter Triton V8, which was eventually fitted with E-85 or “Flex-Fuel” capability starting in 2009.
This means that the 5.4-liter V8 option can take as much as 85% ethanol blended in gasoline without you having to worry about it corroding and damaging the engine’s internals.
But by the 2015 model year, this remaining Triton V8 was eventually replaced by the newer and more fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
Both the Triton V8 and the EcoBoost V6 engines of this generation still require 87-octane gasoline
However, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 can actually benefit from switching to premium 91-octane fuel should you really want to extract every horsepower out of it.
4th-Generation Ford Expedition (U553) (2018 to 2023/Present)

Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
3.5L 24V DOHC Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6(375 hp) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane Recommended) |
3.5L 24V DOHC Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 Platinum Series (400 hp) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane Recommended) |
3.5L 24V DOHC Ti-VCT EcoBoost V6 Platinum Series (440 hp) (2022 Onwards) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(91-Octane Recommended) |
The 4th and newest generation of the Ford Expedition was first unveiled in 2017 for the 2018 model year, and unlike the last generation, its sole powerplant is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 received a power increase twice for this generation. However, the minimum fuel requirement remains at 87-octane gasoline for the engine.
But for would-be owners of the 4th-gen Expedition that plan on using it for towing or other heavy tasks, filling it up with 91-octane gasoline is recommended to get the best performance out of it.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Ford Expedition
Ford Recommends using TOP TIER detergent gasoline for the Ford Expedition. Other compatible types of fuel include reformulated gasoline, E-10 or E-15 (2007 models and newer), and E-85 (Flex-Fuel models).
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline (Ford’s Recommendation)

When it comes to figuring out what the best type of fuel is for the Ford Expedition, there’s no better way than to go by the book (or the owner’s manual, in this case).
It’s stated in the Ford Expedition owner’s manual that the manufacturer actually recommends the use of TOP TIER detergent gasoline for its formulation of high-quality engine-cleaning additives.
Now, we’ve talked a lot about TOP TIER gasoline before in our other gas-type articles, and there’s a reason for that.
Aside from Ford, many other auto manufacturers recognize how effective TOP TIER gasoline is in reducing the buildup of engine deposits and maintaining optimal engine performance.
Furthermore, over 60 fuel brands across the US and Canada have already adopted the TOP TIER formulation in the fuel that they sell.
With the reputation and popularity that TOP TIER gasoline has, it’s definitely worth checking out your local gas station to see if the TOP TIER label has been stuck on some of the pumps.
Though the Ford Expedition doesn’t come with a diesel option in most markets, it’s still worth mentioning that there’s also a TOP TIER diesel fuel variant, though it’s printed with blue graphics this time.

Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
Just in case you’re unable to find any TOP TIER gasoline in your area, your next best bet would be reformulated gasoline (RFG).
Reformulated gasoline is considered a cleaner alternative to the conventional gasoline that we have nowadays due to containing less toxic ingredients.
This means that using reformulated gasoline allows the fuel to burn cleaner, thereby reducing toxic emissions that are known to contribute to the formation of ozone and other air toxins.
Because of its environmental benefits, reformulated gasoline is highly recommended in areas that are known to have a higher concentration of smog and air pollution, like in larger and densely-packed metropolitan areas.
The EPA states that about 30% of the gasoline that’s currently sold in the United States is reformulated gasoline, making it a relatively common and viable choice of fuel for just about any gasoline-powered vehicle on the road.
Up to 10 or 15% Ethanol Blends (E-10/E-15) (2007 Models and Newer)

Like many other vehicles, the Ford Expedition can actually take some amount of ethanol content in gasoline, though this only applies to certain model years that we’re going to discuss below.
Ford Expedition models from 2006 and older were not designed to be compatible with any sort of ethanol-gasoline blends. However, newer Expedition models from 2007 to 2008 can take gasoline with as much as 10% ethanol (E-10), while models made from 2009 up until now (2023) can take even more at 15% ethanol (E-15). |
E-10 blends are most commonly used in your regular 87-octane fuel, while E-15 blends are sold as 88-octane fuel instead. This slight difference is because of ethanol’s naturally higher octane rating.
Vehicles that are specified to use E-10 or E-15 are not flex-fuel vehicles, meaning that they cannot take ethanol blends higher than the two aforementioned blends.
Non-flex-fuel vehicles will also come with a black gas cap that indicates the ethanol limitations on it.

E-85/Flex-Fuel (Flex-Fuel Models Only)

There are only a few Ford Expedition models that are classified as FFVs (Flex-Fuel Vehicles), which means that you can fill them up with gasoline containing up to 85% ethanol, otherwise known as E-85 or “Flex-Fuel”.
At the time of this writing, the following Ford Expedition models are the only ones that come with E-85/Flex-Fuel Capability: 2nd Generation (2009 to 2014 only) – 5.4L Triton V8 2WD2nd Generation (2009 to 2014 only) – 5.4L Triton V8 4WD |
For what these models gain in performance and cleaner emissions, they also have to sacrifice in terms of reduced fuel economy due to ethanol having 1/3 less energy content per gallon compared to just pure gasoline.
If this kind of trade-off isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, then a flex-fuel-capable Ford Expedition may not be for you.
Otherwise, you can confirm that a certain Ford Expedition unit you’re looking to buy is flex-fuel capable by checking if it has a yellow fuel cap with “E-85” printed on it.

Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Ford Expedition
Avoid filling up the Ford Expedition with gasoline containing MMT, gasoline with metallic-based additives, diesel or biodiesel fuel, and any gasoline with a lower octane rating than 87.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)

Ford does not recommend using gasoline containing MMT, which is a type of additive that serves as an octane booster for both leaded and unleaded fuel.
The benefits that MMT gives do not outweigh the destructive drawbacks that it has, which include the production of more toxic emissions and potential damage to the spark plugs and various other emissions system components.
It is for reasons like these that MMT is banned in most places, with both fuel retailers and automakers shying away from ever recommending it in your everyday automobile.
Gasoline with Metallic-Based Additives
Among the several types of fuel that Ford doesn’t recommend using on the Expedition, gasoline that contains metallic-based additives is definitely up there.
This also includes additives that contain manganese, and the most perfect example of that is what we’ve already discussed above, MMT.
Ford’s engines and emission control systems are not designed to take metallic-based additives, as doing so can cause damage to the internals, reduce performance, and may even void your engine’s warranty.
Diesel or Biodiesel

The Ford Expedition has been fitted with many different engines over the past four generations that it has been around, but not one of them is a diesel engine.
Thus, it’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t be putting in diesel or biodiesel fuel in an engine that’s meant for gasoline (petrol).
Accidentally putting diesel fuel, which is thicker and denser than gasoline, into a gasoline engine can lead to all sorts of issues such as the fuel system components clogging up and the engine’s performance getting severely affected.
Eventually, the diesel fuel can completely cause the engine to seize and make you stranded. This is why it’s not advisable to start your vehicle after accidentally putting diesel in it, and instead, have it towed to a proper mechanic.
What will happen if I use the wrong type of gas?
Using the wrong type of gas, such as using gasoline with too low of an octane rating than what your vehicle requires, can cause engine knock, reduce engine performance, and damage the engine internals.
Why do I hear a knocking noise from the engine after refueling?
A knocking noise from the engine after refueling may indicate that you’ve put in the wrong type of fuel or the fuel is contaminated.
However, other issues like incorrect ignition timing or air-fuel ratio may also be to blame, so make sure to get the knocking sound properly diagnosed by a mechanic.
Does the Ford Expedition get good gas mileage?
The Ford Expedition gets an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 17 mpg (city) and 23 mpg (highway) with the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
These mpg figures are the best out of any Ford Expedition model, yet still fall short of other competitors with similar engines, like the Duramax-powered Chevy Tahoe.
Ford Expedition Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Ford Expedition can achieve a gas mileage of 11 to 17 mpg (city) and 16 to 24 mpg (highway) using regular gasoline.
Ford Expedition models with flex-fuel/E-85 capability can achieve 9 to 10 mpg (city) and 13 to 15 mpg (highway) when using E-85.
Apart from other factors such as the generation and engine option, the Ford Expedition’s gas mileage can also vary depending on the exact model year.
For instance, the 1st-gen 2WD Ford Expedition’s 4.6-liter V8 engine gets 12 mpg (city) and 17 mpg (highway) for the 1999 model year but improves to 14 mpg (city) and 19 mpg (highway) for the 2002 model year.
1st-Generation Ford Expedition Gas Mileage (UN93) (1997 to 2002)
Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
4.6L Triton V8 2WD | 12 to 14 mpg | 17 to 19 mpg |
4.6L Triton V8 4WD | 12 to 13 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 2WD | 11 to 12 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD | 11 mpg | 15 to 16 mpg |
2nd-Generation Ford Expedition Gas Mileage (U222) (2003 to 2006)
Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
4.6L Triton V8 2WD | 13 to 14 mpg | 18 mpg |
4.6L Triton V8 4WD | 12 mpg | 17 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 2WD | 12 to 13 mpg | 16 to 18 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD | 12 to 13 mpg | 16 to 17 mpg |
3rd-Generation Ford Expedition Gas Mileage (U324) (2007 to 2017)
Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
5.4L Triton V8 2WD(Regular Gasoline) | 12 to 14 mpg | 18 to 20 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 2WD(E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 9 to 10 mpg | 13 to 15 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD(Regular Gasoline) | 12 to 13 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD(E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 9 to 10 mpg | 13 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 2WD | 15 to 16 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 4WD | 15 mpg | 20 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 2WD (Expedition EL) | 15 mpg | 20 to 21 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 4WD (Expedition EL) | 14 to 15 mpg | 19 to 20 mpg |
4th-Generation Ford Expedition Gas Mileage (U553) (2018 to 2023/Present)
Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 2WD | 16 to 17 mpg | 23 to 24 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 4WD | 16 to 17 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 2WD (Expedition MAX) | 17 mpg | 23 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 4WD (Expedition MAX) | 16 mpg | 21 mpg |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 AWD (Expedition Timberline) | 15 to 16 mpg | 19 mpg |
What is the gas tank size of the Ford Expedition?
The Ford Expedition has a gas tank size of 23.2 to 30 gallons (87.8 – 113.6 liters) depending on the generation, trim, and drivetrain.
Ford Expedition EL models have a gas tank size of 33.5 gallons (126.8 liters), while Expedition MAX models have 27.8 to 28.3-gallon (105.2 – 107.1 liters) gas tanks.
Ford Expedition Generation/Model Years | Engine/Trim/Drivetrain | Gas Tank Size/Capacity(US Gallon/Liter) |
1st Generation (UN93)(1997 to 2002) | 4.6L Triton V8 2WD | 26 gal (98.4 l) |
4.6L Triton V8 4WD | 30 gal (113.6 l) | |
5.4L Triton V8 2WD | 26 gal (98.4 l) | |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD | 30 gal (113.6 l) | |
2nd Generation (U222)(2003 to 2006) | 4.6L Triton V8 2WD | 28 gal (106 l) |
4.6L Triton V8 4WD | 28 gal (106 l) | |
5.4L Triton V8 2WD | 28 gal (106 l) | |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD | 28 gal (106 l) | |
3rd Generation (U324)(2007 to 2017) | 5.4L Triton V8 2WD | 28 gal (106 l) |
5.4L Triton V8 4WD | 28 gal (106 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 2WD | 28 gal (106 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 4WD | 28 gal (106 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 2WD(Expedition EL) | 33.5 gal (126.8 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6 4WD(Expedition EL) | 33.5 gal (126.8 l) | |
4th Generation (U553)(2018 to 2023/Present) | 3.5L EcoBoost V6(2018 to 2019 Non-MAX Trims) | 23.3 gal (88.2 l) |
3.5L EcoBoost V6(2018 to 2019 MAX Trims) | 28.3 gal (107.1 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6(2020 Non-MAX Trims) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6(2020 MAX Trims) | 30 gal (113.6 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6(2021 to 2023 Non-MAX Trims) | 23.2 gal (87.8 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6(2021 to 2023 MAX Trims) | 27.8 gal (105.2 l) | |
3.5L EcoBoost V6(2022 to 2023 Timberline) | 23.2 gal (87.8 l) |
How much does it cost to fill up a Ford Expedition?
It will cost $80 to $103.4 to fill up a Ford Expedition with a 23.2 to 30-gal gas tank at $3.446/gal (US average regular gas price).
Ford Expedition EL models with 33.5-gal tanks will cost $115.4 to fill up, while Expedition MAX models with 27.8 to 28.3-gal tanks will cost $95.8 to $97.5 to fill up.