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Premium fuel isn’t just for premium cars anymore. Gasoline with octane ratings above 91–sometimes as high as 94–can cost a pretty penny. What do you get for that extra cash? A more consistent combustion which allows the engine to run with higher compression without risking “knocking” because of misfires. As automakers seek to make more efficient engines with high power and small displacement, many have been forced to go “premium only.” Here are many of the “regular” cars that only take premium–broken down by engine.

General Motor’s 6.2-liter V8

In 2014, General Motors bumped the compression of its big 6.2-liter V8 from 10.7:1 up to 11.5:1. The result is 420 horsepower. But GM also recommends that drivers only use premium. Here are the makes and models affected:

  • Chevrolet Silverado: 6.2-liter V8
  • Chevrolet Suburban: 6.2-liter V8
  • Chevrolet Tahoe: 6.2-liter V8
  • Chevrolet Camaro: 6.2-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8 supercharged
  • Chevrolet Corvette: 6.2-liter V8, 5.5-liter V8
  • GMC Sierra: 6.2-liter V8
  • GMC Yukon: 6.2-liter V8
  • GMC Yukon XL: 6.2-liter V8

Dodge, Ram, and Jeep’s 6.2-liter Supercharged Hellcat V8

Dodge’s SRT division changed the muscle car market forever when it dropped the 700-horsepower Hellcat V8. Chrysler Corporation has offered this high performance engine in a ton of different vehicles. Many drivers know the Hellcat requires premium gas. But what’s intriguing is that the Dodge Durango lists premium-only for other models, such as the non-supercharged 6.4-liter Scatpack engine.

  • Ram 1500: 6.2-liter V8 supercharged
  • Dodge Durango: 6.4-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8 supercharged

Dodge, Ram, and Jeep’s HO 3.0-liter I6

Dodge, Ram, and Jeep’s parent company (European-headquartered “Stellantis”) has finally unveiled its Hemi V8 replacement. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter “Hurrican” I6 makes 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. But Stellantis also has a high output version, which requires premium gas, and makes up to 530 horsepower and 521 lb-ft. I expect we’ll see this engine in the new Chargers by 2025.

  • Jeep Grand Wagoneer: 3.0-liter I6 turbo, 6.4-liter V8
  • Ram 1500 RHO: 3.0-liter I6 turbo

Various import engines

Consumers may be surprised by the Chevrolets and Jeeps that require premium gasoline. Some of the imported turbocharged engines listed below, may come as less of a shock. A couple outliers are the full-size Nissan SUVs and trucks with their naturally-aspirated V8s and the Toyota Tundra’s V8-replacement, a turbocharged 3.4-liter V6.

  • Honda Civic: 1.5-liter I4 turbo, 2.0-liter I4 turbo
  • Hyundai Elantra: 2.0-liter I4 turbo
  • Mazda CX-90: 3.3-liter I6 turbo
  • Mazda MX-5: 2.0-liter I4
  • MINI Cooper: 1.5-liter I3 turbo, 1.5-liter I4 turbo, 2.0-liter I4 turbo
  • MINI Cooper Clubman: 1.5-liter I3 turbo, 1.5-liter I4 turbo, 2.0-liter I4 turbo
  • MINI Cooper Countryman: 1.5-liter I3 turbo, 1.5-liter I4 turbo, 2.0-liter I4 turbo
  • Nissan Armada: 5.6-liter V8
  • Nissan Pathfinder: 3.5-liter V6
  • Nissan Titan: 5.6-liter V8
  • Nissan Z: 3.0-liter V6 turbo
  • Subaru BRZ: 2.4-liter I4
  • Subaru WRX: 2.4-liter turbo
  • Toyota GR Corolla: 1.6-liter I3 turbo
  • Toyota GR 86: 2.4-liter I4
  • Toyota GR Supra: 2.0-liter I4 turbo
  • Toyota Land Cruiser: 2.4-liter I4 turbo
  • Toyota Tundra: 3.4-liter V6 turbo
  • Volkswagen Arteon: 2.0-liter I4 turbo

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.