Should Subaru Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
3 Answers
Subaru should use 95 octane gasoline. The models under Subaru include: Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru XV, Subaru BRZ, etc. Taking the 2021 Subaru Forester as an example, it is a compact SUV with body dimensions of: length 4640mm, width 1815mm, height 1730mm, wheelbase of 2670mm, minimum ground clearance of 220mm, and a body weight of 1546kg. The 2021 Subaru Forester is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 154PS, maximum torque of 196Nm, maximum power of 113kW, and is paired with a continuously variable transmission.
I've been driving a Subaru Forester for several years and usually use 95-octane gasoline. Although 92-octane is cheaper, saving a few cents per liter, Subaru engines are quite particular. Using 95-octane feels smoother, and the acceleration is more even. I've checked the owner's manual, which clearly recommends gasoline with an octane rating of 95 or higher. For my model, the minimum requirement is 91-octane, so using 95-octane in China is safer. I remember once last year when I filled up with 92-octane, the engine made a slight "knocking" sound on the highway, so I quickly switched back to 95. Don't risk damaging the engine to save a little money—repairs can be very costly. Also, pay attention to the quality of the gas station; refueling at reputable stations can reduce issues. After getting used to 95-octane, the fuel consumption has stabilized, hovering around 8 liters per 100 km, which is quite economical. Regular maintenance can also extend the car's lifespan. By the way, higher-octane fuel performs better during cold starts in low temperatures.
Subaru's horizontally opposed engines require high-octane gasoline to prevent knocking. While 92-octane can barely be used, 95-octane optimizes performance better. As a car enthusiast who has tried different octane ratings, I found that 95-octane makes the engine sound quieter and improves acceleration responsiveness. Most models in the manual recommend 91-octane or above, so in China, directly using 95-octane is the most worry-free option. Using 92-octane may lead to carbon buildup or knocking risks, affecting durability in the long run. When selecting fuel, choose reputable gas stations to avoid impurities. In regions with large temperature variations, such as northern areas, higher-octane fuel provides better protection. The cost difference is actually minimal—just a few dozen yuan more per month for several refuels. Prioritizing your car's condition is the wise choice. An engine repair starts at thousands of yuan, so don't risk major losses for minor savings.
