Does the Toyota 86 require premium gas?
Yes — for best performance the Toyota 86 is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. In many markets premium fuel is strongly advised, although some regions allow lower-octane fuels with reduced performance.
The 86 uses a high-compression 2.0-liter boxer engine and a engine-management system calibrated for higher-octane fuel. Exact requirements can vary by year and market, so it’s important to check the owner’s manual or confirm with a dealer for your specific model.
Fuel recommendations by market
Fuel octane requirements vary by region and model year; here is a general guide to typical expectations in major markets.
- United States and Canada: Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended for best performance. Regular 87 octane can be used, but power and responsiveness may be reduced and the engine may experience knocking under load.
- United Kingdom and mainland Europe: Premium unleaded gasoline with at least 95 RON is recommended; many drivers use 95–98 RON fuels. Regular 91–93 RON fuels are not ideal and may yield diminished performance.
- Australia and New Zealand: Premium unleaded fuel with at least 95 RON is recommended; 98 RON is common for higher-octane options. Regular 91 RON is generally not advised for sustained performance.
Across markets, sticking with premium fuel is the safest bet to preserve peak performance and prevent knock under load.
What happens if you use regular fuel?
Using regular gasoline can trigger several changes in performance and engine behavior, especially during spirited driving or hot conditions. Common effects reported by owners include:
- Reduced power and throttle response; acceleration may feel slower than with premium fuel.
- Engine knock or ping under load, prompting the ECU to retard timing to protect the engine, which further reduces performance.
- Lower fuel economy, as the engine may burn more fuel to achieve the same output.
- Potential long-term effects if used regularly, though modern knock sensors mitigate some risk; repeated use of low-octane fuel is not recommended for sustained driving.
For drivers prioritizing peak performance, premium fuel remains the recommended option across model years and regions.
Model-year and market variations
Why octane guidance can differ
While the general rule is that premium fuel is recommended, exact octane requirements and allowances can vary by year, market, and vehicle specification. Always refer to the specific owner’s manual for your vehicle’s year and region, or contact a Toyota dealer to confirm.
Summary
The Toyota 86 is designed to run best on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. In normal conditions you can operate on regular fuel, but you will likely encounter reduced performance and efficiency, with the potential for engine knock under certain driving conditions. Market-specific guidance may vary, so always verify the fuel recommendation for your exact model year and region in the owner's manual.
Does the Toyota 86 need premium gas?
Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for optimum performance.
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 type of gas does a 2017 Toyota 86 take?
Toyota 86. The Toyota 86, with its high-revving boxer engine, is another model that requires premium gas, which allows for smoother, more responsive performance.
Which Toyota requires premium gas?
Toyota Models Using Premium Gas
Several 2024 Toyota models require premium gas. These include the GR86 sports car, the GR Corolla sedan, the GR Supra sports car, the Land Cruiser SUV, and the Tundra pickup. As you can see, vehicles in all areas of Toyota's lineup rely on premium fuel.
