Hi Scotty,
I recently purchased a Lexus RX500h and it had me thinking about which fuel type is really required according to Toyota. With the likes of the Toyota Crown and Grand Highlander Hybrid Max using the same engine and hybrid system, and the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max only making 4 horsepower and 6 lbs feet of torque less than the RX500h, is premium fuel really required in the Lexus while the Toyota’s can be run on regular fuel?
I also came across this article on Carbuzz who claims they spoke to Toyota engineers about this.
https://carbuzz.com/news/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-has-a-secret-to-make-more-power
Thanks in advance!
p.s. I am local if you’d like to review my RX500h
Paul
If you use fuel other than what your owner's manual says is "required" you're gambling and may void your warranty.
Like @chucktobias said, it is best to use the fuel octane rating stated in the owners manual.
With that said, I have a sneaking suspicion that the way Lexus and Toyota get more HP from essentially the same engine is through fuel. I mean, it kinda make sense, because the more premium and performance brands like BMW require higher octane fuel.
My biggest concern with going back and forth between regular and premium is how much damage will the engine receive. The knock sensor can help adjust to the fuel octane rating, at the same time, knock isn’t good for an engine.
Your suspicion is confirmed in this article, quoted directly from Toyota engineers.
https://carbuzz.com/news/2024-toyota-grand-highlander-has-a-secret-to-make-more-power
We should add this question (with answers) to our FAQ.
probably. But it needs to be a clear, concise format. I don't think adding long discussion chains to the FAQ is productive.
What I meant was posting the topic and having Scotty videos answering it.
true, It's a start.
Done.
p.s. I am local if you’d like to review my RX500h
Please see under FAQ for how to contact Scotty.
Please do a search on our forum on this topic. We get a lot of questions about this.
