Premium Gas Study Found Little Performance Difference
Drivers of vehicles requiring premium fuel may overspend, as testing shows no clear benefit over regular octane.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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A new Consumer Reports study testing over 30 vehicles found that using premium gasoline offers no measurable improvement in fuel economy or acceleration compared to 87 octane regular fuel. This could mean significant savings for owners whose cars allow for lower-octane options.
Why it matters
Automakers often recommend or require premium fuel to hit specific performance benchmarks for marketing, which may not translate to practical benefits for the average driver. This creates an unnecessary ongoing household expense that can add up to thousands of dollars over the life of a vehicle.
Testing of over 30 luxury SUVs confirmed that premium fuel costs approximately 25 percent more than regular 87 octane fuel. Owners could potentially save over $3,000 in fuel expenses over five years by opting for regular fuel if their vehicle manufacturer allows it.
The players
Consumer Reports
An independent nonprofit organization that evaluates consumer products and advocates for safety and transparency in the automotive and home sectors.
The details
Researchers at the Auto Test Center compared performance metrics by testing acceleration and fuel economy across various vehicles. They pitted premium-required engines against 87 octane regular fuel to see if higher octane ratings produced better results. The findings suggest that many drivers are paying a premium for fuel that does not significantly improve their vehicle's daily performance or fuel efficiency.
Timeline
Consumer Reports published the study findings on October 1, 2026.
The Home Front
This study challenges the long-standing automotive industry trend of marketing premium-fuel requirements as necessary for vehicle performance. It highlights how consumer household budgets are directly impacted by manufacturer specifications that may provide little practical value to the owner.
Check your vehicle's owner manual to confirm if the fuel requirement is a firm necessity or a recommendation for peak performance. If your vehicle is compatible, you could consider switching to 87 octane fuel to reduce your monthly transportation budget.
The takeaway
While automakers market premium gasoline to reach performance targets, it may not be necessary for your daily driving needs. Review your manual for the minimum octane requirement to see if you can safely lower your fuel costs.
Further reading
For tips on keeping your vehicle running smoothly, visit our guide on Car Maintenance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Forbes.
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Do you believe it is a good idea to use premium gas when not explicitly required?
