Renewable fuel has been making waves for years! Not to be left out, our OEM, Ford, hasn’t missed out on the developments in flexible fuels, either. As solutions to fuel economy and making driving greener in the future continue to develop, it’s always worth knowing your options when looking for a new or used Ford with renewable energy in mind.

If you’re looking for the best Ford flex fuel vehicles to buy in San Diego this year, you’ve got options. We’ve rounded up the top models for every use case, from family-friendly rides to trailering equipment. Read on to find the perfect Ford flex fuel vehicle for whatever you do, whether that’s commuting to the heart of San Diego or taking your Ford on a daytrip to Tijuana.

The 3 Best Ford Flex Fuel Vehicles for Driving Clean in San Diego

With several options available from recent years, selecting the right flex-fuel vehicle can be challenging when you don’t know what you’re looking for. Flex-fuel models from recent years have a couple outstanding options Here’s a rundown of the top Ford Flex vehicles for life in San Diego:

• Best Overall: Used Ford F-150 Pickup Truck

• Best for Families: Used Ford Explorer with third row seating

• Best for Customizable Cargo Space: Ford Transit Cargo Vans

  • Best for Passenger Transport: Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagons

These vehicles excel in different areas, from towing capacity and fuel efficiency to family-friendly features. With a quick web search, you may even find more models from our OEM that can drink flex fuel! But there’s a catch.

Aftermarket Flex Fuel Conversions

While some motorheads and market-development organizations (especially the Renewable Fuels Association) have converted a Ford Escape PHEV into a flex-fuel ready vehicle, it requires aftermarket conversion kits that could affect your warranty on a new model.

Best to stick with used models designed for flex-fuel from our inventory—or look at other fuel-efficient options like hybrids. If you’re set on flex fuel, let’s take a look at what that means for you and your family in San Diego.

What Is Flex Fuel?

Flex fuel, also known as flexible fuel, is a type of fuel that combines gasoline with ethanol or methanol. The most useful blend for autos is E85, which consists of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

• Composition: Flex fuel typically contains a high percentage of ethanol, which is derived from renewable sources like corn or sugarcane.

• Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs): These vehicles are equipped with internal combustion engines that can run on more than one type of fuel, usually gasoline and ethanol blends. They have sensors and components that adjust the engine's performance based on the fuel mixture.

• Environmental Benefits: Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing the consumer's greenhouse gas emissions through driving.

• Performance: Flex-fuel vehicles can maintain or even improve performance with higher ethanol blends, though fuel economy may be slightly lower compared to using pure gasoline.

Flex fuel offers a more resource-sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline, making it an attractive option for people in Chula Vista with an eye for alternative fuel stations in the neighborhood.

Benefits of Flex Fuel for San Diego Ford Owners

• Environmental Impact: Using ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in San Diego’s busy, metropolitan area.

• Cost: Ethanol mixture is often cheaper than gasoline, meaning you can expect to pay less than the $4 per gallon average we have in San Diego County.

• Performance: Flex-fuel engines from Ford can maintain or even improve performance with higher ethanol blends.

With all that said, it's important to note that using E85 can result in lower fuel economy compared to regular gasoline. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you live near an E85 gas station in Chula Vista! Our sales advisors are always happy to discuss your options, especially when it comes to Ford models that excel as ethanol-consuming models on the used truck or used SUV market.

Which Ford Models Are Flex Fuel Vehicles?

Time flies, and the new and newer used Ford vehicles that have the Flex Fuel badge have yielded the road to those with other fuel types. Typically, your options in recent years’ used trucks and SUVs with flex fuel vehicles are the following, with some exceptions or variations depending on year and model. The EPA has a FFV list you can choose from! Here are some models to look out for in our local inventory.

• Ford F-150: This popular pickup truck has several flex-fuel engine options, allowing it to run on E85 or regular gasoline depending on the year of the model.

• Ford Super Duty: The heavy-duty version of the F-Series also includes flex-fuel capabilities, also depending on the engine size and/or year of the model.

• Ford Explorer: A used SUV offers a flex-fuel engine option, providing versatility for families and adventurer.

• Ford Transit: An older cargo van variant can come equipped with a flex-fuel engine, making it a flexible choice for businesses.

Best Overall Flex Fuel: Used Ford F-150 Pickup Truck

If you’re in the market for a truck that balances capability with everyday practicality, a used Ford F-150 FFV deserves a spot on your radar. Let’s break down what this pickup brings to the table—and a few things to keep in mind—so you can decide if it fits your needs.

Pros:

• Intuitive interior design

• High towing capacity

Cons:

• Higher maintenance cost, average of $788 annually

• Fuel economy varies by engine sizes, axle ratios, and more

• Not available in newer model years.

The Ford F-150 stands out as a powerhouse, ideal for those seeking a reliable and robust ride. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds, it can haul almost anything, from boats to trailers. Fuel efficiency ranges between 14 and 15 MPG in 3.3L and 5.0L engines, depending on the engine configuration, making it practical for long drives north into San Diego, east into Imperial Valley, or even south into Mexico.

Its interior design features an intuitive layout, with ergonomic controls and a big touchscreen. Maintenance costs can be higher than other vehicles in its category, but the F-150’s versatility and performance make it a top pick.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 5/5

• Usability: 4.5/5

Best Flex Fuel Ford for Families: Ford Explorer

Available at varying price points depending on year and condition, a used Ford Explorer FFV offers a spacious interior that easily accommodates kids, gear, or even a front-seat pet. Standard safety tech like forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking adds peace of mind for parents with kids going to school, even as far as Otay—no extra packages required.

Price: Varies by model, year, and condition

Specifications:

• Spacious interior

• Standard safety features including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking

• Maintenance cost, averaging $732 annually to repair

Pros:

• Spacious interior with extra passenger room

• Compared to other FFVs, top-tier efficiency with 15 MPG from flex fuel

• Versatile balance of cargo and passenger space between rows, e.g.  the 2022 model year with flex fuel has cargo dimensions of:

  • 83.9 cu. ft. behind first row

  • 49.8 cu. ft. behind second row

  • 20.8 cu. ft. behind third row

Cons:

• Third row isn’t the most spacious row for passengers who like a lot of leg room

• Not available in newer model years.

The Ford Explorer with third-row seating is an excellent family choice. Its spacious interior accommodates kids, pets, and all family gear. Standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking provide peace of mind for parents.

The third row can feel cramped, especially for taller passengers. Nonetheless, the combination of space and safety features makes the Explorer a reliable family vehicle.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 4.5/5

• Usability: 4.5/5

Best Flex Fuel for Cargo Space: Ford Transit Cargo Vans

 For passenger transport, a used Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon from yesteryear is a stellar option.

The Transit’s strengths lie in its practicality for heavy loads and flexibility. For businesses focused on volume—like moving companies or skilled tradespeople—it’s a solid option. However, if most of your work involves short trips in dense urban zones (think downtown San Diego or Chula Vista’s Third Avenue), a smaller vehicle might save time and fuel.

This model always features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 162 horsepower, making it efficient for urban driving. The compact size ensures easy maneuverability, even in bustling San Diego streets. And if you’re planning on van life, there’s a lot of upfitting space to work with!

Price: Varies by model and condition

Specifications:

• Cargo capacity ranges from 246 to 487 cubic feet (recent years’ max for upfitting)

• Customizability of the interior

Pros:

• Large cargo or passenger capacity

• Customizability

Cons:

• Bulkier size

• Fuel consumption, with recent E85 models getting only 12 MPG combined fuel efficiency

Its bulkier size can pose challenges in tight spaces, and it consumes more fuel than smaller vehicles. Despite these drawbacks, the Transit Cargo Van’s capacity and flexibility make it a top choice for significant cargo space in a fuel flex vehicle.

Rating:

• Price: 4/5

• Design: 4/5

• Usability: 4.5/5

How to Choose the Best Ford Flex Vehicle for Your Needs

Selecting the right Ford Flex vehicle depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. For family transport, the spacious Ford Explorer with third-row seating could be ideal. If you need to haul cargo, the Ford Transit Cargo Van’s extensive capacity and customizability stand out.

Factor in maintenance costs and fuel efficiency when making your decision. The Ford F-150, both used and new models, offers great versatility and value, especially with flex-fuel capabilities. Advanced safety features and user-friendly infotainment systems further enhance the driving experience.

Flex Fuel Vehicles Vs Other Renewable Alternative

Consider your primary use for the vehicle, whether for family trips, cargo transport, or daily commutes! With a little planning, you’ll find the perfect Ford Flex vehicle for your needs, as well as how it will fit with your errands and commutes into the city.

On the other hand, you could also lower your reliance on gas (whether flex fuel or regular fuel) in favor of a hybrid or a ZEV like the new Ford F-150 Lightning. As long as San Diego County’s power grid has renewable energy sources, those count!

Ask a Sales Advisor About Flex Fuel Ford Models in Our Used Inventory

The Ford Flex Fuel vehicle lineup offers a variety of vehicles that cater to different needs, from family-friendly SUVs like the Ford Explorer to cargo-centric options like the Ford Transit Cargo Van. Each vehicle has its own set of strengths, making it easier to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget.

If you can’t seem to find a used FFV Transit, our friends at Summit Fleet San Diego may be selling older fleet vehicles! If they don't have any, we recommend switching up to a new, sleek hybrid or EV from our floor.

Whether you prioritize space, fuel efficiency, or advanced features, there’s still a Ford flex fuel model that’s perfect for you. Take your time to consider your needs and make an informed decision. Our sales advisors are always there to help you understand your options. Whether Ford’s FFVs or other great eco-friendly options suit you best, we’re here to help you close to home in Chula Vista! Contact us today and ask about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Ford Flex and Flex Fuel in Ford Vehicles?

The terms "Ford Flex Vehicle" and "Ford Flex Fuel Vehicle" might sound similar, but they refer to two completely different concepts in the world of Ford vehicles. The Ford Flex is a versatile but discontinued crossover SUV known for its spacious interior, distinctive boxy design, and family-friendly features. It's a great choice for those needing ample passenger and cargo space, especially in bustling areas like San Diego.

On the other hand, "Flex Fuel" refers to a vehicle's ability to run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol or methanol, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel, with a few popular models from Ford burning up to 85% ethanol in the flex mix.

What environmental benefit does flex fuel provide?

Flex fuel is great for the environment because ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, leading to fewer carbon emissions and reduced greenhouse gases from driving. It's a simple way to help keep the air cleaner!

What tax benefit do consumers receive for driving flex-fuel vehicles?

If you're driving a hybrid or BEV you can get in on the Clean Cars 4 All program; that might wipe out thousands of dollars on your tax bill! It's a pretty nice perk for going green. On the other hand, flex fuel vehicles don't enjoy the same tax benefit. Could be worth pivoting to a hybrid or EV, especially if you can't find a flex fuel model in our used inventory.