Sponsored

To higher octane or not ?

Raymundo76

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Ray
Joined
Oct 15, 2022
Threads
66
Messages
799
Reaction score
793
Location
Mesa Az
Vehicle(s)
21 Mazda CX-5
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Clubs
 
Other than cost and MPG are there any issues (benefits) gained by using 89 or 91 octane gas?
Sponsored

 

710-oil-614

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Cal
Joined
Oct 13, 2021
Threads
27
Messages
6,019
Reaction score
11,802
Location
Ohio...but I'd rather be in Boone.
Vehicle(s)
2025 Hybrid AWD Lariat
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
EDIT: ANSWER FOR EB ONLY - DIDN'T REALIZE OP WAS HYBRID AT FIRST.

More power? I have not seen an increase in efficiency by running 93 but the engine runs stronger and smoother.

MORE important than running a higher grade fuel is making sure you're always filling at a top tier fuel station.

I do not believe running 89 to be worth it.

I believe the factory flash is set for 91 so you theoretically can get max power with 91 if available in your area.

I run 93, filled at Shell, and sleep well at night.
 
Last edited:

AngeloInSC

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Alan
Joined
Aug 30, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
282
Reaction score
270
Location
Greenville, SC
Vehicle(s)
Mazda CX-5
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Many studies have been done about this and ALL pretty much tell you that you are wasting your money if your vehicle doesn't require it. As another responder pointed out, as long as you are filling at a Top Tier (proven to be better fuel) rated station, you are getting the most for your money.
 
OP
OP
Raymundo76

Raymundo76

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Ray
Joined
Oct 15, 2022
Threads
66
Messages
799
Reaction score
793
Location
Mesa Az
Vehicle(s)
21 Mazda CX-5
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Clubs
 
Many studies have been done about this and ALL pretty much tell you that you are wasting your money if your vehicle doesn't require it. As another responder pointed out, as long as you are filling at a Top Tier (proven to be better fuel) rated station, you are getting the most for your money.
Not talking about $; will the engine run better with a higher octane? Will long term maintenance issues be reduced. Or are there no real benefits other than a small gain in HP?
 

Sponsored

Benilla

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
Joined
Apr 15, 2022
Threads
46
Messages
516
Reaction score
566
Location
Edmonton
Vehicle(s)
2022 Ford Maverick
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Clubs
 
Won't have any difference on the hybrid: it lacks the hardware required to get anything out of higher octane gas. Tested this myself.. work offered to comp a full tank of gas for a road trip to an annual meeting so I ran to empty and got the highest octane, no difference
 

AngeloInSC

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Alan
Joined
Aug 30, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
282
Reaction score
270
Location
Greenville, SC
Vehicle(s)
Mazda CX-5
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Not talking about $; will the engine run better with a higher octane? Will long term maintenance issues be reduced. Or are there no real benefits other than a small gain in HP?
Nothing I've ever seen supports higher octane fuel having any of those benefits IF it is the same quality as the lower octane. Higher octane fuel only burns slower. Ethanol burns even slower and that has proven to be a detriment to longevity.
 
OP
OP
Raymundo76

Raymundo76

2.0L EcoBoost
Well-known member
First Name
Ray
Joined
Oct 15, 2022
Threads
66
Messages
799
Reaction score
793
Location
Mesa Az
Vehicle(s)
21 Mazda CX-5
Engine
2.0L EcoBoost
Clubs
 
Nothing I've ever seen supports higher octane fuel having any of those benefits IF it is the same quality as the lower octane. Higher octane fuel only burns slower. Ethanol burns even slower and that has proven to be a detriment to longevity.
Thanks for the input!
 

710-oil-614

2.5L Hybrid
Well-known member
First Name
Cal
Joined
Oct 13, 2021
Threads
27
Messages
6,019
Reaction score
11,802
Location
Ohio...but I'd rather be in Boone.
Vehicle(s)
2025 Hybrid AWD Lariat
Engine
2.5L Hybrid
Yep - sorry I did not notice you are a Hybrid owner.

I would only fill 87 on the hybrid.

Honestly, I could probably fill 87 the entire life of the EB and it be just fine. I prefer the extra power and "smoother" engine operation - but I understand that I am overpaying for any benefits I am seeing.

But still - top tier regardless.
 
Sponsored
 







Top