I’ve got a 2022 F-150 with the 2.7 Ecoboost, and I’ve always used 87 octane, getting about 20mpg. I’m curious though, if I want to keep the engine as clean as possible and running at its best, is it worth switching to a higher octane gas?
Here’s what the manual says for the 2018 model:
>Your vehicle is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump octane rating of 87.
>For best overall performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The difference is more noticeable in hot weather and when towing a trailer.
@Barbara
If you’re looking for other references, these might help:
https://fordauthority.com/2019/08/is-premium-fuel-better-in-an-ecoboost-ford-f-150/
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a28565486/honda-cr-v-vs-bmw-m5-ford-f-150-dodge-charger/
@Barbara
I think people misread this part. Yes, the truck can run on 87, but it’s tuned for 91+ octane. Running on 87 means the engine will adjust by pulling timing, running richer, and making other compromises.
I tried 87 for a while, and while it didn’t damage the engine, I did notice more knocking. You won’t blow the engine, but you could be adding some unnecessary wear. You’ll also see about 1-1.5mpg better with premium gas because the engine runs leaner and more efficiently. Over 13,000 miles, I gained 1.1mpg by switching to 91, which doesn’t offset the cost, but it’s something.
@Hazel
That’s a direct quote from the manual, so it’s not a misinterpretation. But yeah, I agree with your conclusion. I only use 91 myself since it seems to make the truck run smoother.
Barbara said:
@Hazel
That’s a direct quote from the manual, so it’s not a misinterpretation. But yeah, I agree with your conclusion. I only use 91 myself since it seems to make the truck run smoother.
I do the same. I use premium during the hotter months and when towing, but I switch back to 87 the rest of the year to save some cash.
Barbara said:
@Hazel
That’s a direct quote from the manual, so it’s not a misinterpretation. But yeah, I agree with your conclusion. I only use 91 myself since it seems to make the truck run smoother.
I run premium all year. With the work trailer, it really helps, and since we’re all rolling in cash, why not? 
@Donna
Someone on this forum did a comparison and found that the MPG difference with premium pretty much canceled out the extra cost.
Barbara said:
@Donna
Someone on this forum did a comparison and found that the MPG difference with premium pretty much canceled out the extra cost.
For me, it’s not about the MPG—it’s about reducing engine knock and keeping the truck running smoothly. If I save money, great. If not, at least my engine will need less maintenance down the line.
Barbara said:
@Donna
Someone on this forum did a comparison and found that the MPG difference with premium pretty much canceled out the extra cost.
I don’t care about MPG in a truck either. Higher octane gas lowers the chances of pre-detonation, which prevents engine knock. I’ll pay extra for premium if it keeps my engine safe. If you don’t notice a difference, though, just stick with regular gas.
@Hazel
Was it knocking, or was it pulling timing? It can’t do both at the same time. You’ll have to pick one.
Abigail said:
@Hazel
Was it knocking, or was it pulling timing? It can’t do both at the same time. You’ll have to pick one.
It can and does pull timing to fix knock, but that doesn’t always solve the problem completely. It’s all in the data logs.
@Barbara
Here’s the full excerpt from the manual: 87 is recommended, but premium is best for performance, especially in hot weather or when towing.
@Barbara
That’s pretty much exactly what’s in the 2021+ manuals for all the gas F-150 engines.
I’ve got a 2021 3.5 Ecoboost and only use 87. I get close to 21mpg in town and over 24 on the highway. Just make sure to get the Ecoboost service done every 40-50k miles.
@Alexander
The rated power figures for the engine are based on premium fuel. For the 2.7, you’ll lose some power with 87—just like with the 3.5, where dyno tests showed a drop of over 80hp going from 93 to 87.
Some tips:
-Buy gas from busy stations, so it’s fresher and hasn’t been sitting in tanks too long.
-The manual recommends 91+ for towing or heavy loads because turbo engines like the 2.7 already have a lot of cylinder pressure.
-Use a high-quality full synthetic oil. Turbo engines are hard on oil, and good oil will help your engine last longer.
I’ve done oil tests, and Pennzoil Platinum and Amsoil Signature perform best. Motorcraft and Mobil 1 didn’t hold up as long. Amsoil lasts the longest and offers the best protection, even with extended oil changes.
@Hazel
I just did an oil change and used Motorcraft, as recommended. That’s fine, right?
Donna said:
@Hazel
I just did an oil change and used Motorcraft, as recommended. That’s fine, right?
Yeah, Motorcraft is fine, just make sure you change it every 5,000 miles. I push my truck harder, so I don’t go beyond 4,300, but 5,000 should be safe for normal driving.
I only run premium. It’s not a huge difference, but I do notice better performance and slightly better mileage. I used to run 88, but now with 91, I consistently get over 19mpg in the city. It’s also a must when towing. The manual clearly says to use 91 for maximum performance and towing.
I usually let the tank get low twice a year, throw in 5 gallons of premium, give it a hard run, and then switch back to regular for the next few months.