Can the Highlander use 92 gasoline?
2 Answers
According to the official vehicle manual recommendation, the Highlander can use 92 gasoline. In addition to checking the appropriate gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will also indicate the recommended grade. Generally, the gasoline grade can also be determined based on the engine's compression ratio. Vehicles with an engine compression ratio between 8.6-9.9 should use 92 gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95 gasoline. However, with the application of some new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the gasoline grade. A high compression ratio can also be tuned to use lower-grade gasoline because, besides the compression ratio, other factors such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology also play a role. Generally, the higher the gasoline grade, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. 92 gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95 gasoline contains 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. If the Highlander occasionally uses the wrong gasoline grade, simply switch back to the correct grade after use. However, long-term use of the wrong gasoline grade may have the following effects: For vehicles recommended for low-grade gasoline, using high-grade gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number will change the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This means the engine's power output and thermal efficiency will decrease, resulting in poorer performance in practice. For vehicles recommended for high-grade gasoline, using low-grade gasoline may cause engine knocking. Because the octane number is too low, the lower ignition point of the gasoline may cause premature ignition during the compression stroke. If the fuel ignites before the spark plug fires during the compression stroke, resistance will occur during the upward stroke. This resistance will make the engine run very unstably. If the knocking is mild, it may only increase noise without significant damage to the engine. However, if the knocking is severe, it indicates serious engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on the pistons and cylinders, and in severe cases, cylinder scoring.
Seeing you ask whether the Highlander can use 92-octane gasoline, I'll share my personal opinion since I have experience driving similar models. The Highlander is designed to recommend 95-octane or higher gasoline due to its high engine compression ratio. Lower octane fuel may cause knocking or reduced power. Although the ECU will automatically adjust to prevent damage, long-term use of 92-octane could lead to engine vibration, increased fuel consumption, or carbon buildup. Some owners I know have tried it—saving money on short trips might be acceptable, but it's not worth it for long distances as the acceleration feels sluggish. If you really want to save money, using it occasionally in emergencies is fine, but don’t make it a habit. It’s best to follow the owner’s manual recommendations for longer engine life and smoother driving experience. Also, fuel quality varies by location—urban gas stations are safer, while rural ones might be riskier. Safety first.
