On this blog, we answer your questions about your favorite cars. Today we will take a tour and answer your queries on what kind of gas a Ford Expedition takes. We have gone through owners manuals of Ford Expedition produced since their first generation (1997), and here is your answer:
Ford Expeditions built between 1997-2008 were designed to use only regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87; For the 2008 – Present generation, 87 octane is recommended for the 5.4L Triton V8, and 91 octane is recommended for the 3.5L EcoBoost Triton V6.
We’ve talked about the types of gas other Ford models take, like the Ford Transit among others, and below we go into more detail about the kind of gas you should or shouldn’t use for your Ford Expedition.
We will also be discussing what type of gasoline leaves what kind of effects on the durability of your engine and its performance. Finally, we answer some other questions about the fuel requirements of the ford expeditions. So let’s get into it!
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Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type
First-generation (1997-2002)
The first generation Ford Expedition uses regular gasoline with a minimum 87 octane number. Below 87 is not recommended. Other fuels even damage your fuel system and emission control system. According to the owner’s manual, 2002 Ford Expedition engines are made for “Regular” gasoline fuel systems and do not recommend “Premium” gasoline.
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| 4.6L 16-Valve V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
| 5.4L 16-Valve V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
| 4.6L 16-Valve V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
| 5.4L 16-Valve V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
Second generation (2003-2006)
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| 4.6L 16-Valve Triton V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
| 5.4L 16-Valve Triton V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
| 5.4L 24-Valve Triton V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
Third generation (2007-2017)
According to the owner’s manual 2007 Ford expedition engines made for “Regular” gasoline uses gasoline with a minimum 87 octane number. However, a maximum 10% ethanol blend can also be used in the engine, which was increased to 15% in 2013.
In 2009, the flex-fuel capability was introduced in the 3.5L Ti-VCT Ecoboost Triton V6, which means it could also take combinations of two fuels instead of just one like regular/premium gasoline, E85, etc. (only in Flex Fuel Vehicles). With that upgrade, these engines could attain maximum driveability and excellent performance.
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| 5.4L 24-Valve VCT Triton V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
| 5.4L 24-Valve VCT Triton V8/E85 ethanol | Regular 87 Octane |
| 3.5L 24-Valve Ti-VCT Ecoboost Triton V6 | Regular 87 Octane (possible)/ Premium 91 or higher (recommended). Flex Fuel if it is specified on the vehicle |
Fourth generation (2018-Today)
The current generation of the Expedition can run on 87 octane. However, 91 octane is recommended for optimum performance (such as when towing).
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| 3.5L 24-Valve Ti-VCT Ecoboost Triton V6 | Regular 87 Octane/ Premium 91 or higher |
| 3.5L 24-Valve Ti-VCT Ecoboost Triton Platinum series V6 | Regular 87 Octane/ Premium 91 or higher |
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Other than traditional gasoline, there is a wide variety of gasoline available on the fuel stations around the world today. For many of these Ford Expeditions have indicated whether these can have this kind of gas or not. Let’s explore it ourselves.
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline is a modern kind of gasoline that is preferably used in areas with high smog concentrations. It burns cleaner than regular gasoline. However, it is also beneficial for the reduction of air pollution. The United States EPA has officially recommended reformulated gas, as it has no toxic effect on air pollution.
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85
Ford Expedition could not handle oxygenated blends or E85 until Ford Expedition 2007-2008 was designed, which allowed a maximum of 10% ethanol blend in the fuel system.
After that, in 2009 first FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) was introduced, which allowed the use of the most common ethanol blend (E75-E85), and that continued to 2012.
From 2013 regular unleaded gasoline increased its ethanol blend from 10% to 15% in standard Ford engines, and if you have the Flex Fuel Vehicle, you are allowed to use E85 in your engine.
| Model Intervals | Ethanol Blend | Flex Fuel Vehicle |
| 1997-2006 | Not compatible | No |
| 2007-2008 | 10% Ethanol | No |
| 2009-2012 | 15% Ethanol/ E85 | Yes |
| 2013-Today | 15% Ethanol/ E85 | Yes |
To make sure whether or not your vehicle is flex-fuel-appropriate, you can take a look at the gas cap. If you find a yellow gas cap, it suggests that your vehicle is FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle). If you don’t see it on the cap, sometimes it’s mentioned on the gas door, on the inside.
Gasoline With Added Materials
According to owner’s manuals of 1997-Today of Ford Expedition, it is mentioned not to use additive materials to your engine because they could harm your engine in many ways (especially the ones with metallic-based compounds), which might lead to the eradication of vehicle warranty.
| Engine generation | Metallic based additives |
| First-generation | Do not use in any model |
| Second generation | Do not use in any model |
| Third generation | Do not use in any model |
| Fourth generation | Do not use in any model |
Gasoline With MMT
MMT is methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl which is a kind of octane booster. It is prohibited to use in any of the Ford Expedition engines.
| Engine generation | MMT |
| First-generation | Do not use MMT in any model |
| Second generation | Do not use MMT in any model |
| Third generation | Do not use MMT in any model |
| Fourth generation | Do not use MMT in any model |
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is suggested to be compatible with diesel engines only, and If we are to discuss Ford Expedition, you can not because Ford Expedition doesn’t come with the diesel engine. However, we might get to see expeditions on diesel in the future.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?
Knocking noise from the engine could be for many reasons, such as poor quality of gasoline or lower octane number.
If you have used the right kind of fuel and hear a slight sound of knocking from the engine, then it’s probably not a thing to worry about. Still, on the other hand, if you have used unauthorized fuel in your vehicle and hear loud knocking then you are likely using gasoline with a lower octane number or some kind of gasoline restricted in the owner’s manual.
When you hear a knocking noise, you can add premium gas, run your vehicle, and see if the knocking goes away. If the sound is loud, to begin with, immediately take your vehicle to a certified dealership to have it inspected.
Does the Ford Expedition Have Good Gas Mileage?
2018 – Present
The 2018 – Present Ford Expedition 2WD has a combined MPG of 17-23, and the Ford Expedition 4WD has a combined MPG of 17-22. The Ford Expedition MAX 2WD has a combined MPG of 17-23, and the Ford Expedition MAX 4WD has a combined MPG of 18-21.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 17 | 23 |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 17 | 22 |
| Ford Expedition MAX 2WD | 17 | 23 |
| Ford Expedition MAX 4WD | 16 | 21 |
2007-2017
The 2007-2017 Ford Expedition 2WD has a combined MPG of 15-21, and the Ford Expedition 4WD has a combined MPG of 15-20. Ford Expedition EL 2WD has a combined MPG of 15-20, and the Ford Expedition EL 4WD has a combined MPG of 15-19.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 15 | 21 |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 15 | 20 |
| Ford Expedition EL 2WD | 15 | 20 |
| Ford Expedition EL 4WD | 15 | 19 |
2003-2006
The 2003-2006 Ford Expedition 2WD has a combined MPG of 12-17. In contrast, the Ford Expedition 4WD has a combined MPG of 12-16.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 12 | 17 |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 12 | 16 |
1997-2002
The 1997-2002 Ford Expedition 2WD with 4.6L engine has a combined MPG of 14-19, and the Ford Expedition 2WD with 5.4L engine has a combined MPG of 12-17. Ford Expedition 4WD with a 4.6L engine has a combined MPG of 12-16, whereas the Ford Expedition 4WD with a 5.4L engine has a combined MPG of 11-15.
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.6L Ford Expedition 2WD | 14 | 19 |
| 5.4L Ford Expedition 2WD | 12 | 17 |
| 4.6L Ford Expedition 4WD | 12 | 16 |
| 5.4L Ford Expedition 4WD | 11 | 15 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of The Ford Expedition?
First-generation (1997-2002)
| Engine | Quantity |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 26 gallons or 98.4 liters |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 30 gallons or 113.6 liters |
Second generation (2003-2006)
| Engine | Quantity |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 28 gallons or 106 liters |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 28 gallons or 106 liters |
Third generation (2007-2017)
| Engine | Quantity |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 34 gallons or 128.7 liters |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 34 gallons or 128.7 liters |
Fourth generation (2018-Today)
| Engine | Quantity |
| Ford Expedition 2WD | 23.6 gallons or 89.3 liters |
| Ford Expedition 4WD | 23.6 gallons or 89.3 liters |
| Ford Expedition MAX 2WD | 27.8 gallons or 105.2 liters |
| Ford Expedition MAX 4WD | 27.8 gallons or 105.2 liters |
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up Ford Expedition?
In New York, filling up a Ford Expedition 2021 will cost you around $83.96. For the Ford Expedition MAX 2021, it will cost you approximately $98.91.
| State | Model | Capacity | Cost |
| New York | Ford Expedition 2WD | 23.6 gallons | $83.96 |
| New York | Ford Expedition 4WD | 23.6 gallons | $83.96 |
| New York | Ford Expedition Max 2WD | 27.8 gallons | $98.91 |
| New York | Ford Expedition Max 4WD | 27.8 gallons | $98.91 |
In Oklahoma, a Ford Expedition 2021 will cost you around $71.98, whereas a Ford Expedition MAX 2021 will be about $84.79, the cheapest of all states.
| State | Model | Capacity | Cost |
| Oklahoma | Ford Expedition 2WD | 23.6 gallons | $71.98 |
| Oklahoma | Ford Expedition 4WD | 23.6 gallons | $71.98 |
| Oklahoma | Ford Expedition Max 2WD | 27.8 gallons | $84.79 |
| Oklahoma | Ford Expedition Max 4WD | 27.8 gallons | $84.79 |
In California, a Ford Expedition 2021 will cost you around $109.07, whereas a Ford Expedition MAX 2021 will be about $128.49, being the most expensive all around the United States.
| State | Model | Capacity | Cost |
| California | Ford Expedition 2WD | 23.6 gallons | $109.07 |
| California | Ford Expedition 4WD | 23.6 gallons | $109.07 |
| California | Ford Expedition Max 2WD | 27.8 gallons | $128.49 |
| California | Ford Expedition Max 4WD | 27.8 gallons | $128.49 |
Sources
- https://expeditionportal.com/e15-ethanol-things-to-know/
- https://www.epa.gov/gasoline-standards/reformulated-gasoline
- https://www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/advanced-fuel/
- https://www.officialdata.org/cars/Ford/Expedition%204WD
- https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/ford-expedition-2021.html#aeng_ford-expedition-2021-5l-ecoboost-v6-10at-3400-hp
- https://www.edmunds.com/ford/expedition/2021/features-specs/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/expedition/specs/2016/ford_expedition-expedition-max_ford-expedition-el_2016/378031
- https://www.autopadre.com/gas-tank-size-comparison/2002-ford-expedition-vs-2002-ford-expedition
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=22390&id=22496&id=22189&id=22260
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Expedition-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_10_2020.pdf
- http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2018-Ford-Expedition-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_08_2017.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2016-Expedition-Owners-Manual-version-2_om_EN-US_11_2015.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/06exdog2e.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/02exdog1e.pdf
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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