We’ve talked about the Ford F-150 a couple of times in the past, so we’re pretty well-versed about the popular American-made pickup truck.
But for this specific article, we’ll be covering the type of gas or fuel that the F-150 can take, which is an important thing to keep in mind so that you don’t accidentally put in the wrong type.
Also, if you’re interested in learning about the gas type of one of its main competitors as well, then we recommend checking out our Chevy Silverado gas type article!
Otherwise, let’s get things started by answering the first question below.
What kind of gas does a Ford Explorer take?
All Ford Explorer generations (1st to 6th generation) can take regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline.
However, it’s recommended to use at least 91-octane gasoline or higher if you will be using the vehicle for towing or any sort of heavy-duty task.
The minimum gasoline octane requirement of the Ford Explorer stayed at 87 for its entire production run from 1991 up until now.
Thus, using any gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 should be avoided, as this can cause the gasoline to ignite or detonate too early inside the Ford Explorer’s engine, resulting in engine knock.
The Ford Explorer’s minimum octane rating of 87 is further raised to at least 91 if you start to subject it to heavy-duty tasks such as towing or carrying heavy cargo inside.
While there’s a bit of a debate going on as to whether using higher-octane fuel actually increases power when towing, in the Ford Explorer’s case, it’s still recommended because of the benefit of slightly reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The engine would naturally be subject to more load during heavy-duty tasks. As the load gets heavier, more fuel is needed to produce more power, resulting in more emissions.
Using 91-octane fuel instead of 87-octane fuel on the Ford Explorer or any other applicable vehicle can counteract this, as higher-octane fuel is more resistant to knocking, making it perfect for situations requiring the engine to work harder.
Fuel Requirements Based on Ford Explorer Generation and Engine Type
All Ford Explorer generations require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 for their I4, V6, and V8 engine options.
Unless flex-fuel-capable, use only up to 10% ethanol blend for Ford Explorer models from 2006 to 2012 and up to 15% for those 2013 and newer.
The Ford Explorer’s fuel requirements are just about identical for all generations for the most part unless you specifically choose a model option that is equipped with a flex-fuel system.
There is only a handful of specific flex-fuel-capable Ford Explorer models ever made, which includes the Explorer-based Ford Police Interceptor Utility (FPIU) that has a 3.7-liter Cyclone flex-fuel V6 engine.
Both the standard 4-door trim (2002 to 2005) and Sport Trac trim (2004 to 2005) of the Ford Explorer equipped with the 4-liter Cologne V6 engine also offered flex-fuel options.
Furthermore, if you choose to use unleaded fuel with an ethanol blend, take note that only Ford Explorer models from 2006 to 2012 are capable of using 10% ethanol (E10).
2013 and newer models, on the other hand, can take up to 15% ethanol.
We’ll be further discussing the fuel requirement of the Ford Explorer according to its generation and engine below.
And as we’ve discussed earlier, if you are to use any of the Ford Explorer models below for towing or any other heavy-duty work, it’s recommended that you switch to at least 91-octane unleaded gasoline.
1st-Generation Ford Explorer Fuel Requirement (1991 to 1994)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.0L Cologne OHV V6 | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) |
The 1st-generation Ford Explorer only had one engine option in the form of the 4-liter Cologne OHV V6, and it basically started the trend of using a minimum of 87-octane gasoline for all succeeding Ford Explorer models later on.
However, unlike newer models from 2006 and up, the 1st-generation Explorer from 1991 to 1994 was not compatible with gasoline with any sort of ethanol content, let alone 10% of it.
This means that you should avoid filling up any Ford Explorer model from these years with any ethanol blends, as ethanol is known to corrode and damage engine internals if they weren’t designed for it.
2nd-Generation Ford Explorer Fuel Requirement (1995 to 2001)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.0L Cologne OHV V6 | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) |
| 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) |
| 5.0L Small Block OHV V8 | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) |
The 2nd-generation Ford Explorer that ran from 1995 to 2001 has the exact same fuel requirement as the 1st generation. The only difference is that it has 2 more engine options.
Also, all three of these engine options were still not made to be flex-fuel capable, which means that gasoline with ethanol should again be avoided at all costs for the 2nd-generation Ford Explorer.
3rd-Generation Ford Explorer Fuel Requirement (2002 to 2005)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 (4-Door Trim) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (Flex-Fuel/E85 Capable) |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 (Sport Trac Trim) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (Flex-Fuel/E85 Capable) |
| 4.6L Modular V8 (16-Valve) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) |
It was with the 3rd-generation Ford Explorer that the manufacturer started to introduce flex-fuel capability for some of its models.
Such models include the standard 4-door trim and the “Sport Trac” pickup truck trim, both of which were equipped with the 4-liter Cologne V6 engine.
Other than that, these two V6-powered trims, together with the remaining 4.6-liter Modular V8 engine, require at least 87-octane unleaded gasoline from the get-go.
4th-Generation Ford Explorer Fuel Requirement (2006 to 2010)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E10 Capable) |
| 4.6L Modular V8 (24-Valve) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E10 Capable) |
Ford Explorer models belonging to the 4th generation (2006 to 2010) were not exactly flex-fuel capable up to E85 levels (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), but they were already capable of using at most 10% ethanol.
Thus, the 4th-generation Explorer is where Ford started to normalize making its Explorer lineup capable of using some form of ethanol blend from the factory, regardless of the engine option.
And as usual, all models from this generation still require a minimum of 87-octane fuel to avoid premature ignition (pre-ignition) and engine knocking.
5th-Generation Ford Explorer Fuel Requirement (2011 to 2019)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L EcoBoost I4 Turbo (FWD) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E10/E15 Capable) |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E10/E15 Capable) |
| 3.5L Duratec Ti-VCT V6 | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E10/E15 Capable) |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E10/E15 Capable) |
| 3.7L Cyclone Ti-VCT V6 (Ford Police Interceptor Utility/AWD) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (Flex-Fuel/E85 Capable) |
The 5th-generation Ford Explorer introduced the most variation in its use of ethanol blends while still maintaining the usual minimum requirement of 87-octane fuel of the other generations.
All engines, excluding the 3.7-liter Cyclone V6, are capable of using 10% ethanol (E10) up until the 2012 model year. Otherwise, 2013 and newer models are capable of using up to 15% ethanol (E15).
The 3.7-liter Cyclone Ti-VCT V6 used in both the Police Interceptor Utility and AWD models is the only engine under the 5th-generation Explorer that is flex-fuel or E85 capable.
6th-Generation Ford Explorer Fuel Requirement (2020 to Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E15 Capable) |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E15 Capable) |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo PHEV | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E15 Capable) |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 (Ford Police Interceptor Utility) | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (Flex-Fuel/E85 Capable) |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 Hybrid | 87-Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Regular) (E15 Capable) |
The 6th and newest generation of the Ford Explorer still requires unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 for all of its engines, including the new hybrid and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) options.
Aside from this, all engine options are now capable of using gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15), a slight upgrade from the E10-capable models of the previous generation made before 2013.
Though once again, the next-generation Police Interceptor Utility sporting the new 3.3-liter Cyclone V6 kicks it up a notch by being the only 6th-generation model that offers flex-fuel/E85 capability.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Ford Explorer
Ford specifically recommends using TOP TIER gasoline for the Explorer due to its mixture of engine-cleaning additives manufactured to high standards.
Reformulated gasoline is also recommended for the Ford Explorer, as it burns more cleanly compared to conventional gasoline, reducing toxic emissions.
TOP TIER Gasoline (Ford’s Recommendation)
Gasoline stamped with the “TOP TIER” logo has long been regarded as one of the cleanest in the oil industry, and Ford highly recommends it for all of its gasoline-powered vehicle models, including the Explorer.
First developed in 2004, the TOP TIER formula has since been recognized and used by a lot of manufacturers of both gasoline and vehicles, and this is thanks to its high standards for detergent additives.
The Ford Explorer can benefit from such detergent additives, as it allows the engine to be better protected against the buildup of debris, deposits, or any kind of “gunk” inside it.
While the Ford Explorer doesn’t really have a diesel variant, it’s still worth mentioning that there’s also TOP TIER detergent diesel.
Though it can be pretty tricky to locate a station that has TOP TIER diesel because only a few brands have it.
As of April 2022, there are over 60 TOP TIER gasoline brands and 2 TOP TIER diesel brands across the United States and Canada, and you can spot any of them by looking for the logos encircled below.
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)
Another type of gasoline that works well with the Ford Explorer is reformulated gasoline (RFG), as it’s specifically formulated to burn more cleanly compared to conventional gasoline.
Reformulated gasoline’s cleaner and more modern mixture results in a reduction of carbon emissions, making it highly recommended in areas where smog or air pollution, in general, is considerably high.
This is because it actually contains lower amounts of specific chemical compounds that are known to pose a threat to the ozone layer when emitted.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, about 25% of all gasoline sold in the US is reformulated gasoline, making it a considerably popular and accepted form of gasoline for most vehicle manufacturers.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Ford Explorer
Avoid filling up the Ford Explorer with any oxygenated blends or E-85 unless it’s specifically built with a flex-fuel system.
Avoid using diesel or biodiesel, gasoline with MMT, and gasoline with added materials that are not compatible with the Ford Explorer.
Oxygenated Blends or Flex-Fuel/E-85 (For Specific Ford Explorer Model Years)
When it comes to using oxygenated gasoline blends, such as those that come with ethanol, there are only a few specific Ford Explorer models that are compatible with them.
Ford Explorer models from 1991 up until 2002 were not made to be compatible with any sort of gasoline containing oxygenates like ethanol.
Thus, you should avoid filling up Ford Explorer models from these years with oxygenated blends, as they can corrode the engine internals and fueling system.
However, some Ford Explorer models from 2002 to 2005 are actually flex-fuel capable and can take up to 85% ethanol (E85).
Some 2006 and newer models can also take between 10% to 15% ethanol depending on the exact engine trim.
We recommend going back to the “Fuel Requirements” section above for more info on each Ford Explorer generation and engine’s compatibility with ethanol.
Otherwise, you can also look at the fuel cap of your Ford Explorer to find out if it’s flex-fuel capable. It will be yellow in color and will have the “E85” lettering on it.
Gasoline with MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
MMT is a type of metal additive that is used to boost the octane rating of leaded gasoline in the US (and even some unleaded gasoline in Canada).
However, it’s not recommended for any of the generations of the Ford Explorer.
Despite getting a boost in octane and having decreased chances of engine knock, using MMT makes your vehicle’s emissions more toxic to the environment.
In addition, MMT is also known to cause damage to the vehicle’s spark plugs and emissions system.
As a result of this, a lot of gasoline brands have chosen to be completely MMT-free, and Ford and dozens of other manufacturers also don’t recommend using MMT on any of their vehicles.
Gasoline with Added Materials
There are a lot of different gasoline additives out there that are advertised to give benefits like increased octane and cleaner engine internals.
However, there are certain additives or added materials that you should avoid putting in the fuel that you use for your Ford Explorer.
Fuel that contains lead, kerosene, paraffin, methanol, or any metallic-based additives should not be used for the Ford Explorer, as this may damage the emissions system.
Rather than using any of the additives mentioned above, simply filling up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline already gives you all of the safe additives that you’ll ever need for your Ford Explorer.
Diesel/Biodiesel
Since the Ford Explorer doesn’t come with a diesel engine variant, it makes sense that you shouldn’t put any sort of diesel fuel in it, including biodiesel.
Diesel fuel is thicker and denser compared to gasoline, so accidentally putting it in a vehicle that’s designed to run on gasoline (petrol) will clog up the spark plugs and the fuel system.
Once this happens, the engine will likely start to misfire, stutter, and eventually stall.
What will happen if I use the wrong gas type?
Filling up with the wrong type of gas, such as one with too low of an octane rating, can decrease engine performance and cause engine knock, resulting in damaged internals.
Accidentally putting diesel in a gasoline car will clog up the spark plugs and fuel system, as diesel is thicker than gasoline.
Ford Explorer Gas Mileage Per Generation
1st-Generation Ford Explorer (1991 to 1994)
| Engine Option | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L Cologne OHV V6 | 15 | 18 |
2nd-Generation Ford Explorer (1995 to 2001)
| Engine Option | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L Cologne OHV V6 | 13 | 18 |
| 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 | 13 | 18 |
| 5.0L Small Block OHV V8 | 13 | 18 |
3rd-Generation Ford Explorer (2002 to 2005)
| Engine Option | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 (2WD) | 14 | 19 |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 (4WD) | 13 | 18 |
| 4.6L Modular V8 (2WD) | 13 | 18 |
| 4.6L Modular V8 (4WD) | 13 | 17 |
4th-Generation Ford Explorer (2006 to 2010)
| Engine Option | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 (2WD) | 14 | 20 |
| 4.0L Cologne V6 (4WD) | 13 | 19 |
| 4.6L Modular V8 (2WD) | 15 | 21 |
| 4.6L Modular V8 (4WD) | 14 | 19 |
5th-Generation Ford Explorer (2011 to 2019)
| Engine Option | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 2.0L EcoBoost I4 Turbo (FWD) | 20 | 27 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo (FWD) | 19 | 27 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo (AWD) | 18 | 25 |
| 3.5L Duratec Ti-VCT V6 (FWD) | 17 | 24 |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo (AWD) | 16 | 22 |
| 3.5L (Flex-Fuel) (2WD) | 17 | 24 |
| 3.5L (Flex-Fuel) (AWD) | 16 | 22 |
| 3.5L (E85) (2WD) | 13 | 18 |
| 3.5L (E85) (AWD) | 12 | 16 |
6th-Generation Ford Explorer (2020 to Present)
| Engine Option | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo (RWD) | 21 | 28 |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo (AWD) | 20 | 27 |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo PHEV (AWD) | 18 | 24 |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 (Flex-Fuel) | 16 | 23 |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 (E85) | 11 | 15 |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 Hybrid (RWD) | 27 | 29 |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 Hybrid (AWD) | 23 | 26 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I hear a knocking sound from the engine after refueling?
A knocking sound that’s coming from the engine after refueling may indicate that you have used the wrong type of fuel or the fuel is contaminated.
However, other issues like incorrect ignition timing and air-fuel ratio can also cause engine knock, so make sure to bring your vehicle to a mechanic.
What is the gas tank size of the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer has a gas tank size/capacity starting from 17.5 US gallons (66 liters) to 22.5 US gallons (86 liters) depending on the generation and engine option.
| Ford Explorer Generation | Engine Option | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon) |
| 1st Generation (1991 to 1994) | 4.0L Cologne OHV V6 | 19 to 19.3 gal (72 to 74 l) |
| 2nd Generation (1995 to 2001) | 4.0L Cologne OHV V6 | 21 gal (80 l) |
| 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 | 21 gal (80 l) | |
| 5.0L Small Block OHV V8 | 17.5 gal (66 l) | |
| 3rd Generation (2002 to 2005) | 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 | 22.5 gal (86 l) |
| 4.6L Modular V8 | 22.5 gal (86 l) | |
| 4th Generation (2006 to 2010) | 4.0L Cologne SOHC V6 | 22.5 gal (86 l) |
| 4.6L Modular V8 | 22.5 gal (86 l) | |
| 5th Generation (2011 to 2019) | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 Turbo | 18.6 gal (70 l) |
| 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo | 18.6 gal (70 l) | |
| 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo | 18.6 gal (70 l) | |
| 3.5L Duratec Ti-VCT V6 | 18.6 gal (70 l) | |
| 6th Generation (2020 to Present) | 2.3L EcoBoost I4 Turbo | 17.9 gal (68 l) |
| 3.0L EcoBoost V6 Twin Turbo | 20.2 gal (76 l) | |
| 3.3L Cyclone V6 Hybrid | 18 gal (68 l) |
How much does it cost to fill up a Ford Explorer?
Using the US national average of $3.379 per gallon of gasoline, it will cost you about $59.8 to fill up a Ford Explorer with the smallest gas tank size (17.5 US gallons).
To fill up a Ford Explorer with the biggest gas tank size (22.5 US gallons), it will cost you a total of $76.03.
