What type of gasoline does the Highlander use?
3 Answers
The Highlander uses 95-octane gasoline. The Highlander is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, which is suitable for 95-octane gasoline. 95-octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 3% n-heptane. When the engine has a high compression ratio, high-octane gasoline should be used. If low-octane gasoline is used in a high-compression engine, it can cause abnormal combustion, leading to knocking, increased fuel consumption, and reduced driving performance. The Highlander is a large SUV under the Toyota brand, with body dimensions of 4890mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1715mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is a 5-door, 7-seat SUV.
I've always driven a Highlander and use regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline, just as Toyota recommends. The engine is well-designed and perfectly adequate for daily driving, whether it's shuttling kids around the city or cruising on the highway. The new car manual clearly states that 87 octane is the minimum requirement—don't fall for gas station attendants pushing premium fuel; it's a waste of money. I once tried 91-octane to see if it improved acceleration, but the difference was barely noticeable, just a pointless expense. With gas prices high now, sticking with 87-octane saves a lot—a few dollars per fill-up adds up over time. Maintenance is straightforward: avoid mixing lower-octane fuel to protect the engine, but occasional mistakes won’t cause major harm. In short, following the manufacturer’s guidance is the easiest way to ensure long-term reliability and durability. Plus, my Highlander’s fuel efficiency stays steady around 18 mpg, so keeping it simple with fuel choices is the smarter move.
As a car owner, I'm very cost-conscious and find that using 87-octane gas is the most economical choice for my Highlander. Toyota officially recommends 87-octane unleaded fuel—higher grades are unnecessarily expensive. For example, if 91-octane costs $0.50 more per gallon, driving 500 miles a month would mean an extra $25, which just isn’t worth it. The engine is efficient and practical, optimized for low-octane fuel from the design stage, so it doesn’t affect power or smoothness. I’ve also noticed my mileage stays around 19 mpg, proving that cheaper fuel works just fine. To protect the engine’s longevity, I stick with 87-octane to prevent knocking risks, occasionally taking it on the highway to clear carbon buildup. Don’t blindly chase premium fuel—it’s a waste of money. With the economy tight right now, the savings on gas can be better spent on insurance or maintenance, which is far more practical.
