What fuel do you use?

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Some info: Running a 2021 Platinum Max w/ 4WD & HDTow package.

Just finished a 5000 mile road trip to Colorado and back with 7 full size adults and a hitch carrier with about 400 LBs. I did not go to a scale, but I think its pretty safe to say on the way there and back, we were close to the GVWR of the SUV. I kept gas receipts/data throughout this trip.

Up until driving back, we only put 87 (not 85) and the vehicle was handling it fine. Based off of the receipts, we did on average about 17.461 MPG on 87 gas (not including the way back from Colorado). This includes the drives up the mountains in Colorado (Aspen Mountain/Pikes Peak/Mt Evans/Grand Mesa), i-70, backroads, etc.

Now comes for the drive back. Before leaving, we filled up on gas from a local gas station and subsequently had a misfire on Cylinder 4. It'd misfire for about 15-20 seconds before returning back to normal, but during the misfire, it'd lose power. Still being a long ways from home, we decided to fill 89/91/93 until we'd get home and to our local dealership. That said, we averaged about 18.598 MPG throughout the trip back from Colorado, with the last stretch (856 miles) averaging about 21.08 MPG.

Things to note: We were mainly doing 75-85 on the highways to Colorado but on the way back, we sort of babied the SUV by not putting too much load so we kept it to 65-70.

As for the misfire, the dealership said that the coil and plug for Cylinder 4 were completely shot and it was replaced under warranty.

One has nothing to do with the other. The reason you got better fuel economy is speed. When we moved out here, I drove the Penske truck while my wife followed me in the Expy at 60-65 mph. She averaged 22-25 mpg. If we're "traveling" and running 75-80, we get the usual 18, maybe 19-20.

 

[z71kris]

So I run 87 normal driving, i used 89 on the way to Myrtle beach and got better than 17, because it raised from 16.4 to 17.1 by the time we got here. I forgot to reset before we left to see the actual on the way. On the way home I’ll reset and run 91+ on the way home to see what I get.

 

[Nytimes770]

I’ve used nothing but 87 for Highway and local. I have felt hesitation including when going in reverse and overall the drive felt weak to mediocre.

For my next road trip when I have a decent load weight I’ll try 89+.

The price difference can be up to 50 cents a gallon right? So that’s like $10 per fillup and over 100k miles can be a few thousand bucks.

 

[Dahammer]

Currently, I'm using premium fuel. I read in the manual that in summer and or towing, premium fuel is suggested.
Come fall/winter, I'll switch to regular fuel.

 

[XeBeast]

So, the take away is obvious. If your car doesn't need premium (per the book) why would you use it? If the good book says 91 or 93 must be used, you suffer without it. If you can use 87, but 91 is recommended, do what you want.

But again, other than octane, gas is gas. It's all the same, brand doesn't matter.

My 1971 C10 recommends Premium fuel.

 

[Hellwig]

I try my best to use a top tier rated fuel station. https://www.toptiergas.com/fuel-stations/ Premium is what I use since the truck seems to run and shift much better in my opinion.

Try to pump more air into your tires and use 87 gas, then feel if the higher tire pressure gives you the same "smooth" feeling as what 93 gas gives you. I am not kidding. I figured this out when I deal with the transmission responses of my 2020 Dodge Charger 3.6 SXT when accelerating.

 

[Hellwig]

Currently, I'm using premium fuel. I read in the manual that in summer and or towing, premium fuel is suggested.
Come fall/winter, I'll switch to regular fuel.

Interestingly, the manual specifically states if any owner uses 85 gas even in high elevation area and the engine fails, the manufacture warranty wouldn't cover the repair. That's my understanding of the wording in the manual.

 

[Hellwig]

Gas is gas...but additives in that gas do vary. Top Tier gas is proven to keep top end parts/back of valves cleaner. And often Top Tier is less expensive than other, so, why not seek it out? Costco, QT, etc.

93 Octane because every Ecoboost owner manual recommends 91+ for best vehicle and engine performance. And I want the best performance. Boosted engines have to pull timing and reduce output and run hotter to run on 87. Which they will. But, they run better on higher octane

Slightly better on 91/93, to be precise. For me personally, it doesn't justify the difference of extra fuel cost.

 

[Hellwig]

I’ve used nothing but 87 for Highway and local. I have felt hesitation including when going in reverse and overall the drive felt weak to mediocre.

For my next road trip when I have a decent load weight I’ll try 89+.

The price difference can be up to 50 cents a gallon right? So that’s like $10 per fillup and over 100k miles can be a few thousand bucks.

I rented a XLT (regular size) in Colorado two weeks ago and only pumped 85 gas into its tank. I didn't feel any hesitation at all. As a matter of fact, it performed extremely well at Glenwood canyon section of I70 west, with endless low RPM torque and silk smooth transmission switch.

 

[BravoAlpha]

the ECU needs to detect the knock and make adjustments If you are switching back and forth between regular and premium.

how quick are we getting the performance for those of us that switch.?

 

[PhoenixRizez]

Car and Driver tested the 2022 Expedition with regular and premium fuel, and performance was notably increased with the premium fuel (mileage was only slightly increased). They tested an Expedition model with the standard engine, without the Stealth Performance Package, so my guess is that the SPP would likely see an even greater performance increase by using the 93+ fuel over regular.

Is Premium Gas Worth It? We Test High Octane on 4 Popular Vehicles

We tested higher octane fuel than manufacturers require on the Honda CR-V, BMW M5, Ford F-150, and Dodge Charger to see if it impacted acceleration or MPG.

www.caranddriver.com

Besides that, after dropping $86k on an upgraded, performance model, giant sized SUV, specifically so it would still get up and GO like a mid-sized sports car, the last thing I’m concerned about is dropping in an extra $30/month for Premium fuel. I run 93 octane mostly, but IF I could find 93 ethanol-free near me, I’d run that instead.

 

[PhoenixRizez]

Sorry, I mistakenly posted the link where they tested the F-150 on both fuels (although you can see the increase in performance on that one as well), I’ll try to find the Expedition test and post that link. I saw it last year when I was ordering my Expy.

 

[josedirte4]

I don't have a tune, but I use premium whether that's 91 or 93 (depending on the gas station) for peace of mind. When you add up the difference in cost it's around $10 between 87 and 93 on most fill ups. Sometimes slightly more or less. If that breaks your bank then maybe a large vehicle isn't for you. I honestly don't think it makes that big of a deal to use 87 occasionally, especially around town. I believe that is the octane to use according to the manual. Either way, the computer will adjust automatically depending on the octane you decide to go with. However, if you tow a lot, want/need extra power, and want longevity with less engine issues I'd use 93 if possible.

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

I've decided to use 87. Whatever happens, happens. BUT, at the same time, if I fill it from half way or less, I think I'll dump in premium.

 

[Defyant]

2017 Limited HD Tow.
93 towing or loaded up with people / cargo
87 around town, light load short trips.

This is how we run the Timberline. I'll run 93 on road trips where Sport mode is likely to be used.

 

[jjscsix]

Here is an interesting article. Note the F150 results

Is Premium Gas Worth It? We Test High Octane on 4 Popular Vehicles

We tested higher octane fuel than manufacturers require on the Honda CR-V, BMW M5, Ford F-150, and Dodge Charger to see if it impacted acceleration or MPG.

www.caranddriver.com

 

[JimW]

I usually use 87 but do get better mileage with 93. So I try to use 93 when on road trips.

 

[duneslider]

I always use premium when towing and doing road trips. The wife may or may not fill up with premium. Most our fillups are at a place we get a discount with our grocery purchasing so we usually aren't paying the "full price" anyway. Originally with my 2019 xlt I did for sure notice better gas mileage. No performance difference from the seat of pants dyno. In the 2020 platinum I have tried to always use premium.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Just ran a 1365 mile round trip from northeast to midwest (southern Ohio) Light load, 2 people, with luggage, cooler and travel bin, no trailer. Long steep hills through PA and NY on Rts 80, 81 and 84. Trip included maybe 50 miles local driving at destination, which did drop the average some. 70 - 80 mph on highway.

20.3 mpg average on 89 octane. Looks like it would / could have been 21 without the PA mountain climbs.

 

[SWEEDE]

I just got my 2023 MAX Limited. Is it advisable to use the E88 (15% Ethanol) at all or just 87 or premium?