Does my Subaru really need premium gas?

For most Subaru owners, regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is all that’s needed. Premium gas is required or strongly recommended only on turbocharged or high‑compression variants; checking your owner’s manual or the fuel‑door sticker will tell you the exact requirement for your model and year.

Understanding octane and Subaru engines

Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking (premature ignition). Subaru’s naturally aspirated engines are designed to run on regular 87 octane, while many turbocharged engines require higher-octane fuel to maintain performance and protect the engine under load. Because engine design and calibration can vary by year and trim, it’s important to verify the exact requirement for your specific vehicle.

The guidance below reflects typical patterns across recent Subaru lineup, but always confirm with the manual or dealer for your exact model year.

Common guidance by engine type is summarized here to help you decide what fuel to use.

• Naturally aspirated engines (for example, 2.0L/2.5L engines found in models like Impreza, Forester 2.5, Outback 2.5, Legacy 2.5, and Crosstrek 2.0) generally run on regular 87 octane. Premium is not required, and using higher-octane fuel typically does not provide a noticeable performance increase in these engines.


• Turbocharged and high‑compression variants (such as WRX, WRX STI, Forester XT, Outback XT, Legacy 2.4T, and Ascent with a 2.4T) usually require premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) or at least premium is strongly recommended for optimal performance and engine protection.

Conclusion: If your Subaru is a turbocharged model or otherwise specifies premium in the owner's manual, use premium. If it’s a naturally aspirated model, regular gas is typically sufficient, though you can use premium if you prefer, but it won’t necessarily improve performance or fuel economy.

How to verify the exact requirement for your model

To avoid any guesswork, two quick checks will tell you the precise octane you should use for your vehicle’s year and trim.

Owner's manual guidance

Open the manual and look up the fuel section. It will state whether Regular Unleaded (87 octane) suffices or if Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher) is required or recommended for your engine. Some trims may specify “premium recommended” rather than “required.”

Fuel-filler door sticker

On many Subarus, a label inside the fuel door lists the recommended octane and any minimum requirements. This is a quick, model‑specific reference if you don’t have the manual handy.

Practical guidance for daily driving

Fuel costs are a real consideration. If you drive a non-turbo Subaru, sticking with regular 87 octane is economical and appropriate in most situations. If you own a turbo model, using the recommended premium fuel helps preserve performance, efficiency, and engine safety, especially during high-load driving or hot conditions. When in doubt, start with the prescribed fuel and monitor performance and knock sensor warnings; consult your dealer if you notice any pinging or reduced power.

Bottom line: match the octane to your engine design. The owner’s manual is the ultimate authority for your specific year and trim.

Summary

Most Subaru models run on regular 87 octane gasoline. Turbocharged Subarus typically require premium (91 octane or higher) or at least premium is strongly recommended. Always verify with the owner’s manual or the fuel‑door sticker for your exact model year and trim. Using the correct octane helps maintain performance and protect the engine, while using higher octane on a non-turbo engine generally offers little to no benefit.

What will happen if I put regular gas in a premium car?

Putting regular gas in a premium-required car can lead to engine knocking and reduced performance, and prolonged use can cause engine damage and potentially void your warranty. Modern cars have sensors that can adjust the engine to compensate for lower octane, but this will still result in a power loss and potential long-term wear. 
Immediate effects

• Engine knocking: A rattling or pinging sound that occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites prematurely. 
• Reduced performance: You may experience slower acceleration and less smooth operation. 
• Lower fuel economy: The engine runs less efficiently, which can decrease your miles per gallon. 

Long-term consequences

• Engine damage: Persistent knocking can cause significant wear and tear on engine components, leading to costly damage over time. 
• Voided warranty: Using the wrong type of fuel can violate your car's warranty, leaving you responsible for repair costs. 

What to do

• If you made a mistake: Drive gently until you can fill up with the correct, premium fuel to minimize potential damage. 
• Mixing gas: You can mix regular and premium in the same tank to achieve an average octane level. 
• If your car only recommends premium: If your car's manual recommends premium fuel but doesn't require it, you may not experience immediate engine damage, but there will still be a performance decrease. 
• Check your manual: Always consult your owner's manual to see if your car requires premium fuel or if it's just a recommendation. 

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What is the best gas for a Subaru?

premium gas
Explaining Gasoline Types and Subaru Compatibility
Subaru engines are compatible with regular 87-octane gasoline for most models. However, performance models such as the WRX STI and BRZ require premium gas to maintain peak performance.

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.

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.