What kind of gas does a 2013 Toyota Highlander take?
The 2013 Toyota Highlander uses regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher; premium is not required.
The 2013 Highlander lineup includes a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid version. Across all trims, Toyota specifies regular unleaded fuel as the standard option, with no requirement for higher-octane premium unless your local manual or conditions indicate otherwise. Ethanol blends up to E10 are generally compatible, but it’s best to verify with your owner’s manual or the fuel door label for your region.
Fuel requirements for the 2013 Highlander
The following summarizes the official fueling guidance for the Highlander’s different powertrains in a single view.
All engines (2.7L, 3.5L, and Hybrid)
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Ethanol blends up to E10 are compatible, and premium gasoline is not required for normal operation.
- 87 octane or higher is acceptable across all engines.
- E10 (gasoline with up to 10% ethanol) is generally compatible.
- Premium gasoline (91–93 octane) is not required for routine driving.
Note: If you notice knocking or pre-ignition under heavy load or high temperatures, consult the owner's manual. Some regions or specific vehicles may have minor variations, so always check the fuel door label or manual for your exact model.
Practical fueling tips
Before filling up, keep in mind these practical notes to ensure you’re following the recommended guidelines.
- Check the fuel door label or owner's manual for the exact octane recommendation in your region.
- Avoid mixing different octane grades in a single tank; start with 87 octane if you’re unsure.
- Most Highlanders from 2013 are designed to run on E10; if you’re in an area with higher ethanol content restrictions, verify local guidelines.
- Premium fuel is optional and typically does not improve performance on standard engines in this model year.
In short, for everyday driving a 2013 Highlander runs best on regular 87-octane gasoline, with ethanol blends up to E10 supported across the board.
Summary
Across all 2013 Highlander models—the 2.7L four-cylinder, the 3.5L V6, and the hybrid—the recommended fuel is regular unleaded gasoline with at least 87 octane. Ethanol blends up to E10 are generally acceptable, and premium gas is not required for normal operation. Always refer to the vehicle’s fuel door label or the owner's manual for region-specific guidance.
What kind of gas do you put in a 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Fuel & MPG
| Cost to Drive | $303/mo |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
| EPA city/highway MPG | 17/22 MPG |
What gas is recommended for a Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander runs on regular unleaded gasoline, with an octane rating of 87. You can confirm the exact fuel type for your specific model by checking the inside of the fuel door or your owner's manual. While higher octane gas can be used, it provides no benefit and the engine is designed to run optimally on regular fuel.
- Recommended fuel: Use regular unleaded gasoline, which has an octane rating of 87.
- Check the fuel door: The most reliable source of information is the sticker on the inside of your fuel door, as some older models or specific trims may have different recommendations.
- Higher octane is unnecessary: The Highlander engine is not tuned for premium fuel, so using higher octane gas will not improve performance or mileage.
- Hybrid models: Even hybrid models are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
What gas does Toyota recommend?
Toyota recommends checking your owner's manual or the fuel door for the correct octane rating, as it varies by model. Most vehicles, like the majority of their lineup, are designed for regular (87 octane) gasoline, while some high-performance or specific models, such as the Supra, GR86, GR Corolla, and some Land Cruisers, require premium (91 or higher octane) gasoline. It is crucial to use the octane rating specified for your exact vehicle to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential engine damage.
Gas recommendations by model type
- For most Toyota models: Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Examples include the 4Runner (2009-2024), Tacoma (manuals often recommend 87), and many others.
- For performance and specific models: Some vehicles are designed for premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to achieve their peak performance. Examples include:
- GR Supra
- GR86
- GR Corolla
- Land Cruiser (2.4L turbocharged engine)
Important fuel tips
- Check your owner's manual: Always confirm the correct fuel for your specific vehicle in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the fuel door.
- Do not use MMT: Avoid using gasoline that contains the additive MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl), as it can damage your emission control system and cause a loss in performance.
- Use Top Tier gasoline: Consider using fuel from major brands recognized as Top Tier, which meet higher detergent and performance standards set by automakers like Toyota.
- E85 caution: Do not use E85 (85% ethanol) or any fuel with more than 15% ethanol.
Should I use 87 or 89 gas?
Your car will run just fine. All modern cars can run 87,89,91,93. It's suggested that for maximum power that you use 93. If you're not at a track day event and just daily commuting 87 will serve you well. All modern cars are equipped with knock sensors to prevent engine damage from running lower octane fuel.
