Does a BRZ need premium gas?

Yes. For peak performance, a BRZ is designed to run on premium gasoline, though regular fuel can be used in a pinch at the cost of reduced power and responsiveness. This article explains current guidance, how octane impacts performance, and practical fueling tips for BRZ owners.

This piece examines octane requirements across BRZ generations, how fuel choice affects throttle response and engine management, and how to navigate fueling in everyday driving as well as on longer trips or hot-weather days. It reflects guidance from recent BRZ/Toyota GR86 documentation and common industry practice as of 2024–2025.

Octane requirements by generation

Understanding octane needs depends on the BRZ’s engine and market. The following points summarize typical guidance across current BRZ generations.

• First-generation BRZ (FA20 2.0L, 2012–2016): Premium gasoline is generally recommended for best performance. Regular 87-octane fuel can be used in a pinch, but you’ll likely notice reduced power and throttle response, especially under load.


• Second-generation BRZ / Toyota GR86 (FA24 2.4L, 2022–present): Premium gasoline is strongly recommended to preserve maximum output and avoid timing adjustments. Regular 87-octane can be used but expect noticeable power loss and potential pinging during hot weather or high-load driving.


• Market variations: Some regions use different octane rating systems (RON vs AKI). Always follow the octane rating specified in your local owner's manual and use the highest octane available if you’re chasing peak performance.

In practice, premium fuel remains the safer default across BRZ generations to ensure consistent performance and engine behavior.

Performance implications

Knock, timing, and engine management

Premium gasoline helps the engine resist knock under high load and high combustion temperatures. The BRZ’s engine management system uses knock sensors to protect the motor, and with lower-octane fuel the ECU may retard timing to prevent detonation. That retiming can noticeably reduce acceleration and overall responsiveness, particularly during spirited driving.

Fuel economy and driveability

Each BRZ generation behaves a bit differently, but the general rule is that premium fuel yields the best balance of power and smooth driveability. In everyday commuting, the difference in fuel economy between 87-octane and premium is often modest and may not justify the extra cost for some drivers. Under track-style or hot-weather conditions, premium’s advantages in power delivery and throttle response become more pronounced.

Practical fueling guidance

Before you refuel, consider these practical tips to align fuel choice with your driving needs and local availability.

• Check your owner's manual for the exact octane recommendation in your market (typically 91 AKI or equivalent, with premium fuel strongly advised for peak performance).


• For daily driving and curbside errands, regular 87 can be used if premium is unavailable, but expect a mild drop in performance and responsiveness when you need maximum acceleration.


• During hot weather, heavy loads, or spirited driving, prefer premium to maintain consistent power and reduce the risk of knocking.


• Consider fuel quality and additives; using top-tier gasoline can help keep the fuel system cleaner over time, though it does not replace the octane recommendation.

These guidelines help BRZ owners balance cost, availability, and performance while staying aligned with vehicle design intentions.

Summary

The BRZ is engineered to run optimally on premium gasoline, with regular fuel acceptable in a pinch but at the cost of reduced power and throttle response, especially under demanding driving conditions. Across generations, premium fuel supports the engine’s high-compression design and keeps timing adjustments from dulling performance. When in doubt, consult your specific model’s owner’s manual for octane ratings in your region, and choose premium for the most consistent, engaging driving experience.

Do subarus run better on premium gas?

Regular gasoline has an octane level of 87 or so, while premium gasoline has an octane level of 90 or above. This can be a huge advantage for luxury and performance cars specifically, like the Subaru WRX and BRZ.

What happens if I put 87 gas instead of 91?

If you put 87 octane gas in a car that requires 91, your modern engine will likely adjust and you will experience reduced performance and fuel efficiency. While a one-time mix-up is usually not damaging, consistently using a lower octane fuel in a premium-required engine can lead to engine knocking and potential internal damage over time. 
Potential consequences

• Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling noise caused by the fuel igniting prematurely. Modern cars have sensors that can adjust the timing to prevent this, but it may still occur, especially under heavy acceleration. 
• Reduced performance: You may notice a decrease in power, particularly during acceleration. 
• Lower fuel economy: The engine will not be able to run as efficiently, leading to lower mileage per gallon. 
• Long-term damage: If you continue to use lower-octane fuel in an engine that requires premium, the persistent engine knocking can lead to damage to engine components like pistons. 

What to do

• Continue to drive normally: In most modern cars, the engine's computer will adjust to accommodate the lower-octane fuel, and a single instance of using 87 gas will not cause lasting harm. 
• Avoid heavy acceleration: Drive gently to minimize the risk of engine knocking. 
• Top off with premium gas: When you get down to about a quarter tank, refill with the recommended 91 octane fuel. This will mix with the remaining 87 gas and bring the octane level back up. 
• Refer to your owner's manual: For future reference, check your owner's manual to confirm whether 91 octane is required or merely recommended. 

Is 91 or 93 better for BRZ?

93, per the manual. A 91 octane tune is a downgrade. Drew Simpson it doesn't matter where you live or what's available. Tuning for 93 can be more aggressive than tuning for 91 octane.

Can I put regular gas in my Subaru?

Most Subarus can use regular 87-octane gas, but high-performance models like the WRX STI and BRZ require premium fuel. You should always check your specific model's owner's manual to confirm its fuel requirements. Using premium gas in a car designed for regular fuel will not provide benefits and is not recommended.
 
Regular gas is suitable for most models 

• For most standard Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester, regular 87-octane gasoline is sufficient. 
• Using a higher-octane fuel in these vehicles will not improve performance or efficiency. 

Premium gas is required for performance models 

• Certain models, including the WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ, have high-compression or turbocharged engines that require premium fuel to prevent engine knock and maintain peak performance. 
• Using regular gas in these specific models can lead to a loss of power and may cause engine damage over time. 

How to be sure

• Check the owner's manual: The most reliable source of information is your vehicle's owner's manual, which specifies the correct fuel type. 
• Look for a warning label: Some models will have a warning label on the inside of the fuel door or near the gas gauge indicating the required fuel grade.