Should the Camry use 92 or 95 octane gasoline?
3 Answers
Camry uses 92 octane gasoline, which has an octane rating of 92 and contains 8% heptane. Gasoline is a volatile, flammable hydrocarbon mixture liquid obtained through distillation, cracking, or pyrolysis of petroleum. At room temperature, it appears as a colorless to pale yellow, highly mobile liquid that is difficult to dissolve in water. Taking the 2019 Camry as an example: its body dimensions are 4885mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1455mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2825mm. The Camry is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 178PS, a maximum power of 131kW, and a maximum torque of 210Nm, paired with a 10-speed continuously variable transmission.
I've been driving a Toyota Camry for several years, and the fuel cap clearly states that 92 octane gasoline is recommended, as it's set by the manufacturer and the engine is specifically optimized for 92. 95 octane fuel is more expensive with higher octane ratings that can reduce knocking, but for a regular car like the Camry, 92 is sufficient for daily driving without affecting power or fuel consumption. Unless you frequently drive at high speeds on highways or in hot climates, where 95 might offer slight benefits, there's no need to spend extra. Using lower octane fuel than recommended could harm the engine, so it's best to follow the manual and choose reputable gas stations.
From a mechanical perspective, the Camry's engine is designed to run on 92-octane gasoline, which provides sufficient anti-knock performance. While 95-octane fuel is more suitable for high-performance vehicles or harsh conditions, using it in a Camry is not only a waste of money but may also negatively impact fuel efficiency due to additional additives. The engine is tuned for 92-octane, and forcibly using 95-octane won't enhance performance—it may even increase carbon emissions. My recommendation is to regularly inspect the fuel system to ensure the correct fuel grade is used.
