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Types Of Gas A Honda Odyssey Takes (Explained)

Types Of Gas A Honda Odyssey Takes (Explained)

We’ve talked extensively about the Honda Odyssey, its performance, and how to get the most miles out of this reliable vehicle. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the fuel requirements for the Honda Odyssey.

So what type of fuel does the Honda Odyssey need?

All generations of the Honda Odyssey manufactured between 2005 – Present-day have a 3.5L V6 engine that uses regular, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Using gasoline with a lower octane number will result in severe engine damage, and gasoline with a higher octane number won’t benefit the engine in terms of performance and longevity.

However, that certainly doesn’t answer the question altogether. Below, we’ve outlined all questions you can have regarding the fuel of the Odyssey. We’ll start by diving deeper into the question of what octane level is preferable and which ones are harmful. After that, we’ll discuss the ins- and outs of what kinds of gasoline can and can’t be used.

We’ll also talk about the gas mileage and tank size of this car, and much more. Read on!

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Infographic explaining the different fuel types for a Honda Odyssey.

Lower And Higher Octane Gasoline

Before we dive into the details, we feel it’s essential to clarify why using gasoline with a lower or higher than recommended octane number isn’t a good idea.

First of all, using gasoline with a lower than recommended octane number will result in problems with the engine and the fuel system, eventually leading to severe engine damage. We’ll discuss these problems later in the ‘knocking noise after refilling’ subheading. Never use gasoline with a lower than recommended octane number.

Furthermore, using gasoline with a higher than recommended octane number is not advisable. These gasoline are generally referred to as premium gasoline, and they typically have an octane number of 91 or higher. Using these kinds of gasoline is possible. As long as the number is higher than 87, the use of gasoline will not lead to engine damage.

However, there’s no inherent benefit to using this kind of gasoline. Many people believe that using premium gasoline is always the better choice for every vehicle. In reality, premium gasoline is only a better choice if the car manufacturer has stated in the owners’ manual that premium gasoline should be used. This is usually the case for high-performance vehicles or heavy-duty trucks.

Using premium gasoline in a Honda Odyssey will not give any benefits in terms of the performance or longevity of the vehicle and will be more costly than using regular gasoline.

Does The Honda Odyssey Require Premium Fuel?

No, the Honda Odyssey does not require premium fuel. All models from 2005 to the present day are designed to run efficiently on regular, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Using higher octane fuel will not improve performance or longevity.

What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?

Reformulated Gasoline

Let’s first talk about the use of reformulated gasoline. This type of gasoline was initially invented to decrease the number of emissions the car creates when driving. It first became mandatory in California around two decades ago and, since then, has become compulsory in more than 19 areas of the United States.

It’s good to know that reformulated gasoline is entirely compatible with the Honda Odyssey. Furthermore, Honda encourages the use of reformulated gasoline whenever it’s available since it’s less harmful to the region’s air quality in which the car is driven.

Furthermore, reformulated gasoline doesn’t cost anything extra, and it also doesn’t hurt the car’s performance. Finally, it also doesn’t increase the maintenance of your Odyssey in any way, shape, or form.

Oxygenated Blends Or E-85

Oxygenated blends of gasoline are gasoline types mixed with either ethanol or methanol. These chemicals are typically added to fuel in colder regions or during wintertime, and this is because they provide the engine with an easier cold start. However, there are strict rules for using these kinds of gasoline.

First of all, it’s essential to know that the use of methanol is strictly forbidden in the Honda Odyssey. Using gasoline mixed with methanol will result in severe engine damage that’s not covered under warranty.

However, the use of gasoline mixed with ethanol is possible in limited percentages. Honda Oddysey, manufactured before 2008, can take gasoline that’s mixed with a maximum of 10% ethanol (also referred to as E-10 gasoline). Odyssey manufactured from 2009 onwards can take gasoline with a maximum of 15% ethanol (referred to as E-15).

Another type of fuel you’ll find is E-85. As the name states, this kind of gasoline consists of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This kind of gasoline is only suitable for so-called FlexFuel vehicles. A Honda Odyssey is not a FlexFuel vehicle, and the use of this type of gasoline is strictly forbidden.

Gasoline With Added Materials

Finally, we have to discuss the use of gasoline with added materials. These materials can include but are not limited to octane boosters, MMT, or additives that are marketed as engine or fuel system cleaners. Adding aftermarket additives to your gasoline is something Honda strictly advises against.

The reason for this is that these additives serve no real purpose and that some of them can actually be very harmful to your fuel system. Many additives contain metallics or silicones that will increase the number of deposits in your engine and cause damage that’s not covered under warranty.

Instead, it’s advised to buy gasoline that already has all the suitable additives mixed into it. So-called TOP TIER retailers sell these types of gasoline. These retailers all sell gasoline that’s safe to use for every kind of vehicle. Furthermore, they will deliver optimal engine performance and clean the engine. Therefore, the use of additives is not needed at all. Please visit toptiergas.com to find a TOP TIER retailer in your area.

What If I Hear A Knocking Noise After Refilling

Hearing a slight knocking noise when driving your vehicle is an entirely normal occurrence. Usually, this means the engine performs heavy tasks such as when driving up a hill or towing a trailer. However, if you hear a loud knocking noise right after refilling, there’s a significant chance you’re using gasoline with a lower than recommended octane rating.

If you hear a loud knocking noise right after refilling, it’s advised you stop the car immediately and contact your local dealer. You’ll likely have to tow the car away, drain it from its fuel and replace the fuel filter to avoid further damage to the fuel system.

Read more here about the potential problems of a Honda Odyssey!

Does The Honda Odyssey Have Good Gas Mileage

  • Honda Odyssey manufactured between 2005 – 2008 have a combined gas mileage of 19MPG, a city MPG of 17 and a highway MPG of 24.
  • Honda Odyssey manufactured between 2008 – 2011 have a combined gas mileage of 18MPG, a city MPG of 16 and a highway MPG of 23.
  • Honda Odyssey manufactured between 2011 – 2017 have a combined gas mileage of 22MPG, a city MPG of 19 and a highway MPG of 27.
  • Honda Odyssey manufactured between 2017 – Present-day have a combined gas mileage of 22MPG, a city MPG of 19 and a highway MPG of 28.

You can also see a great real-world test of the Honda Odyssey’s gas mileage here:

What’s The Tank Size Of A Honda Odyssey

Honda Odyssey, manufactured between 2005 – 2011, have a fuel tank size of 21 gallons or 79.5 liters. Honda Odyssey, manufactured between 2012 – Present-day, have a fuel tank size of 19.5 gallons or 73.8 liters.

How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Honda Odyssey

For a 2005 – 2011 Honda Odyssey a full tank of gas will cost $67.79 at an average price per gallon of $3.228. Oklahoma is the cheapest state to fill up an Odyssey and a full tank will cost $60.35. California is the most expensive state and a full tank will cost $97.86.

For a 2011 – Present-day Honda Odyssey, a full gas tank will cost $62.94 at an average price per gallon of $3.228. Oklahoma is the cheapest state to fill up an Odyssey, and a full tank will cost $56.06. California is the most expensive state, and a full tank will cost $90.87.

Closing Thoughts

We’ve given a comprehensive exploration of the fuel requirements of the Honda Odyssey, a vehicle that has been a focus on this blog for some time. Its 3.5L V6 engine, consistent across all models manufactured from 2005 to present day, runs efficiently on regular, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Deviation from this recommended rating may have detrimental effects on the engine’s health and performance.

While engine size is different, the general fuel requirements are quite consistent across most Honda vehicles whether you’re looking at the smaller vehicles like the Fit or Honda’s line of SUVs like the Pilot.

But fuel requirements encompass more than just the octane rating. That’s why we’ve sought to clarify other aspects, from the types of gasoline suitable for use, the impacts of different octane levels, to its gas mileage and tank capacity. We’ve also done similar deep dives on other aspects of the Odyssey from the 5-lug bolt pattern to the transmission problems and everything in between.

Understanding these facets not only helps optimize your vehicle’s performance but also contributes to its longevity. As always, we encourage Honda Odyssey owners or potential buyers to familiarize themselves with these aspects to ensure a smooth, efficient driving experience. We hope this detailed overview has answered all your fuel-related queries regarding the Honda Odyssey. Happy driving!

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