What is the best fuel grade for Toyota Tacoma?

Regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline is the recommended fuel grade for Toyota Tacomas, and using higher-octane fuel does not generally improve power or efficiency in standard engines. You may use higher-octane fuel if you notice engine knock, but it is not required for everyday driving.

Official guidance and engine design

Toyota equips Tacomas with two main engines—the 2.7-liter four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6—both designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Modern engines include knock sensors that help prevent pre-ignition, which means they can tolerate a range of octane levels, though regular is the baseline recommendation.

What the owner’s manual says

The manual specifies a minimum octane rating of 87 (regular unleaded) for Tacoma models. Premium fuel is not required to operate normally or to achieve any standard level of performance or fuel economy.

Performance and fuel economy implications

In typical driving, there is little to no measurable gains in horsepower or miles per gallon from using higher-octane fuel in a stock Tacoma. Premium fuel may be useful only if the engine experiences knocking under certain conditions, but even then the benefit is not guaranteed and depends on the vehicle, terrain, and climate.

Practical guidance for Tacoma owners

Here are practical takeaways to help you decide which octane to use.

• Engine compatibility: Both the 2.7L I4 and the 3.5L V6 are designed to run on 87-octane fuel, with higher octane not required for normal operation.


• Fuel economy and power: Premium gasoline generally does not deliver noticeable increases in power or efficiency on a stock Tacoma.


• Cost considerations: Regular 87-octane fuel is cheaper at the pump; using higher octane without a clear benefit raises running costs.


• Knock and tuning: If you hear engine knocking under load or hot conditions, you might try a higher octane fuel to see if it alleviates the ping, but consult a dealer if knocking persists.

When in doubt, follow the owner's manual and consult your Toyota dealer if you suspect engine knock or unusual performance issues.

Situations where higher-octane fuel might be considered

In rare cases, certain driving scenarios or vehicle conditions may prompt consideration of higher octane fuel.

• Heavy towing or sustained climbing: Some drivers running long grades or towing may experiment with higher octane to reduce knocking, though results vary.


• Extreme heat or high-compression conditions: In very hot climates or under high-compression operation, higher octane could help prevent knock in edge cases.


• Dealer guidance or ECU tuning: If a technician recommends a higher-octane fuel due to a specific engine condition or after a tune, follow that professional advice.

Even in these scenarios, the improvement is not guaranteed for every Tacoma, and the baseline remains 87 octane for everyday driving.

Summary

The best fuel grade for Toyota Tacoma is regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline for routine use. Premium fuel is not required and typically does not deliver noticeable improvements in power or fuel economy for stock engines. Use higher octane only if you encounter knocking under certain conditions or if advised by a qualified technician, and always refer to the owner's manual for your specific model.

What fuel does Toyota recommend?

Most Toyota models use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane), but some performance models like the Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla require premium fuel, according to Classic Toyota of Tyler. Always check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your vehicle to ensure proper engine performance. 
Fuel recommendations by model type

• Most standard vehicles: The majority of Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using a higher-octane fuel than what is recommended is generally not necessary and won't provide significant benefits. 
• Performance models: High-performance models often require premium fuel (91 octane or higher). Examples include: 
  • Supra (2.0L turbocharged engine) 
  • GR86 (2.4L engine) 
  • GR Corolla (1.6L turbocharged engine) 
  • Land Cruiser (2.4L turbocharged engine) 

General fuel tips

• Check the owner's manual: The most accurate information for your specific vehicle can be found in your owner's manual. 
• Choose high-volume stations: It is best to purchase fuel from high-volume, major brand stations, as their gasoline has effective detergent additives to prevent deposits in the engine and fuel system. 
• Understand octane: Octane is a measure of a fuel's resistance to knocking or premature ignition. Using a lower octane than recommended can lead to engine knocking, reduced performance, and potential long-term damage. 

Is it better to use 87 or 89 gas?

No, 89 octane gas is not inherently better than 87, but it can be necessary for certain vehicles. For most cars, using 89 octane instead of 87 will not provide benefits like increased power or efficiency and is simply a more expensive choice. However, some engines are designed to require a higher octane level (like 89 or 91) to prevent knocking and damage, especially if they have a turbocharger or higher compression ratio. You should always use the octane level recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. 
When 89 octane may be needed

• Your car's manufacturer recommends it in the owner's manual.
• Your engine has a turbocharger or supercharger.
• Your engine has a high compression ratio.
• You hear your engine "knocking" or "pinging" when using 87 octane gas. 

When 89 octane is not necessary 

• Your car is designed for 87 octane fuel and doesn't have a high-performance engine.
• Using 89 octane won't make your car faster or more efficient than the recommended 87.
• You will simply be paying more for no added benefit. 

What is the best fuel for a Toyota Tacoma?

The best gas for a Toyota Tacoma is 87 octane (regular unleaded), as it is the minimum and recommended fuel for optimal performance and efficiency. While higher octane gas is safe, it won't provide a performance boost and may make the engine less responsive in most cases. It is also recommended to choose "Top Tier" certified gasoline to ensure the fuel contains detergents that help keep the engine clean. 
This video explains the type of gas you should use in your Toyota Tacoma: 1mTRD TakeoverYouTube · Jan 27, 2024
Key takeaways

• Use 87 octane: The owner's manual recommends 87 octane, and using it will not harm the engine. 
• Higher octane is unnecessary: Using premium gas will not increase speed, horsepower, or performance in a standard Tacoma. 
• "Top Tier" gas is best: Look for "Top Tier" gasoline, which has detergents that help keep the engine clean and running smoothly. 
• Avoid E85 and high ethanol blends: Never use fuel with more than 15% ethanol (like E85, E30, etc.). 

This video explains why you should avoid using premium gas in your Toyota Tacoma: 49sTRD TakeoverYouTube · Jan 27, 2024

What gas should I put in my 2025 Toyota Tacoma?

You should put 87 octane (regular unleaded) gasoline in your 2025 Toyota Tacoma. The engine is designed for this fuel type, and using higher octane gas is not necessary for optimal performance. It is also recommended to use "Top Tier" detergent gasoline when available to help keep the engine clean. 

• Fuel type: Use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. 
• Higher octane is not needed: Higher octane fuel does not provide a performance boost and is not recommended for your Tacoma. 
• Top Tier gasoline: Opt for "Top Tier" gasoline, which meets higher cleaning standards to help keep your engine clean.