I’m a veteran Chicago-based consumer automotive journalist devoted to providing news, views, timely tips and reviews to help maximize your automotive investments. In addition to posting on Forbes.com, I'm a regular contributor to Carfax.com, Motor1.com, MyEV.
While gas prices are down somewhat from their lofty levels a year ago, most U.S. motorists would still likely consider a national average $3.74 per gallon, according to the AAA, to still be uncomfortably high.
And that’s for regular-grade fuel. Those who drive a car, truck or SUV that requires premium are being burned with an average $4.27 per gallon. Those living in Hawaii face the biggest sting of all in this regard, with regular-grade at an average $4.67 per gallon and premium at a whopping $5.16.website, a given vehicle that’s rated at 25 mpg in combined city/highway and takes premium-grade gas will cost an average $300 more to drive per year than one that takes regular at current prices. That’s an extra $1,500 out of pocket over a five-year ownership period and doesn’t take into consideration any unpleasant price hikes that may occur down the road. Unfortunately, choosing a car, truck, or SUV that runs on regular has gotten increasingly difficult in recent years as higher-compression turbocharged and direct fuel-injected engines are increasingly requiring the higher octane premium-grade fuel to achieve their maximum performance potential. That should be expected for luxury-minded models and red-hot sports cars, but as it turns out, several models from mainstream brands like Chevrolet and Toyota now require it as well. As it turns out, more than half of all light-duty models sold for 2024 require the higher-octane gas, and some new-vehicle buyers may not realize until sometime after they’ve driven off of a dealer’s lot that they’ve purchased a model that takes premium. For the uninitiated, regular grade gas is typically rated at 89 “octane,” which is a measure of how much compression fuel can withstand before igniting. Premium, on the other hand, is rated at 91-octane . Higher octane fuel can be compressed to a higher ratio without detonating erratically, which usually manifests itself as “knocking” or “pinging.”‘The Boys’ Dethroned In Amazon Prime Video’s Top 10 List By A New ShowWhile today’s engines include what’s called a knock sensor that can automatically alter the timing of the spark plugs to safely accommodate lower octane fuel than is otherwise recommended, a given car’s acceleration and fuel economy will be adversely affected to some degree if it’s running it on regular when premium-grade is otherwise advised. Conversely, there’s no advantage whatsoever to running a car on premium fuel if it’s built specifically to consume 89-octane regular gas. Those looking to save money at the pump should make sure they’re getting a vehicle that’s built specifically to run on regular-grade petrol. That information for current and past models can be found at the EPA’s website, and it’s also printed on a label that’s affixed to the inside of the fuel filler door and are noted in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. And whether a car takes regular grade gas or prefers premium, it’s a good idea to only use what the petroleum industry calls “top tier” fuel. It contains extra additives that help prevent performance-crippling deposits in sophisticated fuel delivery systems. A study conducted by the AAA found that engines tested averaged 19 times fewer intake valve deposits when running on Top Tier gas for 10,000 miles instead of non-designated fuel, and 2-4% more miles per gallon. Over 50 major brands offer Top Tier gas and diesel fuel in the U.S., which is noted by the trademarked Top Tier logo on the pump, pump handle, canopy over the pumps, or in the station window. Below is a list of all the mainstream-brand cars, trucks, and SUVs for the 2024 model year that specify premium-grade gas, according to the EPA’s database, noting the powertrain within the model line that require it. We’re also including a list of the few remaining luxury-brand cars that can save their owners some money by running on good old regular-grade fuel.Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kindContinuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejectedAttempts or tactics that put the site security at riskProtect your community.
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