The Ford Fiesta answered a call for many commuters when it came to subcompact cars. As people moved from city centers, they needed a car that was easy to park and got great gas mileage.
The Ford Fiesta has a gas tank size of 12.4 gallons and a fuel economy of 27 mpg for city driving and 37 mpg for highway driving.
Even though it was discontinued in 2023, there is a thriving aftermarket for vehicles with a wallet friendly gas economy. Down below, I’ll dive into the gas tank sizes across various model years and versions of the Fiesta, exploring how these capacities impact driving experience and maintenance.
Gas Tank Capacity by Model Year
Recent Years (2015-2023)
- 2020-2023 Models: These newer models continue with the same tank size of 12.4 gallons. However, the ST version, known for its sportier performance, has a slightly larger tank, accommodating around 12.7 gallons.
- 2015-2019 Models: The standard Ford Fiesta models from these years feature a gas tank with a capacity of 12.4 gallons.
Special Editions and Variants
- Fiesta ST-Line (2018-2023): This sporty variant maintains the 12.4 gallon tank size, consistent with the standard models.
- Fiesta Active (2019-2023): As a crossover-inspired version, the Active models also adhere to the 12.4 gallon standard.
Fuel Tank Size by Year
| Year | Model Variants | Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-2019 | Standard, ST | 12.4, 12.7 |
| 2020-2023 | Standard, ST, ST-Line, Active | 12.4, 12.7 |
Fuel Efficiency and Range
- Standard Models (2015-2023): These models, with a 12.4 gallon tank, offer an average fuel efficiency of about 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
- ST Models (2015-2023): The ST, with a slightly larger tank, has a slightly lower efficiency due to its performance tuning, averaging around 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on highways.
Impact on Driving and Planning
With its compact tank size, is ideal for city driving and daily commuting. The efficient fuel use means fewer stops at the gas station and lower fuel costs.
However, for longer trips, drivers of the Fiesta might need to plan for more frequent refueling stops compared to larger vehicles.
Older Models
2010-2015
The 20-teens started off with the Fiesta featuring an 11.9 gallon gas tank before bumping a half gallon to 12.4 in 2013.
| Year | Model Variants | Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Standard | 11.9 |
| 2011 | Standard, S, SE, SES | 11.9 |
| 2012 | Standard, S, SE, SEL, SES | 11.9 |
| 2013 | Standard, S, SE, Titanium | 12.4 |
| 2014 | Standard, S, SE, Titanium, ST | 12.4 |
| 2015 | Standard, S, SE, Titanium, ST | 12.4 |
2000-2009
From 2000 to 2003, the Ford Fiesta showcased a period of consistency in design, as evidenced by the uniform tank capacity of 10.6 gallons across all its models.
However, in 2004 the Fiesta saw a notable increase in its gas tank capacity, jumping to 11.9 gallons. This change was more than just a numerical upgrade; it signified a shift towards accommodating longer drives and reducing the frequency of fuel stops, enhancing the Fiesta’s appeal for a broader range of drivers.
| Year | Model Variants | Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Standard | 10.6 |
| 2001 | Standard | 10.6 |
| 2002 | Standard | 10.6 |
| 2003 | Standard | 10.6 |
| 2004 | Standard | 11.9 |
| 2005 | Standard, Ghia | 11.9 |
| 2006 | Standard, Ghia, ST | 11.9 |
| 2007 | Standard, Ghia, ST, Zetec | 11.9 |
| 2008 | Standard, Ghia, ST, Zetec, Zetec S | 11.9 |
| 2009 | Standard, Ghia, ST, Zetec, Zetec S, Econetic | 11.9 |
Consistency across trims
As the Fiesta continued to evolve between 2005 and 2009, Ford expanded its range with diverse trims such as Ghia, ST, Zetec, Zetec S, and Econetic.
Despite this diversification in models, which often leads to variations in specifications, the Fiesta maintained a consistent tank size of 11.9 gallons across all these variants.
1990-1999
From 1990 to 1992, these vehicles consistently featured a tank capacity of 9.2 gallons. In 1993, the Fiesta’s gas tank size experienced a modest increase, reaching 9.9 gallons. This increase was maintained across the models, including the introduction of the Ghia trim in 1995.
| Year | Model Variants | Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1991 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1992 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1993 | Standard | 9.9 |
| 1994 | Standard | 9.9 |
| 1995 | Standard, Ghia | 9.9 |
| 1996 | Standard, Ghia | 10.6 |
| 1997 | Standard, Ghia | 10.6 |
| 1998 | Standard, Ghia, Zetec | 10.6 |
| 1999 | Standard, Ghia, Zetec, Zetec S | 10.6 |
A notable change occurred in 1996, marking a key evolution in the Fiesta’s design. The tank size across all models, including the standard and Ghia trims, was increased to 10.6 gallons.
From 1997 to 1999, despite the introduction of new variants like the Zetec and Zetec S, the Fiesta maintained this increased tank size of 10.6 gallons.
1980-1989
Throughout the 1980’s, the Fiesta maintained a standard tank capacity of 9.2 gallons across all its models. The consistent tank size throughout the decade is indicative of the Fiesta’s positioning in the market as a reliable, economical car, ideal for urban driving and short commutes.
| Year | Model Variants | Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1981 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1982 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1983 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1984 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1985 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1986 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1987 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1988 | Standard | 9.2 |
| 1989 | Standard | 9.2 |
This decade-long consistency in the Fiesta’s design also suggests that Ford had found a successful formula in terms of balancing efficiency and practicality.
1976-1979
From its introduction in 1976 through to 1979, the Fiesta, specifically the Mark I model, maintained a consistent gas tank capacity of 7.4 gallons. This period was characterized by Ford’s commitment to establishing the Fiesta as a compact, efficient, and economical vehicle.
| Year | Model Variants | Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Mark I | 7.4 |
| 1977 | Mark I | 7.4 |
| 1978 | Mark I | 7.4 |
| 1979 | Mark I | 7.4 |
The decision to retain a tank capacity of 7.4 gallons throughout these years indicates a strategic approach by Ford. As a new entrant in the subcompact car market, the Fiesta was designed to meet the needs of drivers looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle.
The smaller tank size was in line with this goal, ensuring lower upfront costs and reduced weight, which further enhanced the vehicle’s efficiency.
During these initial years, the Fiesta’s design reflected the automotive trends of the time, which favored more fuel-efficient cars. This was, in part, a response to the oil crisis of the 1970’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to refuel my Ford Fiesta?
Depending on your driving habits, a full tank can last anywhere from 330 to 450 miles.
Does the Fiesta’s tank size affect its performance?
The tank size itself doesn’t directly affect performance. Larger tanks in variants like the ST allow for longer driving without refueling.
Are there any special considerations for maintaining the Fiesta’s fuel tank?
Regular maintenance like keeping the tank at least a quarter full to avoid fuel pump issues is recommended. Regular check-ups as part of your vehicle’s service schedule are also crucial.
Leave a Reply