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Does Toyota require premium gas?

No, Toyota does not require premium gasoline for most of its vehicles. The majority of Toyota models are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.


Understanding Toyota's Fuel Recommendations


Toyota provides specific fuel recommendations for each of its vehicle models in the owner's manual. While some high-performance Toyota models may recommend or require premium fuel, the vast majority of Toyota's lineup is designed to operate on regular unleaded gasoline.


The octane rating of gasoline refers to the fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Higher-octane fuels can withstand higher compression levels before igniting, making them better suited for high-performance engines. However, regular 87-octane gas is sufficient for the needs of most Toyota vehicles.


Exceptions and Recommendations


While Toyota does not require premium gas for most models, there are a few exceptions where higher-octane fuel is recommended or required:



  • High-Performance Models: Toyota's high-performance models, such as the Supra and certain Lexus vehicles, may recommend or require premium 91-octane or higher gasoline to achieve optimal performance and efficiency.

  • Turbocharged Engines: Some Toyota models with turbocharged engines, such as the Corolla Hatchback and RAV4, may perform better and experience less engine knocking with premium fuel.

  • Older Vehicles: Older Toyota models, particularly those with higher-mileage engines, may benefit from using premium fuel to help reduce the risk of engine knocking and improve overall performance.


It's important to always refer to the owner's manual for the specific fuel recommendations for your Toyota vehicle. Using the recommended fuel type can help ensure optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity.

What cars require premium gas?


Mainstream-Brand Models That Require Premium-Grade Gas

  • Chevrolet Silverado: w/6.2-liter V8.
  • Chevrolet Suburban: w/6.2-liter V8.
  • Chevrolet Tahoe: w/6.2-liter V8.
  • Chevrolet Camaro: w/6.2-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8 supercharged.
  • Chevrolet Corvette: w/6.2-liter V8, 5.5-liter V8.



Can I put 89 gas in my Toyota Camry?


The fact is no Toyota, (Other than the Toyota Supra that has a BMW engine) uses a grade of gasoline above higher than 87. The electronic control module of most Toyotas is tuned to 87 Octane. Many people believe that opting for a higher grade gasoline will improve the performance of your car, but this is not so.



What car models require premium gas?


Generally, luxury cars and high-performance vehicles are designed to run on premium gas. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi often make cars that require premium gasoline. Vehicle models with turbocharged engines, such as Mini Coopers or Subaru WRX also typically need premium fuel to perform at their peak.



What happens if you 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.



What happens if I mix 87 and 93 gas?


Mixing 93 and 87 gas doesn't have any ill effects. It simply creates a new formula referred to as “midgrade” that's often available in gas stations. Additionally, the difference between premium and regular gas is that the premium ones are of higher quality.



What happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91 in a Lexus?


Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than what is listed for your model year vehicle could potentially result in engine knocking. If the octane rating used is less than required, damage to the engine may occur and which could void the vehicle warranty.



Can you put 87 gas in a Toyota?


You must only use unleaded gasoline. Select octane rating of 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 may result in engine knocking.



What happens if you put regular gas in a Toyota 86?


Premium unleaded fuel is recommended for optimum performance. Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.



Which Toyotas require premium fuel?


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.



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.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.