Do SUV's HAVE to use Premium Fuel?

Question

I was skimming through a few SUV's the other day, and I got interested in the new Acura MDX. I'm planning on getting one, but a friend told me that I HAD to use Premium Fuel on it. He said that the SUV won't run on Regular Fuel. I mean, due to rising gas prices, I'm still thinking between wheather I should be using Regular or Premium on it. If it runs on Regular, I'll use Regular, but if Premium is mandatory, I guess I'll use Premium. Is it true that I HAVE to use Premium fuel on the SUV? And does this rule apply to most or all new SUV's? Thanks!

Answer 1

No car HAS to use premium all though almost all cars will run better and get a all around performance boost in economy and power with the higher octane fuel.  It depends upon the vehicle as to how much that improvement is.  There is somewhat of a chance of pinging or knocking with regular but its unlikely.

Answer 2

It depends on the engine in the SUV.

Some SUVs have high-compression engines and are designed to be "sporty," such as the Range Rover Sport. Those require premium fuel.  (the compression ratio of the engine in the Sport SE is 10.75:1).

Some SUVs have low-compression engines and are designed to be utilitarian, like the Jeep Cherokee with the 4.0L in-line-6 engine.  Those can use just regular unleaded 87-octane.  (the 4.0L HO engine has a compression ratio of 8.8:1).

Higher octane fuel resists spontaneous combustion better.  Higher-compression engines need higher-octane fuel so the gasoline-air mixture won't spontaneously combust when compressed in the cylinder.  When there is spontaneous detonation, it causes engine knock and is bad for the engine.

Check the owner's manual and see what it recommends for that particular car.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I would never use anything but regular. I think that is crazy and with the prices the way they are now...Outrageous!!!!!!

If it is required, then you might  want something more fuel efficient instead.

EDIT: I have never heard of this, is it a newer thing?

- I wouldn't think it would due to gas prices.

We have owned SUV's and so my husband says it's not true--That's a myth ( just a recommendation) & so don't believe the hype.

Answer 4

it doesnt have to use premium if it doesnt call for it.

Answer 5

If you're so concerned about rising gas prices, why are you buying an SUV?

Sounds completely counter-productive.

But if the vehicle says it's premium, it's premium. I owned a 1988 Pathfinder, and it would take pretty much anything you threw in it. Maybe you should look at a lower grade vehicle, which will in turn, take lower grade fuel.