It's just recommended. Running 87 will not harm anything. It's recommended on the hybrid to make the advertised performance spec's. If you've been happy with it so far, no need to spend more on gas.

 

What he said!

 

Some of us got these good cars because we know how to save a buck and still purchase "GOOD" gas.

 

Our vendor told us that we can run with regular no problem, but to fill with premium from time to time to clean the injection system.

For the couple last fill up I did, I have put premium and God I like the better push the engine gives! And it consumes even less than regular.

I think I am sticking to premium in the future!

 

Another Canadian, so I'll ask you the same question. Do you know if your premium contains Ethanol? That could explain your improve fuel economy, as Ethanol burns quicker. Your "better push" comment is all in your head, but I've said enough on that subject.

Blending ethanol and gasoline at a ratio of 85 percent to 15 percent (E85), the blended fuel is nearly thirty percent less powerful than pure gasoline. Ethanol is similar in acceleration, power, and cruising ability, but ethanol miles per gallon are less than pure gasoline.

Link: https://www.bellperformance.com/blog...​​

 

Ethanol is 10% tops in Canada and same amount in regular and premium.

The push I am talking about may be qualitative more than quantitative, but my reference is the ECO screen in the dash board (the one showing the globe) where I can feel a nice acceleration and sill be 3/4 in the blue zone while before to get the same (before having a big hesitation to shift down the gear) I was way in the white after the blue. That is the quantitative criteria I am basing myself uppon.

So it is not in my head.

 

In CA the price of reg vs prem is only $.25, if you fill up (15 gal.) twice a month the cost per month is $7.50, about a price of a beer in a nice restaurant.
In most other states the difference is $.50 or more and if you fill up 4 times per month the cost is $30, then you could probably walk out of same restaurant however have someone else drive you home.
The financial point of view can vary quite a bit.
Just sayin'.
http://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=US

 

Around me premium has been .70-.90 cents per gallon higher than regular for some time. I filled up last week and it was .80 higher so it's not insignificant. So 15 gallons would run $12 higher in this case. I use premium but do question the value these days.

In any case one should know the fuel requirement and cost for a car they are interested in before purchase.

 

Thanks guys. Premium is .20 higher here at Costco. I think I will try it.

 

Have heard that using a top tier gas provider is also important and to avoid the cut rate gas stations.

Where would Costco be classified?

 

I believe Costco is a Top Tier gas provider. At least that's what there signs say.

 

Guys, where do you read that the manual "Calls" for 87? In my manual it says that you "may" use fuel with at least 91 RON (87 at the pump), that's quite different from calling for that level and it doesn't say ANYTHING about going over 91 RON which obviously means that you may. I think that you read into this more than the manual says.

 

In the US the manual says "87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher" which says to me it's ok to use premium. I am not making a case for regular or premium, just pointing out that the manual says you can use either.

 

Agreed completely, my point was addressed to those who claim that you must use 87

 

I had my first Tank fill in RX 350 from Costco and can clearly feel the difference with Grade 93. The RX is running much smoother and is more responsive ...