Does a Subaru Ascent need premium gas?
As a trusted auto service provider with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked about the type of fuel required for specific vehicles. One common question is whether the Subaru Ascent, a popular midsize SUV, needs premium gasoline. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed explanation to help Subaru Ascent owners make the right choice at the pump.
What Type of Gasoline Does the Subaru Ascent Require?
The Subaru Ascent is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This means that premium gasoline, which typically has a higher octane rating of 91 or above, is not required for the vehicle to operate efficiently. Subaru specifically recommends regular gasoline in the owner’s manual, ensuring that the engine performs optimally without the added cost of premium fuel.
Why Doesn’t the Subaru Ascent Need Premium Gas?
The Subaru Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine that is engineered to deliver excellent performance and fuel efficiency using regular unleaded gasoline. Here are a few reasons why premium gas is unnecessary:
- Engine Design: The Ascent’s engine is tuned to operate efficiently with regular gas, thanks to its advanced engineering and turbocharging technology.
- Cost Efficiency: Using regular gas saves money at the pump without compromising performance or longevity.
- Manufacturer Recommendation: Subaru explicitly states in the owner’s manual that regular gas is sufficient, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.
When Might Premium Gas Be Necessary?
While the Subaru Ascent does not require premium gas under normal circumstances, there are rare situations where higher-octane fuel might be beneficial:
- Knocking or Pinging: If you notice engine knocking or pinging, which can occur under heavy loads or extreme conditions, using a higher-octane fuel temporarily may help resolve the issue.
- Extreme Elevation or Temperature: In some cases, extreme environmental conditions might lead to slight performance improvements with premium gas, but this is not typically necessary for the Ascent.
Conclusion
In summary, the Subaru Ascent is designed to run efficiently and reliably on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. There is no need to spend extra money on premium gas unless specific, unusual circumstances arise. By following Subaru’s recommendations, you can enjoy the best performance and value from your vehicle.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs. If you have any questions about your Subaru Ascent or any other vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a downside to using premium gas?
What happens if you use premium gas instead of regular? The only thing that will happen if you use premium gas in an engine designed for regular fuel is that you'll spend more money, according to Cars.com. An engine that runs on regular gas will not perform better because you put premium gas in the tank.
Can you mix 87 and 91 gas?
You can absolutely mix octanes, and they mix linearly.
Does premium gas get better mileage?
No, any fuel efficiency gained using premium fuel would stem from engine performance, not the gas itself. Buying premium gas won't have you visiting a gas station any less frequently, especially with a standard engine not designed to take advantage of premium gas.
How do I know if my car requires premium gas?
Check your owner's manual to see which gas type your manufacturer recommends for your specific car make and model. Note that the definition/label for premium gas can differ from state to state and station to station. Some of the various names for automotive fuel with high octane levels of 91-94 include: Premium.
Should I put premium gas in my Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). Using higher octane fuel is not necessary for optimal performance and may not provide any additional benefits.
What happens if I accidentally put 87 instead of 91?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
Do any subarus require premium gas?
If you drive a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy or Ascent, your vehicle is designed to run on 87 octane, or regular fuel. Performance Subaru models – the WRX, WRX STI and BRZ – have a premium fuel requirement, but even with those vehicles, check your manual for information on which fuels are appropriate.
Are Subaru Ascent good on gas?
This also includes outstanding fuel economy. What is the Subaru Ascent mpg for the 2022 model year? The 2022 Subaru Ascent gets up to 27 mpg city/21 mpg highway.
Can I put 85 octane in my Subaru?
You don't have to buy the more expensive grades. In the higher-elevation states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, you can buy 85-octane gasoline. In other areas of the country, your Subaru model is designed to run on 87 octane.
Is it OK to put regular gas in a premium car?
If your car requires premium to run smoothly, but you aren't able to find a station with premium gasoline, it won't hurt to top off with regular gasoline. You do want to avoid running on regular gasoline for extended periods of time.
