Should SUVs Use 92 or 95 Octane Gasoline?
2 Answers
Whether an SUV should use 92 or 95 octane gasoline depends on the specific brand and model of the SUV. Generally, the recommended gasoline grade can be found on the back of the fuel tank cap or in the vehicle's manual. Below are the differences between 95 and 92 octane gasoline: Different Octane Ratios: 92 octane gasoline consists of 92% isooctane and 8% n-heptane; 95 octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. Different Compression Ratio Applications: 92 octane gasoline is suitable for engines with a compression ratio between 8.6 and 9.9; 95 octane gasoline is suitable for engines with a compression ratio between 10.0 and 11.5. Different Anti-Knock Properties: 92 octane gasoline has poorer anti-knock properties, requiring a delayed ignition angle, which leads to faster fuel consumption. In contrast, 95 octane gasoline's stronger anti-knock properties result in slower fuel consumption.
Having driven SUVs for so many years, my personal experience is: always check the recommended fuel grade in the vehicle manual. I drove an older H6, and the manual specified 92 octane, so I consistently used 92, and it ran smoothly with normal fuel consumption. Last year, I switched to a turbocharged model, and the manual required 95 octane. After switching, I felt the power delivery was better. Using the wrong fuel can be harmful—for example, using 95 in a low-compression engine might be a waste of money, while using 92 in a high-performance engine can cause knocking and piston damage. Long-term use of the wrong fuel can increase fuel consumption and even trigger the check engine light. So, don’t guess between 92 or 95—check the manual or the fuel cap sticker; the manufacturer’s tested recommendations are the most reliable. Daily use of 92 can save money, but for turbocharged or high-compression engines, 95 provides better engine protection.
