Does Subaru BRZ need premium gas?

The BRZ benefits most from premium gasoline (91 octane or higher in the United States), and using regular can reduce performance and potentially invite engine knock. In practice, premium is the recommended fuel for optimal throttle response and reliability across model years.

What the manufacturer says about octane

Subaru’s guidance for the BRZ centers on high-octane fuel to preserve the car’s performance-oriented tuning. In the United States, the manufacturer typically recommends premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. The engine management is calibrated to take advantage of higher-octane fuel, and using regular may result in knock under load and diminished power, especially during spirited driving or hot-weather conditions.

Model-year notes

Since the BRZ’s move from the earlier 2.0-liter FA20 to the current 2.4-liter FA24 in 2022, the underlying requirement for premium remains, though tuning and performance outputs have evolved. Market-specific octane ratings vary outside the U.S. (for example, higher octane in some regions is expressed as RON), so owners should consult local manuals. In all cases, premium fuel is the safer bet for maximizing performance and engine longevity.

Why premium gas matters for the BRZ

The BRZ’s high-revving nature and relatively high compression ratio mean it is designed to run on high-octane fuel. Premium gasoline resists knock and allows the engine to operate at its intended timing and power output. This is particularly important during aggressive driving, uphill climbs, or when the engine is under load, where timing and combustion stability matter most.

Fuel composition and ethanol content can influence performance. Many regions offer gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Ethanol blends carry slightly less energy per gallon and can affect real-world power and fuel economy, but octane remains the primary factor for avoiding detonation in the BRZ’s tuning. In short, octane matters more than drivers may expect for this engine family.

Cold starts and hot climates can also stress the engine differently. In such conditions, sticking with premium is a prudent choice to maintain consistent performance and protect the engine over time.

Practical guidance and tips

To help owners and prospective buyers gauge their fueling strategy, here are practical considerations worth noting:

• Always use the octane rating specified in your owner's manual. For most BRZ models, that means premium gasoline (91 octane or higher in the U.S.).


• If only regular (87 octane) is available, you may still be able to operate, but expect reduced power and potential noise under load; avoid prolonged high-load driving on regular fuel if possible.


• Check local stations for higher-octane options (93 octane) to restore performance after using a lower-grade fuel.


• Be mindful of ethanol content, as higher ethanol blends can lower energy per gallon and marginally affect efficiency and performance.

Beyond octane, periodic fuel-system maintenance and using quality fuel can help preserve performance over time, particularly for models with direct injection and modern engine management.

In addition to octane, keep an eye on fuel system maintenance. The BRZ’s more recent engines can benefit from periodic cleaning and using quality fuels to maintain peak performance and longevity.

Costs and fuel economy considerations

Premium gasoline costs more per gallon, which affects daily driving expenses and trip planning. However, for a performance-tinned vehicle like the BRZ, the performance benefit and the engine’s design alignment with premium fuel often justify the extra cost. In practical terms, drivers who prioritise sportier driving styles or frequent highway cruising will likely notice the value of premium fuel in terms of both power and responsiveness.

For urban commuting, the difference in fuel economy between regular and premium is often smaller than the performance difference during spirited driving. Owners should weigh their typical driving patterns, climate, and local fuel prices when budgeting for fuel.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I use regular gasoline in a BRZ?

A: You can physically fill the BRZ with regular gas, but expect reduced performance, a higher likelihood of knocking in aggressive driving, and potential long-term engine stress. The safer approach is to use premium as recommended.

Q: Is premium truly required for the 2.4L BRZ/GR86?

A: Yes. Premium is strongly recommended to protect performance and ensure engine timing and output are as designed. Regular gasoline can work in a pinch but will usually limit peak power and efficiency.

Conclusion

For most BRZ buyers and owners, premium gasoline is the sensible choice. The car’s performance-oriented engineering is best realized with higher-octane fuel, and sticking to the recommended octane helps sustain power, response, and engine longevity across different driving conditions.

Summary

The Subaru BRZ is designed to perform best on premium gasoline (91 octane or higher in the U.S.; check local specifications elsewhere). While it can run on regular fuel, doing so may reduce peak power and increase the risk of knocking, especially under load or hot conditions. Always consult the owner’s manual for market-specific requirements and consider your driving style and climate when choosing fuel.

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.

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 you put regular gas in a BRZ?

No, a Subaru BRZ does not take regular gas; it requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using regular gas can lead to reduced performance and potentially harm the engine over time due to its high-compression engine design, though the engine's management system can adjust to prevent immediate damage. 
Gas requirements

• Required: Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. 
• Recommended: 93 octane for the best performance and efficiency. 
• Acceptable alternative: 91 octane is acceptable if 93 is not available. 

Why regular gas is not recommended

• Engine design: The BRZ has a high-compression engine that is designed to work with the anti-knock properties of premium fuel. 
• Risk of damage: While the engine management system will adjust to prevent pre-ignition, consistently using lower-octane fuel can lead to reduced performance and may cause engine damage over the long term. 

What year to avoid Subaru BRZ?

The Subaru BRZ years to avoid are 2013 and early 2014 due to significant engine issues like valve spring recall problems and potential oil consumption. While there were other recalls and issues in later years (such as a 2018 fuel pump recall), the 2013-early 2014 models are the ones most commonly cited as years to be particularly wary of. 
This video discusses the major problems in early models of BRZ/FRS/86: 58sShifting LanesYouTube · Apr 25, 2018
Years to generally avoid

• 2013 and early 2014: These model years had recalls and reports of significant problems, including:
  • Valve spring recall: An issue where valve springs could fracture, leading to engine failure.
  • Oil issues: Some models, particularly those produced before a certain date, had a tendency for oiling problems.
  • Engine tuning and ECU calibration: Early models had a less optimal engine calibration.
  • Other issues: Users report issues with power windows freezing, water leaks, and interior rattles. 

Other years to be cautious of

• 2018: This year had a fuel pump recall and a recall for the rearview camera not displaying properly.
• 2019: Some 2019 models were included in the 2018 fuel pump recall. 

What to do if buying a used BRZ

• Check for recalls: Before purchasing, use the VIN to check if any recalls have been performed. 
• Be prepared for oil consumption: The BRZ can burn oil, so check the oil level regularly regardless of the model year. 
• Consider newer models: Later model years, such as the 2017 and later, generally have fewer reported issues.