We conduct extensive research on this blog to respond to specific queries you may have about individual vehicles. Today we will look at the Toyota Avalon to see what kind of fuel it runs on. To find out, we went through all of the Toyota Avalon owner’s manuals issued since 2013. In a nutshell, the solution is as follows:
All generations of the Toyota Avalon with a 2.5, 3.5L engine or that have a hybrid drivetrain are designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher. Premium gasoline, or gasoline with an octane rating of more than 91, is not recommended for this vehicle.
Because Toyotoa is typically making vehicles for the average consumer, and the Avalon is certainly no exception, the fuel requirements are typically straightforward. As a result, fuel requirements for the Avalon are in-line with other Toyota vehicles we’ve reviewed like the 4Runner, Tundra, and Yaris all of which do great with just 87 octane.
However, there’s still more to know about the Avalon and we’ll go through the various types of gasoline and diesel fuel you should use in your Toyota Avalon in further detail. We’ll also discuss if different types of gas are better or worse for the longevity and performance of your engine. Finally, we will discuss some more features of Avalon’s fuel efficiency.
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Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type
2021 -2022
The 2021 – 2022 Toyota Avalon, which comes with the FWD option, boasts a 301.0-hp, 3.5-liter V6 Cylinder Engine and is designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher.
The 2021 – 2022 Toyota Avalon standard version, which comes with AWD option, has a 215.0-hp, 2.5-liter Four-Cylinder Engine, is designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher.
Premium gasoline, or gasoline with an octane rating of more than 91, is not recommended for this vehicle because it provides no advantage above regular gasoline, and the Toyota Avalon’s engine is designed to handle gasoline with an octane value of normal to moderate.
The Hybrid version also has a 215.0-hp, 2.5-liter 4 Cylinder Engine, which is also designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher.
While we’re bringing you the latest Avalon info, it does seem that we shouldn’t expect more years out of the Avalon and you can learn more in this video:
2019 – 2020
The 2019 – 2020 Toyota Avalon, which comes with the FWD option, claims a 301.0-hp, 3.5-liter V6 Cylinder Engine and is designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher.
The Toyota Avalon’s engine is designed to handle gasoline with an octane value of normal to moderate, so premium gasoline, or gasoline with an octane rating of more than 91, is not recommended for this vehicle. It provides no advantage over regular gasoline.
The Hybrid version also has a 215.0-hp, 2.5-liter 4 Cylinder Engine designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher.
2012 – 2018
The 2012 – 2018 Toyota Avalon, which comes with the FWD option, has a 301.0-hp, 3.5-liter V6 Cylinder Engine and is designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” fuel with an octane value of 87 or higher.
Premium gasoline, or gasoline with an octane rating of more than 91, is not recommended for this vehicle because it provides no advantage above regular gasoline, and the Toyota Avalon’s engine is designed to handle gasoline with an octane value of normal to moderate.
The Hybrid model also comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 215.0 horsepower and is designed to run on high-quality unleaded “normal” gasoline with an octane value of 87 or higher.
What Type Of Fuel Does the Toyota Avalon Hybrid Use?
The Toyota Avalon, including its hybrid model, runs on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. It’s engineered to optimize performance and fuel economy with this type of fuel. The use of premium gasoline is not necessary and doesn’t provide additional benefits in terms of performance or efficiency.
This is true of most Toyota hybrids, including the Prius, and hybrid versions of the Sienna and Camry also use 87 octane.
Does The Toyota Avalon Require Premium Fuel?
The Toyota Avalon, including the Hybrid model, doesn’t need premium gas. Both are designed to perform optimally on regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87. Spending extra on premium won’t boost performance so save some cash at the pump and stick with regular 87.
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Aside from regular/conventional gasoline, the market today provides a varied selection of gasoline. Toyota has said whether or not the Avalon will be able to use this type of gas in numerous of them. Let’s take a look at what we have.
Gasoline with detergent additives
These detergents are designed to remove deposits from intake valves, fuel injectors, carburetors, and other fuel system components. In addition to providing additional protection, these additives can improve overall engine performance and help reduce the carbon footprint.
Toyota recommends using gasoline with detergent additives to avoid the accumulation of engine deposits. According to the EPA’s lowest additives concentration program, all gasoline sold in the United States contains a minimal amount of detergent additives to clean and/or maintain clean intake systems.
Toyota strongly recommends using premium detergent fuel. All trims of Toyota with all years from 2012 – Present are compatible with detergent additives. To know more about gasoline with detergent additives, nearby stations, and the list of its marketers, you can check it here.
Top-Tier Detergent Gasoline is the standard performance specification and standard detergent gasoline, which Toyota highly recommends.
Emissions-free gasoline
It is one of the most used sustainable gasoline sources that extensively uses Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as raw material, and then synthetic gasoline is made. The main advantage of this type of gasoline is that it emits less toxic pollutants, which further reduces smog formation as it burns cleanly as compared to conventional gasoline.
Gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethers and ethanols, as well as reformulated gasoline, are only available in selected cities. As long as all other fuel standards are met, these fuels are usually safe to use.
Toyota recommends these fuels because their compositions allow for lower vehicle emissions. All trims of Toyota with year from 2012 – Present are compatible with emissions-free gasoline.
Cleaner-burning Gasoline
This type of gasoline is mainly used in older models of cars as a substitute for emission-free gasoline. It is mostly recommended in those areas of the USA where there is a concern of air pollution.
Cleaner-burning gasoline, including reformulated gasoline, contains oxygenates such as ethanol or MTBE, is available in many areas (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether). Toyota recommends using cleaner-burning gasoline and correctly blended reformulated gasoline.
These fuel types improve vehicle performance while cutting emissions and improving air quality. All trims of Toyota from 2004 – 2011 are compatible with cleaner-burning gasoline, which served as a type of emissions-free gasoline until 2011.
A mixture of blended gasoline
Blended gasoline may have its advantages, but it invites more disadvantages. The greater the percentage of ethanol in the gasoline, the more it absorbs more dirt, thereby damaging the engine. Also, it may reduce the mileage of the car.
Use only gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol. Any flex-fuel or gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol, including those labeled E30, E50, or E85, should not be used at any pump (which is only some examples of fuel containing more than 15 percent ethanol).
If you use gasoline in your car, ensure that it has at least an octane rating of 87. From 2013 to – Present, Toyota does not advise the use of methanol-containing gasoline in any trim.
Gasoline containing MMT
MMT is now not recommended for modern cars that have come up with advanced emission control systems. Moreover, increased use of MMT in gasoline produces many Manganese deposits in the engine, which further deteriorates the emission system components, which may further affect the car’s mileage.
MMT is an octane-boosting additive present in some gasoline (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). Toyota does not recommend the use of MMT-containing gasoline. Your emission control system may be affected if you use MMT-containing fuel. From 2013 to – Present, Toyota does not advise using gasoline containing MMT in any models of Avalon.
The instrument cluster’s malfunction alert lamp may illuminate in case of any problem. If this happens, make an appointment with your local Toyota dealer for service just as you would for most common problems.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?
According to the Toyota Avalon owner’s manual, hearing a slight knocking sound from the engine when the car is traveling uphill or accelerating regularly is not cause for alarm and is completely normal if you’ve used the correct type of fuel.
If you hear a loud knocking noise, you must immediately stop the vehicle and take it to a mechanic. In this case, you most likely used gasoline with a low octane rating.
If you use lower octane gasoline, the banging may become louder, and the car may stall or hesitate while driving. If you use this type of fuel in your vehicle, your New Car Warranty may be voided.
Does Toyota Avalon Have A Good Gas Mileage?
Toyota Avalon was first introduced in 1994. Following its introduction in 1994, it has gone through several redesigns in the years 2005, 2015, a redesign in 2020 (for the 2021 model) which made the Avalon a Hybrid vehicle for its latest generation.
Here is a table showing various generations of Toyota Avalon, showing information such as the type of models with the different engines and the average mileage they give on the highways or in cities.
| Engine | Year and Type | City MPG | Highway MPG |
| 3.5, 2.5, 2.5 | (2021 – 2022) FWD, AWD, H | 21, 25, 43 | 30, 34, 44 |
| 3.5, 2.5 | (2019 – 2020) FWD, H | 21, 43 | 30, 44 |
| 3.5, 2.5 | (2012 – 2018) FWD, H | 21, 40 | 30, 39 |
FWD – Front Wheel Drive; AWD – All Wheel Drive; H – Hybrid
What Is The Gas Tank Size Of Toyota Avalon?
The 2021 – 2022 Toyota Avalon has a standard tank size:-
- For FWD – (vehicles with 215/55R17tires) – 14.5 gallons or 55 liters.
- For FWD – (vehicles without 215/55R17 tires) – 16.0 gallons or 55 liters.
- For Hybrid – 13 gallons or 49.3 liters.
The 2019 – 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has standard tank size:-
- For FWD – (vehicles with 215/55R17 tires) – 14.5 gallons or 55 liters.
- For FWD – (vehicles without 215/55R17 tires) – 16.0 gallons or 55 liters.
- For Hybrid – 13 gallons or 49.3 liters.
The 2013 – 2018 Toyota Avalon has standard tank size:-
- For FWD – 17.0 gallons or 64.35 liters.
- For Hybrid – 17.0 gallons or 64.35 liters.
The 2012 Toyota Avalon has standard tank size:-
- For FWD –18.5 gallons or 70 liters.
- For Hybrid – 18.5 gallons or 70 liters.
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up Toyota Avalon?
Filling up is the Toyota Avalon is the cheapest in Mississippi, where you can pay up to $45 to fill up the entire tank, and it is most expensive in California, where your pocket may have a burn of about $80 to fill up the whole tank.
Furthermore, we have also discussed that what is the cost of fueling the tank of different models of Toyota Avalon.
The 2021 – 2022 Toyota Avalon will cost to fill up for:-
- For FWD – (vehicles with 215/55R17 tires) – $42 – $65.
- For FWD – (vehicles without 215/55R17 tires) – $46- $70.
- For Hybrid – $37 – $60.
The 2019 – 2020 Toyota Avalon will cost to fill up for:-
- For FWD – (vehicles with 215/55R17 tires) – $42 – $65.
- For FWD – (vehicles without 215/55R17 tires) – $46 – $70.
- For Hybrid – $37 – $60.
The 2013 – 2018 Toyota Avalon will cost to fill up for:-
- For FWD – $48 – $75.
- For Hybrid – $48 – $75.
The 2012 Toyota Avalon will cost to fill up for:-
- For FWD – $50 – $80.
- For Hybrid – $50 – $80.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve covered quite a lot about the fuel specifics for the Toyota Avalon. Whether you’re filling up a 2.5 or 3.5L engine, or if you’re cruising with a hybrid drivetrain, your Avalon is designed to run smoothly on high-quality unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or more. That’s typical of most Toyota vehicles whether you’re talking about an SUV like the Sequoia or a smaller ride like the Avalon.
Fancy premium fuels or anything with an octane rating exceeding 91? Not necessary for this beauty.
We’ve also dug deep into the various types of gasoline and diesel fuel suitable for your Avalon and discussed how different fuels might affect the engine’s longevity and performance. With this knowledge, you’ll be more than ready to keep your Avalon running at its best for the longest time possible.
The Toyota Avalon is an excellent vehicle, and with the right care, fuel, and dealership backing you up, you’re set for many miles of happy driving and it’s not uncommon to see these vehicles last well over 200,000 miles. Until next time, drive safely!
Sources
- Gas Mileage of Toyota Avalon
- State Gas Price Average
- 2017 Toyota Avalon Owner’s manual
- 2021 Toyota Avalon Owner’s manual
- 2019 Toyota Avalon Owner’s manual
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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