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Does Toyota require premium gas?


As a car owner, understanding the fuel requirements of your vehicle is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. One common question among Toyota owners is whether their vehicles require premium gasoline. In this article, we will explore the fuel requirements for various Toyota models, the benefits of using premium gas, and when it is necessary to use it.


Understanding Fuel Requirements


Most Toyota vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, which typically has an octane rating of 87. However, some models, particularly those with high-performance engines, may recommend or require premium gasoline, which has a higher octane rating of 91 or 93. It's essential to consult your owner's manual for the specific fuel requirements of your Toyota model.


When is Premium Gas Required?


Premium gasoline is generally required for Toyota models equipped with turbocharged engines or high-performance variants. Here are some examples:



  • Toyota Supra: The 2020 and newer models of the Toyota Supra, which feature a turbocharged inline-six engine, recommend premium fuel for optimal performance.

  • Toyota Camry XSE V6: The V6 variant of the Camry may benefit from premium gas to achieve better acceleration and efficiency.

  • Toyota RAV4 Prime: The plug-in hybrid version of the RAV4 may also recommend premium fuel for enhanced performance.


Benefits of Using Premium Gas


While using premium gasoline may not be necessary for all Toyota models, there are several benefits to consider:



  • Improved Performance: Premium gas can enhance engine performance, particularly in high-compression engines, leading to better acceleration and responsiveness.

  • Increased Fuel Efficiency: Some drivers report improved fuel economy when using premium gas, although this can vary based on driving habits and conditions.

  • Reduced Engine Knock: Higher octane fuel can help prevent engine knocking, which can occur in high-performance engines under heavy load.


Conclusion


In summary, while most Toyota vehicles can run on regular unleaded gasoline, certain models with high-performance engines may require or benefit from premium fuel. Always refer to your owner's manual for the best guidance on fuel requirements to ensure your Toyota operates at its best. If you're unsure about your vehicle's needs, don't hesitate to consult with a trusted auto service professional.


Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.



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 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.



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.



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.



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.



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.