91 or 89 octane?

Notice a difference? I can tell you mine runs smoother and the gas mileage is better. I can 87 in it the first few times. I think I will stick to the 93. It's not breaking the bank.

 

87 because the manual says so and I’m happy to oblige since California gas prices are ridonkadonk.

 

In Phoenix I was able to reliably get 87, moved to Idaho and most places serve up 85 or 91... I lost about 2-3 mpg but am not sure if it is quality of gas, lower octane, or altitude

 

$2.73 for 87 here. Man gas is crazy expensive out west

 

My personal opinion is that higher octane gas is "cleaner", less carbon, burns more complete and stuff, and because I can afford the highest octane. Since the Taco isn't advertised to utilize higher octane it shouldn't make a difference, and using its recommended 87 isn't going to knock.

holy you Americans have cheap gas... 87 in Canada, Ontario costs $6.63USD/gallon, and I get 94 for $8.10 for my daily Subaru

 

ND gas is horrible. use 87 /w ethanol and it sucks for mpg. once you leave the state using the same octane gas I get 2-3 mpg better.

everyone knows that lives in the state the gas quality sucks

 

Update, just went for a road trip in the Canadian Rockes, Banff/Jasper area. While driving up there, averaged around 25.4 on the computer with 92, all highway miles except parking and off/on ramps.

 

I subscribe to Consumer Reports and they say running higher octane fuel in a vehicle that only requires 87 is a waste of money as the software adjusts making it null and void. Some vehicles require it as the engine is tuned specifically to 91 and up and takes advantage of it.

They also said the Tacoma sucks unless your a contractor or landscaper. I still gave them the finger and bought one. They gave the Chevy Colorado high marks and while I found the interior to be better, getting anything into the bed you need a step ladder and pulley system! Lol

Go with what you feel comfortable with. Can afford the 92/3? Why not? It’s not going to hurt it! Can’t afford it? Oh well, truck runs great with 87.

 

Engineering explained YT channel did a pretty decent test on fuel in a variety of cars. He found no to minimal difference in NA cars and slight difference in turbo cars using 91 vs 87.

Best video on this subject I've seen:

 

Forgot to mention. Mazda cars have compression ratio of 13.0 and have 87 as recommended fuel.

 

I use only 91, but live in california where we have bad gas. I used 91 since it was purchase with 3 miles on it. I did use a tank of 87 before, but didn't really notice a difference. Now I have the OVtune so its a requirement now. I say save your money and use 87. Gas mileage didn't really make a huge difference before the tune either, but now it flys with 91 with the tune.

 

That’s crazy. I’m sure things have come a long way- suspect better combustion chamber design, etc.

 

Cool, I’ll take a look at the OVtune, just scraping the surface of the aftermarket. Does seem underpowered, feel like it could use a little grunt.

 

I had the OVtune since they started and it does feel a lot better then stock. The transmission is keeping up and the throttle responses is much better.

 

I run 93 as 87 causes my truck to miss horribly. 93 is nice and smooth.