We’ve made several different articles about all kinds of specifications of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck, and now we’ll be presenting the types of gas or fuel that it’s compatible with.
Finding out the right gas type for the Ford F-150 will ensure that you don’t negatively affect its performance or damage its engine and fuel system components in any way.
Thus, if you’re in the market for any particular Ford F-150 model, then this guide will help you familiarize yourself with all the fuel requirements of each engine option offered for the truck.
What kind of gas does a Ford F-150 take?
The majority of 1996 to 2023/present Ford F-150 models can take regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline, though supercharged models require 91-octane gasoline instead.
Diesel F-150 models need ultra-low sulfur diesel, while F-150 models with yellow fuel caps are capable of taking E-85 or “Flex-Fuel”.
Ford F150 Fuel Requirements Based on Generation and Engine Option
Almost all Ford F-150s made from 1996 (PN-96) to 2023/present (P702) require at least 87-octane gasoline.
However, supercharged models like the PN-96 SVT Lightning and the new Raptor R require premium 91-octane gasoline.
In addition to the summary of fuel requirements we’ve mentioned above, we’ve also indicated which models within each generation use diesel fuel, E-85/Flex-Fuel, or any type of alternative fuel.
Due to either incomplete or unconfirmed data about older F-150 generations, we will only be focusing on models made from 1997 onwards.
1997 to 2004 Ford F-150 (PN-96)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.2L Essex V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.6L Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.4L Supercharged Triton V8 (SVT Lightning) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 CNG | Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 Bi-Fuel (CNG) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) (CNG-Capable) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 Bi-Fuel (LPG/Propane) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular)(LPG/Propane-Capable) |
The 1997 to 2004 Ford F-150, which was built on the “PN-96” platform, had several different engine options that used either gasoline or alternative fuels like CNG and LPG.
The base 4.2-liter V6, 4.6-liter V8, and 5.4-liter V8 are all capable of running on regular 87-octane gasoline.
However, the supercharged version of the 5.4-liter V8 that can be found on the SVT Lightning requires premium 91-octane gasoline in order to run at its best performance and avoid engine knock.
Only the 5.4-liter Triton V8 was offered with alternative fuel options that are capable of running on just CNG (compressed natural gas), CNG and 87-octane gasoline (Bi-Fuel CNG variant), and LPG and 87-octane gasoline (Bi-Fuel LPG variant).
2004 to 2008 Ford F-150 (P221)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.2L Essex V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.6L Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 (Flex-Fuel) (2006) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) (E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
The 2004 to 2008 Ford F-150 (P221) belongs to the 11th-generation Ford F-series lineup and is considered the 6th generation of the F-150.
The P221 Ford F-150 came with almost the same set of engine options as the previous generation had, except the 5.4-liter V8 came with a flex-fuel version instead of a supercharged one.
All engines under this generation can take regular 87-octane gasoline, though the flex-fuel version of the 5.4-liter V8 can also run on E-85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), of course.
2009 to 2014 Ford F-150 (P415)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.5L 4V EcoBoost V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.7L Ti-VCT 4V Duratec V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 4.6L 2V/3V Modular V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 5.0L 4V Coyote V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 5.4L 3V Triton V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 6.2L 2V Boss SOHC V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
2009 to 2014 Ford F-150 models have a completely different lineup of engines compared to the previous two generations.
All of the engines offered for this generation include a good mixture of V6s and V8s, and all of them are capable of taking regular 87-octane gasoline.
However, the 3.7-liter V6, 5-liter V8, and 5.4-liter V8 options are also capable of taking E-85 or “Flex-Fuel”.
2015 to 2020 Ford F-150 (P552)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Nano V6 Twin Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 3.5L Cyclone V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 5.0L Coyote V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher(E-85/Flex-Fuel Capable) |
| 3.0L Powerstroke V6 Turbo Diesel | 1D Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) (Colder Climates) 2D Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) (Warmer Climates) |
The P552 Ford F-150, which debuted in 2015, has a mixture of engines from the previous generation as well as new ones, one of which is a diesel engine.
All gasoline-powered V6 and V8 engine options can run on regular 87-octane gasoline, though you could run higher-octane premium gasoline on them for more performance if you don’t mind paying a bit more for fuel.
It’s also worth mentioning that both the 3.3-liter V6 and the 5-liter V8 are flex-fuel vehicles (FFV), so you can use up to an E-85 blend for them.
The new turbocharged 3-liter Powerstroke V6 diesel engine for this generation specifically requires ultra-low sulfur diesel with no more than 15 ppm in sulfur content.
Additionally, it’s best to run 1D ultra-low sulfur diesel in colder climates, while 2D diesel will work just fine in normal or warmer climates.
2021 to 2023/Present Ford F-150 (P702)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Nano V6 Twin Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.5L EcoBoost D35 V6 Twin Turbo | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 3.5L PowerBoost V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote V8 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) or Higher |
| 5.2L Predator Supercharged V8 (F-150 Raptor R) | 91-Octane Gasoline (Premium) or Higher |
| 3.0L Powerstroke V6 Turbo Diesel | 1D Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) (Colder Climates) 2D Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (Max 15 ppm) (Warmer Climates) |
The P702 Ford F-150 is the latest iteration of the popular American pickup truck, and it’s currently offered with several gasoline engines and one diesel engine.
Most of the engines of this generation are very similar to those of the previous one, but the main difference is the inclusion of a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter “PowerBoost” V6 Hybrid and a new supercharged 5.2-liter “Predator” V8 for the Raptor R.
The only diesel option for the P702 F-150 is the same 3-liter Powerstroke V6 turbo diesel used in the previous generation.
Thus, it also requires either 1D or 2D ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, depending on the current climate of your area.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 can use reformulated fuel, Top Tier fuel, ultra-low sulfur diesel or biodiesel (for diesel models), E-85 (for flex-fuel models), and alternative fuels (for CNG and Bi-Fuel models).
Reformulated Gasoline/Diesel (Ford’s Recommendation)
When it comes to using the best fuel for the Ford F-150, you cannot go wrong with what the manufacturer actually recommends, which is reformulated fuel.
Reformulated fuel can come in gasoline or diesel form, and it’s considered to be a more modern type of fuel that’s specifically formulated to burn cleaner than conventional fuel.
This makes it a good way to reduce emissions, which is why it’s highly recommended in areas where there’s a higher percentage of air pollution or smog.
Top Tier Gasoline/Diesel
If you’re going to use fuel with any sort of beneficial additives in it for the Ford F-150, then there’s no better choice than TOP TIER fuel.
Gasoline or diesel fuel that has the “TOP TIER” label on it is mixed with high-quality detergent additives that are designed to safely clean your engine internals and reduce the buildup of all sorts of deposits.
Not only is the TOP TIER formulation adopted by over 60 fuel brands in North America already, but Ford and other major manufacturers also recommend it for their vehicles because of its good detergency.
You can spot TOP TIER fuel brands by looking for the respective labels below. Just keep in mind that the diesel variant is a lot trickier to find due to the limited licensed retail brands that sell it.
Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) (For Diesel Models)
Diesel variants of the Ford F-150 specifically require ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) with no more than 15 ppm of sulfur content.
If you live in an area that’s prone to colder climates, then it’s recommended to use 1D ultra-low sulfur diesel due to its lower viscosity and pour point.
Otherwise, 2D ultra-low sulfur diesel would suffice in normal or warmer temperatures.
Up to 20% Biodiesel Blends (B20) (For Diesel Models)
Ford F-150 models with diesel engines are also capable of using biodiesel fuel, but only up to 20% content (B20).
Compared to normal diesel fuel, biodiesel is a cleaner-burning and renewable type of fuel that’s usually produced from vegetable oil, animal fats, or recycled cooking oil.
Since not all biodiesel fuels are made the same, make sure that the one that you’re going to use meets the standards for biodiesel blends from B6 to B20 (ASTM D7467).
E-85 (For Flex-Fuel Models)
Certain Ford F-150 models are classified as FFVs (Flex-Fuel Vehicles), meaning that they can take gasoline blended with up to 85% ethanol, also known as E-85 or Flex-Fuel.
Do not use ethanol blends higher than E-85 for such F-150 models with Flex-Fuel capability. We recommend checking the “Fuel Requirements” section above for the list of models.
Similarly, do not use any sort of ethanol blend in non-Flex-Fuel variants, as ethanol will corrode the metal components of an engine that’s not designed to take it.
It’s also worth mentioning that you shouldn’t switch between E-85 and regular gasoline too often on F-150 models with Flex-Fuel capability so that they’re able to adapt more smoothly to the change in fuel type.
You can confirm whether or not a vehicle is capable of using flex-fuel/E-85 by checking if it has a yellow fuel cap, as shown below.
Alternative Fuels (For CNG/Bi-Fuel Models)
Certain Ford F-150 models from the “PN-96” generation are actually capable of running on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) and even liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on Bi-Fuel models.
As a quick refresher to what we’ve discussed in the “fuel requirements section”, only the 5.4-liter Triton of the PN-96 F-150 was given these alternative fuel variants.
All of these F-150 models that are able to run on alternative fuels come with their own NGV (natural gas vehicle) fuel system.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Ford F-150
The following fuel types should be avoided for the Ford F-150:
- 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
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Using the wrong gas type, such as using too low of an octane rating, can affect vehicle performance, cause engine knock, and damage the engine internals.
Using diesel fuel in a gasoline engine or vice versa can damage the internals and affect the vehicle’s ability to run properly.
Ford F-150 Gas Mileage Per Generation
Gasoline-powered Ford F-150 models get between 10 to 25 mpg (city) and 13 to 26 mpg (highway) depending on the generation, engine, and drivetrain.
Diesel-powered F-150s get between 21 to 22 mpg (city) and 28 to 30 mpg (highway) depending on the generation and drivetrain.
1997 to 2004 Ford F-150 Gas Mileage (PN-96)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 4.2L Essex V6 (2WD) | 14 to 15 | 18 to 20 |
| 4.2L Essex V6 (4WD) | 13 to 15 | 16 to 18 |
| 4.6L Triton V8 (2WD) | 13 to 14 | 17 to 20 |
| 4.6L Triton V8 (4WD) | 12 to 14 | 16 to 17 |
| 5.4L Triton V8 (2WD) | 11 to 13 | 15 to 17 |
| 5.4L Triton V8 (4WD) | 11 to 12 | 15 to 16 |
| 5.4L Triton V8 CNG (2WD) | 11 (MPGe) | 15 (MPGe) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 Bi-Fuel (CNG) (2WD/4WD) | 10 to 11 (Regular Gasoline) 10 to 11 (CNG) | 14 to 15 (Regular Gasoline) 13 to 14 (CNG) |
| 5.4L Triton V8 Bi-Fuel (LPG/Propane) (2WD/4WD) | 11 to 13 (Regular Gasoline) 10 to 11 (LPG/Propane) | 15 to 18 (Regular Gasoline) 12 to 14 (LPG/Propane) |
| 5.4L Supercharged Triton V8 (SVT Lightning) | 12 | 15 |
2004 to 2008 Ford F-150 Gas Mileage (P221)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 4.2L Essex V6 (RWD) | 14 | 19 to 20 |
| 4.2L Essex V6 (4WD) | 13 to 14 | 17 to 18 |
| 4.6L Triton V8 (RWD) | 14 | 19 |
| 4.6L Triton V8 (4WD) | 13 | 17 |
| 5.4L Triton V8 (RWD) | 13 | 17 |
| 5.4L Triton V8 (4WD) | 13 | 17 |
2009 to 2014 Ford F-150 Gas Mileage (P415)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 3.5L 4V EcoBoost V6 | 15 to 16 | 21 to 22 |
| 3.7L Ti-VCT 4V Duratec V6 | 16 to 17 | 21 to 23 |
| 3.7L Ti-VCT 4V Duratec V6 (E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 11 to 12 | 15 to 17 |
| 4.6L 2V/3V Modular V8 | 14 to 15 | 18 to 21 |
| 5.0L 4V Coyote V8 | 14 to 15 | 19 to 21 |
| 5.0L 4V Coyote V8(E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 10 to 11 | 14 to 15 |
| 5.4L 3V Triton V8 | 14 | 18 to 20 |
| 5.4L 3V Triton V8 (E-85/Flex-Fuel) | 10 | 13 to 14 |
| 6.2L 2V Boss SOHC V8 | 11 to 13 | 14 to 18 |
2015 to 2020 Ford F-150 Gas Mileage (P552)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Nano V6 Twin Turbo (4×2) | 19 to 20 | 26 |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Nano V6 Twin Turbo (4×4) | 18 to 20 | 23 to 25 |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 | 19 | 25 |
| 3.5L Cyclone V6 | 18 | 24 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo (4×2) | 17 to 18 | 24 to 25 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo (4×4) | 17 | 23 |
| 5.0L Coyote V8 (4×2) | 15 to 17 | 22 to 23 |
| 5.0L Coyote V8 (4×4) | 15 to 16 | 21 to 22 |
| 3.0L Powerstroke V6 Turbo Diesel (4×2) | 22 | 30 |
| 3.0L Powerstroke V6 Turbo Diesel (4×4) | 21 | 28 |
2021 to 2023/Present Ford F-150 Gas Mileage (P702)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Nano V6 Twin Turbo (4×2) | 20 | 26 |
| 2.7L EcoBoost Nano V6 Twin Turbo (4×4) | 19 | 24 |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 (4×2) | 20 | 24 |
| 3.3L Ti-VCT Cyclone V6 (4×4) | 19 | 22 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost D35 V6 Twin Turbo (4×2) | 18 | 24 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost D35 V6 Twin Turbo (4×4) | 18 | 23 |
| 3.5L PowerBoost V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid | 25 | 26 |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote V8 (4×2) | 17 | 24 |
| 5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote V8 (4×4) | 16 | 22 |
| 5.2L Predator Supercharged V8 (F-150 Raptor R) | 10 | 15 |
| 3.0L Powerstroke V6 Turbo Diesel | 24 (combined) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I hear a knocking sound from the engine after refueling?
Knocking sounds from the engine after refueling may suggest that you have either put the wrong fuel type or the fuel is contaminated.
However, other issues like improper ignition timing or air-fuel ratio may also cause engine knock. Be sure to bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis.
What’s the gas tank size of the Ford F-150?
The gas tank size/capacity of the Ford F-150 starts from 10.6 to 36 US gallons (40.1 to 136.3 liters).
For most F-150 models, the gas tank size depends on the trim or cab size. However, sizes for 1996 to 2004 models also depend on whether the vehicle has a Bi-Fuel or CNG fuel system.
| Ford F-150 Generation/Model Years | Trim/Cab Sizes | Gas Tank Size/Capacity(US Gallon/Liter) |
| 1997 to 2004 (PN-96) | 4×2 Regular Cab (Short Wheelbase/SWB) | 25 gal (94.6 l) |
| 4×2 Super Cab (Short Wheelbase/SBW) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 4×2 Super Crew Cab(Short Wheelbase/SWB) | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| 4×4 Regular Cab(Short Wheelbase/SWB) | 24.5 gal (92.7 l) | |
| All Long Wheelbase/LWB Models | 30 gal (113.6 l) | |
| SVT Lightning Trim | 25 gal (94.6 l) | |
| Compressed Natural Gas Models (CNG) (Slow-Fill) (3,000 psi) | 19 gal (71.9 l) | |
| Compressed Natural Gas Models (CNG) (Fast-Fill) (3,000 psi) | 16.1 gal (60.9 l) | |
| Compressed Natural Gas Models (CNG) (Slow-Fill) (3,600 psi) | 21.7 (82.1 l) | |
| Compressed Natural Gas Models (CNG) (Fast-Fill) (3,600 psi) | 18.5 gal (70 l) | |
| Bi-Fuel Models (Slow-Fill) | 12.5 gal (47.3 l) | |
| Bi-Fuel Models (Fast-Fill) | 10.6 gal (40.1 l) | |
| 2004 to 2008 (P221) | Regular Cab 6.5 ft Box | 26 gal (98.4 l) |
| Regular Cab 8 ft Box | 27-gal or 35.7-gal optional tank (102.2/135.1 l) | |
| Super Cab 5.5 ft Box | 26 gal (98.4 l) | |
| Super Cab 6.5 ft Box | 27-gal or 35.7-gal optional tank (102.2/135.1 l) | |
| Super Cab 8 ft Box | 27-gal or 35.7-gal optional tank (102.2/135.1 l) | |
| Super Crew Cab 5.5 ft Box | 30 gal (113.6 l) | |
| Super Crew Cab 6.5 ft Box | 27-gal or 35.7-gal optional tank (102.2/135.1 l) | |
| 2009 to 2012 (P415) | Regular Cab 6.5 ft Box | 26 gal (98.4 l) |
| Regular Cab 8 ft Box | 26-gal or 36-gal optional tank (98.4/136.2 l) | |
| Super Cab 5.5 ft Box | 26 gal (98.4 l) | |
| Super Cab 6.5 ft Box | 26-gal or 36-gal optional tank (98.4/136.2 l) | |
| Super Cab 8 ft Box | 26-gal or 36-gal optional tank (98.4/136.2 l) | |
| Super Crew Cab 5.5 ft Box | 26-gal or 36-gal optional tank (98.4/136.2 l) | |
| Super Crew Cab 6.5 ft Box | 26-gal or 36-gal optional tank (98.4/136.2 l) | |
| 2012 to 2023/Present (P415/P552/P702) | Regular Cab | 23-gal or 36-gal optional tank (87.1/136.3 l) |
| Super Cab | 23-gal or 36-gal optional tank (87.1/136.3 l) | |
| Crew Cab | 23-gal or 36-gal optional tank (87.1/136.3 l) | |
| Raptor Super Cab | 23-gal or 36-gal optional tank (87.1/136.3 l) | |
| Raptor Crew Cab | 36 gal (136.3 l) |
How much does it cost to fill up a Ford F-150?
It will cost $78.5 to fill up a gasoline-powered Ford F-150 with the smallest gas tank (23 gal) and $122.9 with the biggest gas tank (36 gal) at $3.414/gal (US average regular gas price).
Diesel Ford F-150s with 23-gallon gas tanks will cost $104.5 to fill up at $4.544/gal (US average diesel price).
