Mercedes Mullins
As Americans upgrade their older cars to newer models, they are increasingly losing access to cheaper gasoline. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that more than half of all new cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in America now require pricier premium gasoline. This shift can be attributed to the growing trend of turbocharged engines, which require higher octane fuel to perform at their peak. While premium fuel is generally associated with luxury and sports cars, it's worth noting that even some mainstream brands now rely on it. This development has significant implications for vehicle owners, as choosing the right type of fuel is critical for maintaining engine health and optimal performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of new cars that require premium fuel | More than half of all new cars |
| Examples of cars that require premium fuel | Chevrolet Camaro, Mini Coopers, Subaru WRX, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche |
| Examples of cars that can use regular fuel | 2014 Volvo XC90, 2013 Infiniti M37, 2015 Lexus ES350, 2012 Cadillac CTS, 2011 Lexus CT200h, 2010 Lincoln MKS, 2023 Ford Mustang, 2023 Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette |
| Octane rating of premium fuel | 91-94 |
| Octane rating of regular fuel | 87-89 |
| Price of premium fuel | $4.27 per gallon |
| Price of regular fuel | $3.74 per gallon |
| Difference in price between premium and regular fuel | $0.53 per gallon |
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What You'll Learn
Luxury cars that use regular gas
There is a common misconception that luxury vehicles must be filled with premium gas. While some luxury cars do require premium gas, many can run on regular gas. Luxury vehicles only need premium gas if they are equipped with a high-performance or turbocharged engine.
- 2014 Lincoln MKZ: This luxury sport sedan is powered by a 3.6-litre V-6 engine and does not come with a recommendation for premium gas use.
- 2015 Lexus ES350: This Lexus model is powered by a 268-horsepower V-6 engine that only requires gasoline to run.
- 2012 Cadillac CTS: This Cadillac luxury vehicle only requires regular gas for proper performance and contains a 3.0-litre engine.
- 2011 Lexus CT200h: The Lexus hybrid features the perks of a luxury vehicle without the added maintenance expense of requiring premium fuel.
- 2014 Volvo XC90: This premium SUV is run by a 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine that outputs 240 horsepower. While the manual may recommend premium fuel, it can perform perfectly fine with regular gas.
- 2013 Infiniti M37: This luxury sedan comes with a recommendation for premium fuel, but it performs the same when using regular gas.
- 2014 Buick LaCrosse: This luxury vehicle is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-litre V-6 engine, both of which can provide ample performance when powered by regular gas.
- 2013 Cadillac ATS: Cadillacs are known for their luxury, but the 2013 ATS model can use regular gas.
- 2011 Lexus ES350: This Lexus model uses regular gas.
- Volvo S60/S60 Cross Country: The S60 Volvo models that are powered by the 2.0-litre turbo-four engine can run on regular gas, even though Volvo recommends premium gas for maximum engine performance.
- Chevy Camaro: The Camaro with the ZL1 engine, powered by a 335-horsepower 3.6-litre V-6 engine, can use regular gas.
- Dodge Challenger: The base V-6 engine option for the Dodge Challenger can use regular gas.
- Dodge Charger: The full-size sedan with a 3.6-litre V-6 base engine can use regular gas.
- Ford Mustang: The 2.3-litre turbo-four or the 5.0-litre V-8 engine in the GT can use regular gas.
It is important to note that while these luxury vehicles can run on regular gas, some manufacturers may recommend using premium fuel for optimal performance. However, using regular gas in a vehicle that recommends premium will not cause any harm but may result in a slight decrease in performance.
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Sports cars that use regular gas
Sports cars are often associated with high-performance engines that require premium fuel. However, there are several sports cars that are designed to run on regular gasoline, offering cost savings for their owners. While these vehicles may not be the fastest off the line, they provide a fun and engaging driving experience without the added expense of premium fuel. Here are some examples of sports cars that use regular gas:
Audi TT
The Audi TT is a sporty car known for its sleek design and agile handling. With its fun-to-drive nature, the Audi TT is a great choice for those seeking a balance between performance and fuel economy.
Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger, particularly the 3.6-liter "Pentastar" V6 engine model, is another sports car that runs on regular gas. While the V8 models in the Challenger lineup demand premium fuel, the V6 version offers a more cost-effective option for those seeking a sporty driving experience.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a quick and tiny sports car that delivers one of the most engaging driving experiences in its class. With impressive gas mileage and a lower starting price, the Miata is a top pick for those seeking a fuel-efficient sports car that doesn't require premium fuel.
Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
The 2025 Subaru BRZ and its cousin, the Toyota GR86, are sports cars known for their impressive fuel economy. The BRZ, in particular, offers a slightly better fuel economy than the GR86, and both vehicles provide a fun and sporty driving experience without the need for premium fuel.
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro, specifically the V6-powered model, is another sports car that uses regular gas. While the Camaro may not have the highest fuel economy ratings, it strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sporty vehicle.
It is important to note that while these sports cars are designed to run on regular gas, there may be instances where a higher octane fuel is recommended by the automaker or for specific engine configurations. It is always advisable to refer to the owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the recommended fuel type to ensure optimal performance and engine longevity.
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Premium gas vs regular gas
Premium gas, also known as high-octane gas, has an octane rating of 91-94. Regular gas, on the other hand, typically has an octane rating of 87, with the 88-90 range considered mid-grade. Octane ratings measure fuel stability, with higher numbers indicating greater stability. While premium gas is designed to fuel high-performance engines, it is not necessarily more fuel-efficient than regular gas. In fact, using premium gas in an engine designed for regular fuel can be a waste of money and may even cause issues that require a mechanic.
That being said, premium gas can enhance performance in certain high-performance engines. For example, vehicles like the Ford Escape and Mazda 6 are advertised with power figures made on 93-octane fuel. Additionally, premium gas is more resistant to engine knock in luxury and performance vehicles with turbochargers or high-compression engines. It also has the potential to increase fuel efficiency and decrease emissions in cars designed to run on premium gas.
However, it's important to note that not all cars require premium gas. In fact, most cars on the road run on regular gas. If your car is designed for regular gas or doesn't specifically require premium, it's recommended to stick with regular. Using premium gas in a car that doesn't need it will not improve performance or fuel economy. Check your owner's manual to see which type of gas is recommended for your specific car make and model.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of mainstream brands, such as Chevrolet and Toyota, offering vehicles that require premium-grade gas. This trend is due to the increasing sophistication of engines, with higher-compression turbocharged and direct fuel-injected engines specifying the use of premium-grade fuel to achieve their maximum performance potential. As a result, more than half of all new vehicles now require premium-grade gas, which can be significantly more expensive than regular-grade fuel.
In summary, while premium gas can provide benefits for specific engines, it is not necessary or advantageous for all vehicles. To maximize performance and fuel economy, it is essential to use the type of fuel recommended by your car's manufacturer.
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How to determine which fuel your car needs
It is important to determine the right fuel for your car to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential damage. Here are some steps to help you determine which fuel your car needs:
Firstly, refer to your owner's manual. This is often the most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle. The manual will specify the recommended fuel type and octane rating. It will also indicate whether a particular fuel is required or merely recommended. Some vehicles may experience decreased performance or engine knocking when using a lower octane fuel than recommended, but this may vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Secondly, check the fuel door sticker or the inside of the fuel filler door. This can provide a quick reference for the required fuel type. For example, it may specify "unleaded" or "premium unleaded only".
Thirdly, be aware of the type of engine your car has. Higher-compression turbocharged and direct fuel-injected engines often require higher octane premium fuel to achieve their maximum performance. Performance-based engines typically require higher octane fuel, while for most standard cars, a regular octane rating of 87 or 89 is sufficient.
It's worth noting that while premium fuel may offer benefits such as reduced engine knocking and slightly higher MPG, it is not necessary for all vehicles. In some cases, using premium fuel in a car that doesn't require it may be a waste of money, as there may be no noticeable difference in performance or fuel economy.
Finally, if you are unsure or have questions, don't hesitate to consult a trusted mechanic or automotive professional. They can provide guidance based on their expertise and experience.
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The cost of premium gas
The higher cost of premium gas is due to its higher octane rating, which is typically 89 or higher. This higher octane rating allows the fuel to withstand more compression before igniting, which is necessary for higher-compression turbocharged and direct fuel-injected engines to achieve their maximum performance potential. However, it is important to note that not all cars require premium fuel, and using premium fuel in a car that does not require it may not provide any performance or fuel economy benefits and could be a waste of money.
Some luxury and performance models, as well as some mainstream brand cars, can run on regular-grade gas, which is more cost-effective. For example, the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine or 6.2-liter V8 can run on regular gas. Additionally, some cars that recommend premium fuel may not show any decrease in performance when using regular gas, so it is important for drivers to refer to their owner's manual and consider the cost savings of using regular gas if their car does not require premium.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than half of all new vehicles require premium-grade fuel. Some of the models that require premium fuel include the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015 Acura TLX, 2016 Nissan Maxima V6, 2014 Volvo XC90, 2013 Infiniti M37, 2015 Lexus ES350, 2012 Cadillac CTS, 2011 Lexus CT200h, and 2010 Lincoln MKS.
Premium fuel, also known as high-octane gas, consists of a higher concentration of isooctane in its blend. This enhances the gas's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" noises in the engine.
No, not all luxury cars require premium fuel. While luxury cars such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche typically require premium fuel, there are some luxury cars that can run on regular fuel. Some of these include the 2014 Volvo XC90, 2013 Infiniti M37, 2015 Lexus ES350, 2012 Cadillac CTS, and 2010 Lincoln MKS.
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