What kind of gas does a Toyota Supra take?
The Toyota Supra runs on premium unleaded gasoline. In practice, use the octane rating specified by the owner's manual for your region—typically around 93 octane (AKI) in the United States and 95–98 octane (RON) in Europe.
This article explains how fueling requirements apply across Supra generations and global markets, with octane guidelines and practical tips to ensure you get the best performance and longevity from your car.
Fuel requirements by generation and market
A90/A90.1 (2019–present) and newer
The modern GR Supra, built on BMW engineering, requires premium unleaded gasoline. Toyota specifies a minimum octane rating of 93 AKI (or the regional equivalent of 95+ RON) for optimal performance and knock protection. Availability of premium fuels varies by country, so check your local manual or Toyota’s regional guides for exact numbers.
A80 and earlier generations (historical context)
Earlier Supras with turbocharged and high-compression engines also ran on premium gasoline. While octane recommendations varied by market and year, the common thread across generations is a preference for premium fuel to prevent knocking and preserve performance. Always refer to the specific owner’s manual for your model year and market.
Regional octane guidelines
To avoid guesswork, here is a quick regional guide. Always verify the exact requirement in your vehicle’s manual, as specifications can change by year and market.
- United States and Canada: Premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 93 octane (AKI). Higher octane is acceptable and may improve performance or preventive knock protection.
- Europe, Middle East, Africa, and many Asian markets: Premium unleaded gasoline typically 95–98 octane (RON). Use the minimum specified by the regional manual.
- Other markets: Follow the local owner’s manual for the precise octane rating; most regions align with 91–93 AKI or 95+ RON as a baseline for turbocharged engines like the Supra.
Bottom line: Use premium gasoline and match the octane rating to what Toyota specifies for your exact model and market. Using lower-octane fuel can reduce performance and may trigger knocking, especially under load or heat.
Practical fueling tips
Keep these considerations in mind to maintain peak performance and durability when fueling your Supra.
- Always select premium unleaded gasoline with the octane rating required by your market and model year (check the owner’s manual or fuel label).
- Be mindful of ethanol content; many premium fuels in various regions contain ethanol (E10 is common). If you notice symptoms like knocking, reduced power, or rough idle, consult your manual and consider a different grade or station.
- In hot climates or during aggressive driving, higher-octane fuel can help maintain performance and prevent knocking. When in doubt, stick to the recommended octane.
Following the official octane guidance ensures the turbocharged engine in the Supra operates as intended and helps preserve long-term reliability.
Summary
In brief, a Toyota Supra takes premium unleaded gasoline. The exact octane requirement depends on your model year and market: most modern Supras call for about 93 AKI in the US or 95+ RON in Europe, with regional variations. Always refer to the owner’s manual for the precise specification, and use the recommended fuel to preserve performance and prevent engine knock.
Which fuel is used in Supra?
Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher for GR Supra 2.0, and an octane rating of 93 or higher for GR Supra 3.0. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.
What if I put 87 instead of 91?
If your car requires 91 octane, putting 87 can lead to decreased performance, lower fuel economy, and potentially engine knocking or pinging. Modern engines can often adjust timing to prevent damage, but persistent use of lower octane fuel can reduce efficiency and power. To fix this, fill the tank with 91 octane fuel the next time you refuel to get back to the recommended octane level.
Consequences of using 87 instead of 91
- Engine knock: The fuel can ignite prematurely, causing a rattling or "pinging" sound.
- Reduced power: Your car's engine control unit (ECU) will likely adjust the timing to prevent damage, which can result in a noticeable drop in performance.
- Lower fuel economy: The engine's reduced efficiency can lead to you getting fewer miles per gallon.
- Potential for long-term damage: While a single instance is unlikely to cause lasting harm, consistently using the wrong octane could lead to engine damage over time.
What to do now
- Drive normally: The engine's knock sensors should compensate for the lower octane fuel.
- Avoid aggressive driving: Stay away from hard acceleration or high-stress situations, such as driving in hot weather or under heavy loads.
- Refill with 91 octane next time: The best way to resolve this is to simply fill up with the correct fuel grade at your next stop.
- Check your owner's manual: If you're unsure, always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific fuel recommendations.
Can I use 87 gas in my Toyota?
In summary, it is best to stick to the recommended 87 octane fuel for your Toyota. This is the peak efficiency level for your vehicle.
Does Toyota Supra require premium gas?
Yes, the Toyota Supra requires premium gas, specifically a minimum of 91 octane for the 2.0L engine and 93 octane for the 3.0L engine, to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Using a lower octane fuel can result in decreased performance and may lead to long-term maintenance issues.
Recommended fuel grade
- GR Supra 2.0: Requires a minimum of 91 octane premium unleaded gasoline.
- GR Supra 3.0: Requires a minimum of 93 octane premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance.
- General rule: Higher octane ratings help a turbocharged engine like the Supra's perform at its best, maximizing power output and fuel efficiency.
Why premium is necessary
- Performance: Premium fuel's higher octane rating helps prevent engine knocking and detonation, allowing the turbocharged engine to operate as designed.
- Long-term health: While using regular fuel may not cause immediate damage, it can lead to decreased performance and potential long-term maintenance problems in a high-performance engine.
- Manufacturer recommendation: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate information, as the manufacturer specifies the required fuel grade to maintain warranty and ensure proper operation.
