Built For High-Octane Fuel
For some high-powered trucks, regular gas doesn’t cut it. High-performance pickups are often calibrated to run best on 91-octane. Lower-octane fuel can cause reduced output or even engine knock. These 20 trucks deliver their best only when fueled with the high-octane blends they were designed for. So let's dive into trucks that require the best of the best when it comes to gas.
1. Ford F-150 Raptor
Premium helps the Ford F-150 Raptor produce its full 450 hp. Also, its 0–60 mph time drops to 5.3 seconds with high-octane fuel, compared to 5.9 seconds with regular. According to Car & Driver, regular fuel can reduce the truck's output by about 20 hp.
2. Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX
This twin-turbo hybrid V6 runs efficiently on regular gas, but premium fuel helps optimize combustion under load. While Toyota doesn't require premium gas, it improves towing responsiveness and engine smoothness. When hauling near its 12,000-lb max, the i-FORCE MAX responds better with 91-octane.
3. Nissan Titan
The Titan’s 5.6L Endurance V8 is calibrated for regular gasoline, and Nissan does not recommend high-octane fuel. Still, some users have observed that premium results in a 10-hp increase in output. This increase may seem minor, but many believe the improvement is worth it, though the data is anecdotal.
4. Ram 1500 TRX
Fueled by a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, the TRX requires 91-octane to deliver its rated 702 hp. Premium gas prevents knock at high boost levels, ensuring consistent performance. It also increases the truck's acceleration, allowing the truck to reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
5. Ford F-250 Super Duty (Gas variant)
Gas-powered F-250s, particularly those with the 7.3L V8, run well on regular but may benefit from premium when towing near maximum capacity. While Ford doesn’t require 91-octane, high-altitude conditions can make the higher octane useful. Gains are mostly in reduced knock and throttle smoothness.
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6. Ford Maverick
Premium fuel isn’t necessary for the Maverick, whether in hybrid or EcoBoost form. However, with the turbocharged version, 91-octane can slightly improve throttle response and high-speed performance. Still, Ford calibrates it for regular use.
7. Ram 1500
The 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque delivers solid performance on regular fuel. Some owners have found that using 89- or 91-octane enhances towing smoothness and engine responsiveness under heavy load. Premium isn’t necessary, but it can provide noticeable benefits in demanding conditions.
8. Chevrolet Suburban
Even though the Suburban can run on regular fuel, Chevrolet recommends using premium petrol, particularly in models with the 6.2L V8 engine. The result is improved throttle response and optimized efficiency under heavy loads. However, the 5.3L V8 runs well on regular fuel without significant gains.
9. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The ZR2’s off-road tuning and available turbocharged engine make premium gas helpful. GM recommends 91-octane for optimal power under demanding conditions. The difference is most noticeable during high-speed desert runs or hard towing. Still, on pavement, the gains are barely perceptible.
10. Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok’s turbocharged gasoline engines, especially the V6 models, respond better to premium fuel. Volkswagen also agrees that the truck gives optimal performance with 91-octane fuel. Regular fuel reduces output and increases knock potential.
11. GMC Canyon AT4X
Equipped with a 2.7L turbocharged four-cylinder, the Canyon AT4X responds noticeably better to premium fuel. GM recommends 91-octane for ideal torque and performance, especially during rock crawling or trail driving. Regular fuel can still be used.
12. Ram 1500 Hurricane (3.0L Inline-6)
The high-output version of this engine produces 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque, and Ram suggests 91-octane for peak performance. While the standard-output version runs fine on regular fuel, premium enhances efficiency under load. It also maintains consistent power delivery in high-stress conditions.
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13. GMC Sierra 1500 Denali (6.2L V8)
The Denali’s 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine delivers 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, and premium fuel is necessary to reach its full potential. 87-octane can be used, though it may cause engine knocking when towing or carrying heavy loads.
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14. Toyota Hilux
Gasoline variants of the Hilux, sold mostly outside the U.S., perform adequately on regular. However, in hot climates or at elevation, 91-octane can reduce engine knock. Drivers in mountainous or desert regions sometimes opt for premium gas to stabilize output under load. Diesel versions aren’t affected.
15. Chevrolet S-10 (Global)
Older gasoline S-10 models with turbocharged engines may benefit from higher-octane fuel under stress. GM doesn’t mandate premium, but smoother performance in high-heat or heavy towing conditions has been reported in owners’ forums. Regular use remains the norm, yet off-roaders report crisper throttle with 91-octane.
16. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (6.2L V8)
GM suggests 93-octane fuel for the Silverado 6.2L V8 to deliver 420 hp and 460 lb-ft torque. Premium fuel means better throttle response, reduced knock, and improved performance, especially under heavy loads, making it ideal for towing, hauling, or spirited driving.
17. GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
With an available 6.2L V8 engine and off-road tuning, the Sierra 1500 AT4 benefits from premium fuel. GM suggests 91-octane for optimal power. Though fuel economy doesn’t drastically change, smoother performance and better mid-range torque are noticeable.
18. Ford Ranger Raptor
To get the best out of the Ranger Raptor, 91-octane fuel is key for off-road performance. Regular gas may result in reduced power, but premium ensures better throttle response and power consistency. This is important for high-speed off-roading and navigating difficult terrain.
19. Mitsubishi Triton (L200)
Mitsubishi recommends premium fuel for improved performance in gas-powered variants. According to Mitsubishi specifications, premium gas can enhance acceleration and reduce knock, particularly in hot or mountainous regions. Gasoline trims show smoother throttle when fueled with 91-octane under load.
20. Ford F-150 (3.5L EcoBoost V6)
91-octane unleashes the full power of the twin-turbo EcoBoost, optimizing engine performance. Premium fuel fine-tunes ignition timing, enhances torque, and improves acceleration, particularly under heavy load or at high altitudes. It’s the ideal choice for those seeking peak engine efficiency.
