We’re no strangers to talking about popular crossover SUVs like the Ford Escape, which we’ve also covered before in its own bolt pattern article.
However, many people who are in the market for a Ford Escape model are also curious about what kind of gas or fuel it can take.
Thus, we’ve done our homework and will be presenting to you this in-depth guide on the types of gas that each generation of the Ford Escape can safely use!
What kind of gas does a Ford Escape take?
All Ford Escape model years (2001 to 2023/present) are capable of taking regular 87-octane gasoline.
However, Ford recommends switching to premium 91-octane gasoline in 2019 and newer models for more performance during heavy tasks or hotter climates.
For the majority of Ford Escape models ever made, you’ll be perfectly fine with using just regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87.
This level of octane rating will suffice for the Ford Escape in most driving scenarios, whether you’re traveling within the city or going on a long trip to another state.
However, the manufacturer recommends that Ford Escape models belonging to the 2019 model year and newer switch to 91-octane fuel if they’re ever subjected to hotter climates or heavier tasks.
While higher-octane fuel doesn’t necessarily boost the engine’s performance in and of itself, it does make it more resistant to knocking during tasks that demand more power and effort from engines, such as towing.
We’ll be further elaborating on the specific fuel requirements of each Ford Escape generation below.
Ford Escape Fuel Requirements Based on Generation and Engine Option
All engine options in 1st to 4th-generation Ford Escape models require at least 87-octane gasoline, though it’s recommended to switch to premium 91-octane fuel in 2019 and newer models during heavy tasks or hotter weather.
1st-Generation Ford Escape (2001 to 2007)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L Zetec Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.3L Duratec 23 Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.3L Duratec 23 Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The very first Ford Escape was introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, and it came with three different I4 engines and one top-of-the-line V6 engine to choose from.
The I4 engines came in the form of the base 2-liter Zetec I4, 2.3-liter Duratec I4, and 2.3-liter Duratec I4 Hybrid. The only V6 engine also had the Duratec name, but with 3 liters of displacement.
All four engine options of the 1st-generation Ford Escape are capable of taking regular 87-octane gasoline, so anything lower than that octane rating should be avoided so as to not run into issues with engine knock.
2nd-Generation Ford Escape (2008 to 2012)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.3L Duratec 23 Inline-4 (I4) (2008) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.5L Duratec 25 Inline-4 (I4) (2009 to 2012) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.5L Duratec 25 Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable from 2010 to 2012) |
The 2nd-generation Ford Escape, made under Ford’s CD2 platform, had its first model year back in 2008.
This Ford Escape generation initially had a 2.3-liter Duratec I4 as the base engine, though a slightly bigger-displacement 2.5-liter Duratec I4 eventually took its place starting in 2009.
The newer 2.5-liter engine was also offered in a hybrid version, while the 3-liter Duratec V6 from the previous generation was carried over and remained the top variant.
As with the 1st generation’s engines, all engine options of the 2nd-generation model are capable of running on regular 87-octane gasoline.
However, according to data from fueleconomy.gov, the 2010 to 2012 model years of the 3-liter V6 option are classified as FFVs (Flex-Fuel Vehicles), meaning that they’re all capable of taking gasoline with as much as 85% ethanol blended in (E-85).
3rd-Generation Ford Escape (2013 to 2019)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 1.6L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo (2013 to 2016) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo (2017 to 2018) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo(2019) | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks) |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(2013 to 2018) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(2019) | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks) |
| 2.5L Duratec Inline-4 (I4)(2013 to 2018) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable for 2017 to 2018) |
| 2.5L Duratec Inline-4 (I4)(2019) | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks)(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
The 3rd-generation Ford Escape that started its model year run in 2013 underwent a partial revamp of its engine lineup due to the addition of new EcoBoost engines.
Such engines included a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost I4 and a turbocharged 2-liter EcoBoost I4, both of which are capable of taking regular 87-octane gasoline.
Later in 2016, the 1.6-liter I4 option was replaced by a new turbocharged 1.5-liter Inline-3 (I3) engine that can also run on 87-octane fuel.
The 2nd generation’s 2.5-liter Duratec I4 engine can also be found in the 3rd-generation model, and it, too, has kept its 87-octane requirement.
However, for the 2019 model year, Ford has given all of these engines a 91-octane gasoline recommendation if they were to be used in heavier tasks such as towing or carrying more cargo.
Flex-Fuel-capable variants of the 2.5-liter engine were also offered for the 2017 to 2019 model years, making gasoline with up to 85% ethanol (E-85) suitable for them.
4th-Generation Ford Escape (2020 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks) |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks) |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks) |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) PHEV | 87-Octane Gasoline (91-Octane Recommended for Heavier Tasks) |
The 4th-generation Ford Escape is the current iteration of the popular compact crossover SUV, and it currently has four different engine options to choose from.
One of those engines is the same turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost I3 found in the last generation. It’s currently the only Inline-3 engine that’s offered for the Ford Escape.
The mid-trim 2-liter EcoBoost I4 option makes its return for this generation, while new Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) versions of the 2.5-liter Duratec I4 engine are also added into the mix.
All of the above-mentioned engines can run on 87-octane gasoline under normal driving conditions, but as with the last generation, Ford recommends switching to 91-octane fuel for any of them during heavier tasks.
The use of 91-octane gasoline in these engines is also recommended when driving in hot weather conditions.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Ford Escape
The Ford Escape can use fuel such as reformulated gasoline, TOP TIER detergent gasoline, E-10 for 2000 to 2011 models, E-15 for 2012 and newer models, and E-85 for Flex-Fuel models.
Reformulated Gasoline (Ford’s Recommendation)
The best fuel to use for the Ford Escape is non-other than the recommendation of the manufacturer itself, which is reformulated gasoline.
Reformulated gasoline is a relatively newer type of fuel that’s designed to burn cleaner compared to today’s conventional gasoline.
This is made possible by using a mixture that contains less toxic ingredients that are known to contribute to the formation of ozone and other toxins in the air.
Because of its ability to reduce toxic emissions in vehicles, reformulated gasoline has been highly recommended in areas that have higher concentrations of air pollution and smog.
Also, the EPA states that reformulated gasoline (RFG) makes up about 25% of all gasoline sold in the US. This makes it a considerably popular choice of fuel, and for a good reason.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
The Ford Escape, much like any other car on the road, can benefit from gasoline blended with engine-cleaning additives, and the best example of that is TOP TIER detergent gasoline.
The use of high-quality detergent additives in TOP TIER gasoline is primarily done to ensure that your vehicle’s engine is safely cleaned and protected from the accumulation of debris or deposits inside of it.
Of course, a cleaner engine equates to a better-performing engine, and such a benefit is why over 60 fuel brands in North America have adopted the TOP TIER formulation for the gasoline that they sell.
Though the Ford Escape doesn’t have a diesel variant, at least not in the US, it’s still worth mentioning that there’s also TOP TIER diesel with the same high-quality detergent additives for diesel applications.
In order to spot a TOP TIER fuel brand, simply look for their respective logos (gasoline or diesel variant) on a fuel station’s pump, as shown below.
Up to 10% Ethanol Blends (E-10) (2001 to 2011 Models)
Certain Ford Escape models belonging to the 2001 to 2011 model years are capable of taking as much as 10% ethanol blended with gasoline, otherwise known as E-10.
When it comes to gasoline containing ethanol, E-10 is one of the most commonly used blends out there and accounts for over 98% of gasoline sold in the US today, according to the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
If a vehicle is only specified to use up to 10% ethanol (E-10), it’s very important that you do not go past this percentage.
Engines not designed to take more ethanol can have their internals corroded and damaged because of ethanol’s tendency to attract water or moisture.
Vehicles that can take up to E-10 fuel will usually have black fuel caps with “E-10” printed on them. They can also have “E15 to E85” crossed out to indicate the vehicle’s fuel limitations.
Up to 15% Ethanol Blends (E-15) (2012 and Newer Models)
Ford Escape models released for the 2012 model year and after have been specified to be capable of taking as much as 15% ethanol in their gasoline, or E-15.
This is pretty much the same story for most vehicle models produced after 2011, including other models that we’ve also made gas-type articles for, like the GMC Sierra.
Just like E-10, E-15 is a commonly used blend in today’s gasoline, though the actual ethanol percentage can vary between 10.5% and 15% depending on the area where it’s sold.
Vehicles that can use gasoline with up to 15% ethanol will have “E-15” printed on their black gas caps, as shown below.
E-85/Flex-Fuel (Flex-Fuel Models)
There are very few models of the Ford Escape that have ever been released as FFVs (Flex-Fuel Vehicles), and we’ve summarized what these models are below.
The following Ford Escape models are classified as Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and can take up to 85% ethanol in gasoline (E-85):
- 2nd Generation – 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 (2010 to 2012)
- 3rd Generation – 2.5L Duratec I4 (2017 to 2019)
Any fuel that has a higher ethanol percentage than E-85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) should be avoided for the models listed above.
One simple way of checking whether a vehicle is capable of using Flex-Fuel/E-85 or not is by looking at the color of its fuel cap.
If the fuel cap is yellow and has “E-85” printed on it, then this indicates that the vehicle is capable of using gasoline blended with as much as 85% ethanol.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Ford Escape
The following fuel types should be avoided for the Ford Escape:
- Fuel lower than 87-octane
- Leaded fuel
- Fuel with more than 15% ethanol (Non-Flex-Fuel models)
- Fuel with more than 85% ethanol (Flex-Fuel models)
- Fuel with MMT
- Fuel with methanol, kerosene, or paraffin
- Fuel with manganese or metallic additives
- Diesel fuel
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong type of gas for your car can affect its performance, cause engine knock, and damage the internals of the engine.
Accidentally putting diesel fuel in a gas engine or vice versa can cause damage to the engine and fuel system and render the vehicle unable to run properly.
Ford Escape Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Ford Escape can get a combined gas mileage of 17 to 23 mpg (1st gen), 16 to 29 mpg (2nd gen), 18 to 26 mpg (3rd gen), and 26 to 30 mpg (4th gen).
Ford Escape Hybrid models can get a combined gas mileage of 29 to 41 mpg, while PHEV models can get 40 mpg (gas only) and 105 mpg (gas + electric).
To further give you an idea of the gas mileage that’s achievable with the Ford Escape, we’ve listed every single generation’s engine options along with their respective city, highway, and combined MPGs below.
1st-Generation Ford Escape Gas Mileage (2001 to 2007)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.0L Zetec Inline-4 (I4) | 21 | 26 | 23 |
| 2.3L Duratec 23 Inline-4 (I4) | 19 | 23 | 21 |
| 2.3L Duratec 23 Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 30 | 28 | 29 |
| 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 | 16 | 20 | 17 |
2nd-Generation Ford Escape Gas Mileage (2008 to 2012)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.5L Duratec 25 Inline-4 (I4) | 21 | 28 | 23 |
| 2.5L Duratec 25 Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 34 | 31 | 32 |
| 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 | 19 | 25 | 29 |
| 3.0L Duratec 30 V6 (E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 14 | 19 | 16 |
3rd-Generation Ford Escape Gas Mileage (2013 to 2019)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.6L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(2013 to 2016) | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(2016 to 2019) | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(2013 to 2016) | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-4 (I4) Turbo(2016 to 2019) | 21 | 28 | 24 |
| 2.5L Duratec Inline-4 (I4)(2013 to 2016) | 21 | 30 | 25 |
| 2.5L Duratec Inline-4 (I4)(2016 to 2019) | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| 2.5L Duratec Inline-4 (I4)(E-85/Flex-Fuel) (2017 to 2019) | 15 | 22 | 18 |
4th-Generation Ford Escape Gas Mileage (2020 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo | 28 | 34 | 30 |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 44 | 37 | 41 |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) PHEV (Gasoline + Electric) | 105 (Combined MPG + MPGe) | 105 (Combined MPG + MPGe) | 105 (Combined MPG + MPGe) |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) PHEV (Gasoline Only) | 40 (Combined MPG) | 40 (Combined MPG) | 40 (Combined MPG) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I hear a knocking sound from the engine after refueling?
A knocking sound coming from the engine after refueling may be caused by using incorrect fuel or the fuel is contaminated.
However, other issues like an incorrect air-fuel ratio or ignition timing can also cause the knocking sound. Be sure to bring your car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
What’s the gas tank size of the Ford Escape?
Gasoline-powered Ford Escape models have a gas tank size/capacity of 14.8 to 17.5 US gallons (56 to 66.2 liters) depending on the generation, engine, and trim level.
Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) Ford Escape models have a gas tank size/capacity of 11.2 to 15.1 US gallons (42.4 to 56.8 liters).
| Ford Escape Generation/Model Years | Engine/Trim | Gas Tank Size/Capacity(US Gallon/Liter) |
| 1st Generation(2001 to 2007) | All 2001 Trims | 15.3 gal (58 l) |
| 2.0L Zetec Inline-4 (I4) (2002 to 2003) | 15 gal (56.8 l) | |
| 2.0L Zetec Inline-4 (I4) (2004) | 16 gal (60.6 l) | |
| 3.0L Duratec 30 V6(2002 to 2004) | 16 gal (60.6 l) | |
| 2005 Gasoline Trims | 16.5 gal (62.5 l) | |
| 2005 Hybrid Trims | 15 gal (56.8 l) | |
| All 2006 to 2007 Trims | 16.5 gal (62.5 l) | |
| 2nd Generation(2008 to 2012) | All 2008 to 2010 Trims | 16.5 gal (62.5 l) |
| All 2011 Trims | 17.5 gal (66.2 l) | |
| 2012 Gasoline Trims | 17.5 gal (66.2 l) | |
| 2012 Hybrid Trims | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) | |
| 3rd Generation(2013 to 2019) | All 2013 to 2014 Trims | 15.1 gal (57.2 l) |
| All 2015 to 2016 Trims | 15.5 gal (58.7 l) | |
| All 2017 to 2019 Trims | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) | |
| 4th Generation(2020 to 2023/Present) | 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo (FWD) | 14.8 gal (56 l) |
| 1.5L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo (AWD) | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) | |
| 2.0L EcoBoost Inline-3 (I3) Turbo (AWD) | 15.7 gal (59.4 l) | |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid (FWD/AWD) | 14.2 gal (53.7 l) | |
| 2.5L Duratec iVCT Inline-4 (I4) PHEV | 11.2 gal (42.4 l) |
How much does it cost to fill up a Ford Escape?
Ford Escape models with 14.8 to 17.5-gallon tanks will cost between $50.5 and $59.7 to fill up at $3.410/gallon (US average regular gas price).
Hybrid and PHEV Ford Escape models with 11.2 to 15.1-gallon tanks will cost $38.2 to $51.5 to fill up with regular gasoline.
Can I put 89 gas in my Ford Escape?
89-octane gasoline is well within the Ford Escape’s minimum fuel requirement of 87-octane gasoline, making it suitable for use with the vehicle model.
Does Ford recommend premium gas?
Ford recommends using premium gas (91-octane or higher) for vehicle models that are subject to hotter weather conditions or heavier tasks, such as towing or carrying heavy cargo.
Can I put premium in Ford Escape?
The Ford Escape can use premium fuel (91 to 94 octane), though it’s not really required since it can run on regular 87-octane fuel under normal driving conditions just fine.
However, under hotter weather conditions or during heavy tasks like towing, it’s recommended to switch to premium fuel.
