Can the Highlander use 92-octane gasoline?

[CassandraLynn]

Some models can, while others cannot. According to the official vehicle manual recommendations, the Highlander 2.0T should use 95-octane gasoline, while the Highlander 2.5L should use 92-octane gasoline. In addition to checking the suitable gasoline grade in the vehicle manual, you can also find it on the fuel tank cap, which will also indicate the recommended octane. Typically, the required 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-octane gasoline, while those with a compression ratio between 10.0-11.5 should use 95-octane gasoline. However, with the application of new technologies, the compression ratio alone cannot determine the appropriate gasoline grade. High-compression engines can also be tuned to use lower-octane gasoline due to other influencing factors, such as ignition timing, turbocharging technology, and Atkinson cycle technology. Generally, the higher the gasoline octane rating, the higher the octane number and the better the anti-knock performance. 92-octane gasoline contains 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane, while 95-octane 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 consumption. However, prolonged use of the wrong gasoline grade can have the following effects: For vehicles recommended to use lower-octane gasoline, using higher-octane gasoline will not cause damage, but the increase in octane number may alter the fuel's ignition point, leading to delayed combustion in the engine. This reduces the engine's power output and thermal efficiency, resulting in poorer performance. For vehicles recommended to use higher-octane gasoline, using lower-octane gasoline can cause engine knocking. Due to the significantly lower octane number, the fuel's ignition point decreases, causing premature ignition during the compression stroke. If combustion occurs before the spark plug ignites, resistance will arise during the upward stroke. This resistance makes the engine run very unstably. Mild knocking may only increase noise without obvious engine damage, but severe knocking indicates serious engine conditions, affecting not only driving stability but also causing abnormal wear on pistons and cylinders, potentially leading to cylinder scoring in severe cases.