Which Toyota Models Require Premium Gas?

The debate over using regular or premium gas interests many drivers. Premium fuel can help some vehicles reach peak performance. But in other cars, it’ll cost more money and have no discernible benefit. How does this debate apply to Toyota’s lineup, and what are the main differences between regular and premium gas? Here’s a rundown of the main things you need to know when deciding which gas to put in your Toyota vehicle.

Premium vs. Regular Gasoline

Toyota GR Supra (2024) by Charles is licensed with ATTRIBUTION 2.0 GENERIC

Premium gas is often called high-octane fuel. That’s due to one of its main differences from regular, unleaded gas: premium fuel ranges between 91 and 94 octane, while regular gas has 87 octane. The result is that premium gas is purer and burns more steadily than regular fuel. However, this higher-grade gasoline is only beneficial if the engine in your vehicle can use it. Currently, about half of all cars on the market in the U.S. require or recommend the use of premium gas.

There’s a big difference between a vehicle that requires premium fuel and one where it’s just recommended. If a car requires high-octane fuel, its engine is specifically designed to run on this type of gasoline and will be damaged if you use regular fuel. On the other hand, a vehicle with a recommendation for premium gas can perform better when you use it. But it won’t usually harm the car if you use regular fuel.

Another critical factor to consider is cost. Premium gasoline typically costs 70 to 80 cents more per gallon than regular fuel, which can become a significant cost burden over time. If your car doesn’t benefit from premium gas, there’s no reason to fill it up with the higher-octane option. However, many drivers make this mistake. One study by the AAA found that drivers spent $2.1 billion annually on premium gas for vehicles that didn’t need it.

Why Some Cars Require Premium Gas

The main reason why some cars require high-octane fuel is the type of engine they have. As a rule, vehicles with turbocharged engines or high-performance sports engines often rely on premium gas to perform their best. These engines will often be engineered and built with parts to respond more efficiently with higher-grade fuel. As a result, these engines usually have better fuel economy and can accelerate faster when they run on premium gas.

Due to their use of high-performance parts and different engineering techniques, engines that require premium gas can’t run on regular fuel without experiencing component damage. This can significantly shorten the engine’s life span, which is something that all car owners will want to avoid due to the substantial costs of getting a repair or replacement.

One of the most common problems if you run regular fuel in a car that needs premium gas is that the fuel transmission system can get clogged up. Another may be that the gas burns less predictably, which you’ll usually notice by a knocking or pinging sound.

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. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that high-octane gas may only be necessary for vehicles that run on a specific engine in the lineup. You must consult your owner’s manual or contact us directly for the most accurate information about your situation.

The Tundra is Toyota’s large, full-sized pickup, making it the right choice if you need a cargo hauler for the jobsite or a vehicle capable of towing your gear out of town for the weekend. If you buy the Tundra with a 3.4L turbocharged V-6 engine, you must fill the tank with premium gas. The Land Cruiser is a big SUV known for its off-roading prowess. This vehicle is ideal for hitting the trail with friends and family since it boasts a solid towing capacity. Its 2.4L turbocharged engine requires high-octane fuel to run.

It’s less surprising that the GR86 and GR Supra need high-octane gas since they’re both high-performance sports cars. The Supra‘s 2.0L turbocharged engine is designed to provide the speed you require to race around the track or accelerate rapidly to highway speeds. It depends on premium gas to reach its peak. That’s also true of the GR86’s 2.4L inline-four, which isn’t a turbocharged unit but still needs premium. Finally, the smaller 1.6L turbocharged three-cylinder in the GR Corolla operates on high-octane fuel.

This overview is valid for vehicles in the 2024 model year, but older models may have different requirements. For example, earlier versions of the Tundra used to run on a big V-8 engine that was fine with regular gas. If you’re unsure whether the vehicle you’re considering needs premium gas, it’s best to consult one of our Toyota experts. That way, you can weigh the pros and cons of a car or SUV that runs on high-octane gasoline before you commit to a purchase.

Find Your New or Used Toyota at Classic Toyota in Tyler, Texas

Whether you choose a Toyota that requires premium gas or one that’s fine on regular fuel, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your needs. At Classic Toyota, We have a great selection of new Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs, including gas-powered and hybrid models. We also have attractive used car options for your consideration. To learn more or arrange a test drive, don’t hesitate to contact our Toyota experts today. They can walk you through your auto financing and leasing options, helping you get behind the wheel of your next ride in no time.