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As you embark on your journey to choose the perfect fuel type for your Ford Excursion, Western Ford HCM presents a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, performance, or environmental impact, we delve into the intricacies of gasoline and diesel, comparing their advantages and disadvantages to empower you with the knowledge to select the fuel that best aligns with your needs and lifestyle. Join us as we explore the realm of "Fueling Up: Gasoline vs. Diesel for Ford Excursion" and guide you towards an optimal choice for your driving experience.
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
---|---|---|
Fuel Efficiency | 15-20 mpg | 20-25 mpg |
Fuel Cost | $3.00-$4.00 per gallon | $3.50-$4.50 per gallon |
Performance | Good acceleration and power | Excellent torque and towing capacity |
Towing Capacity | Up to 10,000 lbs | Up to 15,000 lbs |
Environmental Impact | Higher emissions than diesel | Lower emissions than gasoline |
Maintenance and Repair Costs | Lower than diesel | Higher than gasoline |
Resale Value | Lower than diesel | Higher than gasoline |
I. Fuel Economy: Diesel vs. Gasoline
Diesel: Higher Fuel Efficiency, Lower Emissions
Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency, typically delivering 20-25 mpg compared to 15-20 mpg for gasoline engines. This is because diesel fuel contains more energy per gallon than gasoline. Additionally, diesel engines operate at a higher compression ratio, which further improves fuel efficiency.
Diesel engines also produce lower emissions than gasoline engines, particularly in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, while NOx can cause respiratory problems.
Gasoline: Lower Fuel Cost, Better Performance
Gasoline is typically less expensive than diesel fuel, so you'll save money at the pump if you choose a gasoline-powered Ford Excursion. Gasoline engines also offer better performance than diesel engines, with more horsepower and torque. This makes gasoline-powered Excursions better suited for towing and hauling heavy loads.
Gasoline engines also produce less noise and vibration than diesel engines, making them more comfortable to drive.
Which Fuel Type Is Right for You?
The best fuel type for your Ford Excursion depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly option, diesel is the way to go. However, if you're looking for the most affordable and powerful option, gasoline is the better choice.
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
---|---|---|
Fuel Efficiency | 15-20 mpg | 20-25 mpg |
Fuel Cost | $3.00-$4.00 per gallon | $3.50-$4.50 per gallon |
Performance | Good acceleration and power | Excellent torque and towing capacity |
Towing Capacity | Up to 10,000 lbs | Up to 15,000 lbs |
Environmental Impact | Higher emissions than diesel | Lower emissions than gasoline |
Maintenance and Repair Costs | Lower than diesel | Higher than gasoline |
Resale Value | Lower than diesel | Higher than gasoline |

Fuel Economy: Diesel vs. Gasoline
II. Power and Performance: Diesel vs. Gasoline
Diesel: Torque and Towing Capacity
Diesel engines produce more torque than gasoline engines, making them ideal for towing and hauling heavy loads. Diesel engines also have a lower compression ratio than gasoline engines, which means they can handle higher cylinder pressures without knocking. This makes diesel engines more durable and reliable in heavy-duty applications.
Gasoline: Acceleration and Horsepower
Gasoline engines produce more horsepower than diesel engines, making them better for acceleration and high-speed driving. Gasoline engines also have a higher compression ratio than diesel engines, which means they can burn fuel more efficiently. This makes gasoline engines more fuel-efficient than diesel engines at highway speeds.
Characteristic | Diesel | Gasoline |
---|---|---|
Torque | Higher | Lower |
Towing Capacity | Higher | Lower |
Durability | Higher | Lower |
Acceleration | Lower | Higher |
Horsepower | Lower | Higher |
Fuel Efficiency (highway) | Lower | Higher |

Power and Performance: Diesel vs. Gasoline
III. Towing and Payload capacity: Diesel vs. Gasoline
When it comes to towing and payload capacity, diesel engines typically have an advantage over gasoline engines. This is due to the higher torque produced by diesel engines, which is important for pulling heavy loads. In addition, diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, which can save you money on fuel costs when towing.
The exact towing and payload capacity of a particular vehicle will vary depending on the make, model, and engine configuration. However, as a general rule, diesel engines will provide more towing and payload capacity than gasoline engines.
Fuel Type | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity |
---|---|---|
Gasoline | Up to 10,000 lbs | Up to 1,500 lbs |
Diesel | Up to 15,000 lbs | Up to 2,500 lbs |
If you plan on doing any serious towing or hauling, then a diesel engine is a good option to consider. Diesel engines provide more power and torque, which will make towing easier and more efficient.

Towing and Payload capacity: Diesel vs. Gasoline
IV. Maintenance Costs: Diesel vs. Gasoline
When it comes to maintenance costs, diesel engines generally require more frequent and expensive maintenance than gasoline engines. This is because diesel engines have more complex fuel injection systems and require specialized parts and fluids. Additionally, diesel engines often have higher compression ratios than gasoline engines, which can lead to increased wear and tear on engine components.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences in maintenance costs between diesel and gasoline engines:
Maintenance Item | Diesel Engine | Gasoline Engine |
---|---|---|
Oil changes | Every 5,000-7,500 miles | Every 3,000-5,000 miles |
Fuel filter changes | Every 15,000-20,000 miles | Every 30,000-50,000 miles |
Air filter changes | Every 12,000-15,000 miles | Every 10,000-12,000 miles |
Spark plug changes | Not applicable | Every 30,000-60,000 miles |
Timing belt/chain replacement | Every 100,000-150,000 miles | Every 60,000-100,000 miles |
As you can see, diesel engines require more frequent oil changes and fuel filter changes than gasoline engines. Additionally, diesel engines do not have spark plugs, but they do require timing belt or chain replacements, which can be a major expense.
Overall, the maintenance costs for a diesel engine will be higher than the maintenance costs for a gasoline engine. However, diesel engines also tend to last longer than gasoline engines, so the higher maintenance costs may be offset by the longer lifespan of the engine.

Maintenance Costs: Diesel vs. Gasoline
V. Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose gasoline or diesel for your Ford Excursion depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient and affordable option, then gasoline is a good choice. However, if you need a vehicle with more power and towing capacity, then diesel is the better option. Diesel engines also tend to have a higher resale value than gasoline engines. No matter which fuel type you choose, make sure to do your research and choose a vehicle that meets your needs. With so many different options on the market, you're sure to find the perfect Ford Excursion for you.