We have put a lot of effort into gathering the exact data. This way, you know exactly what kind of gasoline you need to put in your Ford Explorer. We have gone through manufacturer’s databases to give answers to your questions about your favorite car.
So, what types of gas a Ford Explorer takes?
Six generations of Ford Explorer are compatible with 87 octane gasoline. Mid-grade or premium gasoline is suggested when towing or for V8 engines. Ethanol blend E85 can be used in Flex Fuel Vehicles only. From 2013-present, maximum 15% ethanol can be used in regular gasoline tanks. 91 octane (or higher) is recommended for heavy work.
While we’ve talked about the types of gas various Ford models take like the Ford Focus, or Ford Fusion, below, we are going to show you what kind of gas a Ford Explorer can or can not take.
We’ll also discuss what kind of ethanol levels your fuel should contain and if it’s a good idea to add additives. Finally, we will also discuss the cost of filling your tank in different states. Read on!
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Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type
The Second-Generation Ford Explorer (1995-2001)
According to the manufacturers, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 is recommended for everyday use.
Unlike some Ford models like the Ford Escape, “premium” gasoline is not recommended. It is better to use mid-grade or premium when you are towing heavy loads. The V8, however, should be given mid-grade or higher to make sure that the internals would not accumulate debris.
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| Ford Cologne V6 | Regular 87 Octane |
| Ford Cologne V6 | Regular 87 Octane |
| Ford small-block V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
The Third-Generation Ford Explorer (2002-2005)
Regular unleaded gasoline with 87 of octane is recommended. Although premium gasoline with a 91 of octane or higher is preferred when hauling a trailer. The use of ethanol blend E85 is recommended for Flex Fuel Vehicles only.
If you don’t know whether your vehicle is flex-fuel capable or not, then check if your fuel inlet has a yellow bezel around. If you don’t find it, you might find it written on the fuel tank door.
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| Ford Cologne V6 | Regular 87 Octane |
| Ford Modular V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
The Fourth-Generation Ford Explorer (2006-2010)
From the fourth generation, a maximum blend of 10% ethanol was allowed in regular unleaded gasoline engines. Any other oxygenated blends of ethanol are not suggested.
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| Ford Cologne V6 | Regular 87 Octane |
| Ford Modular V8 | Regular 87 Octane |
The Fifth-Generation Ford Explorer (2011-2019)
From 2013 ethanol blend of 10% was increased to 15%. E85 is allowed to be used in Flex Fuel Vehicles only. And premium gasoline with 91 or higher octane number is preferred for heavy load work like towing.
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| 2.0L Ecoboost | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 2.3L Ecoboost | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.5L Duratec | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.5L Ecoboost | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.7L Duratec | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
The Sixth-Generation Ford Explorer (2020-Present)
| Engine | Fuel Requirement |
| 2.3L Ecoboost | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.3L V6 | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.3L V6 Hybrid | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.0L Ecoboost V6 (400 bhp) | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.0L Ecoboost V6 (365 bhp) | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
| 3.0L Ecoboost V6 Hybrid (444 bhp) | Regular 87 Octane or higher |
So, Does The Ford Explorer Require Premium Gas?
Unless you’re doing heavy work like towing a trailer, sticking with regular 87 octane is all you need for a Ford Explorer. That’s true across all current generations including the old school Modular V8 and the more modern Ecoboost engines.
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Reformulated Gasoline
As reformulated gasoline burns more cleanly than ordinary gasoline, the manufacturers recommend using it in our engines. It is preferred in areas with high concentrations of smog to reduce air pollution. The US EPA has officially considered reformulated gasoline as non-toxic gasoline with no adverse effect.
| Engine | Reformulated gas |
| First-generation | Recommended |
| Second generation | Recommended |
| Third generation | Recommended |
| Fourth generation | Recommended |
| Fifth-generation | Recommended |
| Six generation | Recommended |
Can I Put E85 In My Ford Explorer?
Ethanol / Oxygenated blends were not compatible with the Ford Explorer until 2002. From 2002-2005 ethanol blend of E85 is allowed to be used in Flex Fuel Vehicles only.
From 2006-2012 a maximum of 10% of ethanol is allowed in your regular unleaded gasoline engines. If more percentage of ethanol is used, it might harm your fuel tank and the emission system.
From 2013-present, a maximum of 15% ethanol is allowed to be used in regular gasoline tanks. An ethanol blend of 85% (E85) is authorized in Flex Fuel Vehicles only.
Below you can see which generations of Ford Explorer are compatible with Flex Fuel/E85.
| Model Intervals | Ethanol Blend | Flex Fuel Vehicle | Premium |
| 1991-2001 | Not compatible | No | Not recommended |
| 2002-2005 | E85 can be used in (FFV) | Yes | Not recommended |
| 2006-2012 | 10% Ethanol | No | Not recommended |
| 2013-Today | 15% Ethanol / E85(FFV) | Yes | 91 or higher octane number preferred |
If you’re interested, you can also check out this driver’s experience with Flex Fuel in a 2002 Ford Explorer where he explains that his ride is driving better (if you can believe it) while saving money with the Flex Fuel:
Just make sure to double-check the list above against your year to make sure your Explorer is Flex Fuel compatible.
Gasoline With Added Materials
Most of the additives out there are used either to increase the octane or clean the internals of the combustion engine. You will find a lot of debate on which type of additive you can and can not use.
To make things clear, Ford only recommends TOP TIER Gasoline which is gasoline that has all the right additives mixed into it and is available at toptiergas.com.
The lists of additives strictly prohibited are given below:
- Fuels that contain Kerosene or Paraffin
- Fuels that have methanol content
- Metallic based additives are not recommended as they damage the emissions system
- Leaded fuel is strictly prohibited
| Engine generation | Metallic/Silicon-based additives |
| First-generation | Not recommended |
| Second generation | Not recommended |
| Third generation | Not recommended |
| Fourth generation | Not recommended |
| Fifth-generation | Not recommended |
| Sixth generation | Not recommended |
However, there may be instances in which TOP TIER gas is not available in your region. In this case, you likely fill up at BP, Amoco, Walmart, or 7-Eleven. All these brands aren’t TOP TIER retailers and you need to add a detergent to your gasoline to keep your engine clean or deposits will build-up, reducing MPG and the lifespan of your fuel system.
In this case, we recommend you go with a product like Hot Shot’s Gasoline Extreme and Stiction Eliminator. Gasoline Extreme cleans the complete fuel system whereas Stiction Eliminator focuses on the sticky, gummy residue of burnt oil in the engine.
Furthermore, these products don’t contain metallics or silicon and are guaranteed to not void any warranty. It’s the best option if you can’t fill up with TOP TIER gas in the first place.
Gasoline With MMT
Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT) is an additive used in automobiles to stop knocking and enhance octane activity.
1991 – Present-day Ford Explorer, as well as other models like the Ford Expedition and Mustang, among others, does not allow the use of any additive in your engine, especially manganese-based.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is only recommended in diesel engines, but unfortunately, Ford Explorer does not offer diesel engines in its lineup.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling
If you hear knocking noise after a refill, it’s probably because of not using the right kind of fuel or not using the right octane-rated gasoline. Use the right fuel with the right octane number (recommended by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual).
But if you hear a light knocking noise, it is not a big deal, but if it becomes loud, and does not go away by increasing the octane number of gasoline, contact your dealer right away.
If you continue to use your vehicle, whether it’s a Ford Explorer, or another model like the Mustang as we talk here, even with the loud knocking noise, you might end up losing the warranty of your vehicle.
Does the Ford Explorer Have Good Gas Mileage?
We have arranged data in short tables to simplify the complications of finding your engine and its combined mileage. Scroll down, and you will find what you are looking for.
Second generation (1995-2001)
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L V6 | 13 | 18 |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 | 13 | 18 |
| 5.0L V8 | 13 | 18 |
Third generation (2002-2005)
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 (2WD) | 14 | 19 |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 (4WD) | 13 | 18 |
| 4.6L V8 (2WD) | 13 | 18 |
| 4.6L V8 (4WD) | 13 | 17 |
Fourth generation (2006-2010)
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 (2WD) | 14 | 20 |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 (4WD) | 13 | 19 |
| 4.6L V8 (2WD) | 15 | 21 |
| 4.6L V8 (4WD) | 14 | 19 |
Fifth-generation (2011-2019)
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 2.0L Ecoboost | 20 | 27 |
| 3.5L Ecoboost V6 (FWD) | 17 | 24 |
| 3.5L Ecoboost V6 (AWD) | 16 | 22 |
| 2.3L Ecoboost (FWD) | 19 | 27 |
| 2.3L Ecoboost (AWD) | 18 | 25 |
| FFV 3.5L (2WD) | 17 | 24 |
| FFV 3.5L (AWD) | 16 | 22 |
| E-85 3.5L (2WD) | 13 | 18 |
| E-85 3.5L (AWD) | 12 | 16 |
Sixth generation (2020-Present)
| Engine | Lowest Combined MPG | Highest Combined MPG |
| 2.3L Ecoboost (RWD) | 21 | 28 |
| 2.3L Ecoboost (AWD) | 20 | 27 |
| 3.0L (AWD) | 18 | 24 |
| 3.3L (HEV-AWD) | 23 | 26 |
| 3.3L (HEV-RWD) | 27 | 29 |
| FFV 3.3L | 16 | 23 |
| E85 3.3L | 11 | 15 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of The Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer has a minimum tank size of 15 gallons or 68 liters and a maximum tank size of 22.5 gallons or 102 liters.
Second generation (1995-2001)
| Engine | Quantity |
| 4.0L V6 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
| 4.6L V8 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
| 5.0L V8 | 17.5 gal or 80 liters |
Third generation (2002-2005)
| Engine | Quantity |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
| 4.6L V8 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
Fourth generation (2006-2010)
| Engine | Quantity |
| 4.0L SOHC V6 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
| 4.6L V8 | 22.5 gal or 102 liters |
Fifth-generation (2011-2019)
| Engine | Quantity |
| 2.0L Ecoboost | 18.6 gal or 84.5 liters |
| 3.5L Ecoboost V6 | 18.6 gal or 84.5 liters |
| 2.3L Ecoboost | 18.6 gal or 84.5 liters |
| 3.5L Duratec | 18.6 gal or 84.5 liters |
Sixth generation (2020-Present)
| Engine | Quantity |
| 2.3L Ecoboost | 18.6 gal or 84.5 liters |
| 3.0L | 15 gal or 68 liters |
| 3.3L | 17.9 gal or 81.3 liters |
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up Ford Explorer?
From the above-given data, you might have an idea now about the gasoline capacity of your required vehicle. We have gathered data for you to give you an idea about the cost to fill up your specific model of Ford Explorer as well.
On average, you will be paying $3.416 per gallon in the United States. And with this average, $51.24 to fill up your 15 gallons or $76.86 to fill up 22.5 gallons of the fuel tank, which is the maximum tank size of Ford Explorer as of today.
If you are in California, gasoline goes by the rate of $4.622, which will make a total of $103.995 to fill up 22.5 gallons – the most expensive rate at the time of writing this article or would cost you 69.33$ at minimum (to fill 15 gallons).
On the other hand, if you are in a state like Oklahoma, it would cost you around $45.36 to fill up a 15-gallon tank at the rate of $3.024 or $68.04 at maximum ( to fill 22.5 gallons). Overall, in California, it would cost you in the range of $69.33-$103.995, and in Oklahoma, it would cost you in the range of $45.36-$68.04.
| State | Gallons | Cost |
| National-Average | 15 gal | $51.24 |
| National-Average | 22.5 gal | $76.86 |
| California | 15 gal | $69.33 |
| California | 22.5 gal | $103.99 |
| Oklahoma | 15 gal | $45.36 |
| Oklahoma | 22.5 gal | $68.04 |
Closing Thoughts
In summary, understanding the fuel requirements of your Ford Explorer, no matter its generation, helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle. The more you know about proper maintenance and common problems the longer you can expect your Explorer to last.
Regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline is generally recommended, with flexibility for ethanol blends and high-octane fuel under certain conditions. However, if you’re considering flat-towing, switching to premium gasoline is advisable when hauling heavy loads.
But just as fuel type matters, other aspects of your Ford Explorer contribute to its overall performance and safety. For a deeper dive into the mechanical aspects of your vehicle, explore our detailed guide on Ford Explorer Transmissions.
If you’re planning any wheel-related changes, knowing the exact bolt pattern of your Ford Explorer is also crucial.
No matter what Ford related knowledge you’re looking for this is the right place for you and armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to get the most from your Ford Explorer- just make sure your fuel stays in the tank! Happy driving!
Sources
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Explorer-Gas-HEV-Owners-Manual-version-2_om_EN-US_01_2021.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2020-Ford-Explorer-Gas-Hev-Owners-Manual-version-3_om_EN-US_03_2020.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2019-Ford-Explorer-Owners-Manual-version-2_om-EN-US_09_2018.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/11expog4e.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/10expog2e.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/06expog2e.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/05expog3e.pdf
- https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2001-Expl-version-2_om_EN-US_06_2000.pdf
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=18286&id=18280
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=40804&id=40806
- https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=41487&id=41511
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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