Do Genesis Cars Need Premium Gas?

Gas station showing regular, mid-grade, or premium fuel types.

With three options available at the pump, it can be confusing deciding which type of gas to put in your Genesis cars. While some vehicles can use regular, mid-grade, or premium fuel, Genesis cars need premium gas to perform their best. Genesis of San Diego explains why.

How the Three Main Types of Gasoline Differ

The biggest difference between these three types of gasoline is their octane rating. This measures the stability of the gas and the smoothness with which it helps the engine run. Regular gasoline has an 87-octane rating. It’s the cheapest option and can be used in any “non-luxury” vehicle.

Mid-grade has an 89-octane rating and is more expensive than regular. While certain vehicles are designated specifically for mid-grade gasoline and not regular, regular gas can usually be used with no fear of hurting the engine. For example, some drivers might want to sacrifice the performance boost of mid-grade and save money by choosing regular.

Premium gasoline is rated 91-octane and above, and it is required for complex engines such as those that are turbocharged or high-compression. For such engines, premium gas ensures smoother operation, better fuel economy, and extended engine life.

Why Do Genesis Cars Need Premium Gas?

At our San Diego, CA Genesis dealership, we strongly recommend using premium gas. All of our new Genesis vehicles have sophisticated, turbocharged engines whose power and fuel efficiency depend on high-quality gasoline. While you could conceivably drive for a short amount of time on regular gas, doing so for an extended period could cause diminished performance, poorer fuel economy, engine knocking, and ultimately, long-term wear that will shorten the engine’s lifespan.

The lone exception would be if you purchase a pre-owned or certified Genesis car that was manufactured prior to 2021. But even in this scenario, you should still consult the owner’s manual or our Genesis service team to confirm which type of fuel is best. For example, the Genesis G70 always requires premium fuel, regardless of the model year.

Explore Genesis Cars in San Diego, CA

An investment in a Genesis vehicle is an investment in excellence. Count on Genesis of San Diego to support your entire ownership experience. We’ll help you from find the perfect model and get the best Genesis finance options. If you’d like to learn more about all of our Genesis vehicles, visit us today and take a test drive.