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Types Of Gas A Toyota Sequoia Takes (Explained)

Types Of Gas A Toyota Sequoia Takes (Explained)

On this blog, we conduct extensive research into your queries about various automobiles. Today, we’ll look at the Toyota Sequoia and see what kind of gasoline it needs. To find the answer, we looked through all the Sequoia’s owner’s manuals since 2001. Here is a quick response:

All generations of the Toyota Sequoia manufactured from 2001 onwards take regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. This includes the Hybrid version of the Sequoia that was introduced in 2023 and premium fuel is not required for any year of the Sequoia.

Using the right fuel is essential to get the best performance of your car. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. Below, we will detail what kind of gasoline should and shouldn’t be used in the Sequoia. Furthermore, we´ll discuss this car’s fuel tank capacity and gas mileage. Read on!

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Infographic about the fuel types for Toyota Sequoia.

Fuel Requirements Based on Engine Type

All generations of the Toyota Sequoia have 87 octane gasoline recommended. Gasoline with an octane rating higher than 87 is possible; however, using premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) is unnecessary for your Sequoia.

Many people believe that premium gasoline will improve the lifespan of the engine as well as improve performance. However, this is not the case for the Sequoia, and typically it´s only wise to use premium gasoline when the manufacturer recommends this. In the case of the Sequoia, it will only lead to a higher bill.

Does The Toyota Sequoia Require Premium Fuel?

The Toyota Sequoia does not require premium fuel. It’s designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Using premium fuel won’t necessarily enhance the Sequoia’s performance, making it an unnecessary expense for most drivers.

You shouldn’t expect any extra longevity in most cases either and the reliable Sequoia can last more than 250,000 miles with regular 87 octance.

Does The Sequoia Hybrid Require A Different Type of Fuel?

The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid, like other Toyota hybrids, is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. There is no need for any different type of fuel, such as premium or diesel. As if often the case, Toyota keeps things simple even with their hybrid vehicles.

What Type of Gasoline Can A Toyota Sequoia Take?

Furthermore, different types of gasoline are and aren´t appropriate to use in your Sequoia. Below, we´ve outlined all these types so you know exactly what can and can´t be used.

Reformulated Gasoline

First, we have to talk about the use of reformulated gasoline. This is a type of gasoline that burns cleaner than non-reformulated gasoline. For this reason, it´s mandatory to use in some regions of the United States. Toyota Sequoia can run on reformulated gasoline just fine. If you have the choice between these two types of gasoline, it´s best to go with reformulated gasoline since it doesn´t cost anything extra but does help the environment and the air quality in your region.

Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends or E-85

Secondly, there´re oxygenated blends of gasoline. Oxygenated gasoline blends typically contain ethanol or methanol, both of which are bio-sources of gasoline. Using both of these substances comes with strict rules that must be followed.

First, methanol cannot be used in any model year of the Sequoia. Methanol is a very corrosive substance that will damage the internals of your engine and fuel system.

On the other hand, ethanol can be used, and it´s pretty common to do so. All model years made before 2021 that aren´t flex-fuel can take gasoline with an ethanol percentage of 10%. Sequoias made from 2021 onwards can take gasoline with an ethanol percentage of a maximum of 15%.

Flex-Fuel

Flex-fuel (also referred to as E-85) was possible in some Toyota Sequoias between 2012 and 2018. To identify if your Sequoia can take flex-fuel, you´ll need to look at the gas cap as displayed in the image below. If your gas cap states E85, you can use flex-fuel or any gasoline with an ethanol percentage of up to 85%.

Flex-fuel gasoline cap image on a Toyota

Observe the following precautions when switching from regular gasoline to E85 or the other way around to maintain starting and driving performance.

  • Do not change fuels when the fuel level is 1/4 or less.
  • Always add at least 2.6 gals. (10 L) of fuel.
  • After filling up with fuel, warm up the engine or drive the vehicle for at least 5 minutes or 7 miles (11 km).
  • Do not accelerate rapidly immediately after refueling.

Addition of Cleaning Agents

The use of cleaning agents or octane boosters is something that you´ll hear about from time to time. Therefore, it´s good to know that Toyota recommends against the use of these cleaning agents. This is because cleaning agents often use silicones or metallics that will damage your engine’s fuel system and the internals.

Instead, as with other models like the Toyota Tundra, Toyota recommends the use of TOP TIER gasoline when it comes to Toyota Sequoia. TOP TIER retailers sell this type of gasoline. This group of retailers is an alliance that provides gasoline that contains all the suitable cleaning agents your car needs and in a larger quantity than what´s stated by law. You can find a TOP TIER gasoline retailer at toptiergas.com.

What If The Engine Makes A Knocking Noise?

If you hear a knocking noise coming from your engine, then it´s most likely the case you´ve used gasoline with a lower than recommended octane rating. Also, it could be you switched between flex-fuel and regular gasoline (or the other way around) without keeping an eye on the recommendations we described above.

Regardless of what Toyota Model you’re driving whether it’s Sequoia or Tacoma for that matter, you must stop the vehicle immediately and call your dealer or mechanic if you hear a loud knocking noise from your engine, especially right after refilling. Your vehicle needs to be towed away and drained from its gasoline, and your fuel filter will also need to be replaced.

Continuing to drive with a loud knocking noise will result in irreparable damage that is not covered by any warranty.

Furthermore, it´s good to know that the Sequoia did have some gas-related problems that you can read more about in this article we wrote.

What’s The Gas Mileage Of The Toyota Sequoia?

There´s one thing we do have to say about the Sequoia, and that´s that it is a horrendous vehicle when it comes to fuel economy. Throughout the model years, the Sequoia mainly made use of a V8 engine that had combined MPGs of less than 15(!).

However, from 2022 onwards, only a 3.4L hybrid engine is available. Still, the MPGs aren´t great, and this is something to keep in mind if you want to own one of these.

First Generation (2001 – 2007)

EngineCombined MPGCity MPGHighway MPG
4.7 V8 (2001 – 2004)141216
4.7 V8 (2005 – 2007)151317

Second Generation (2008 – 2022)

EngineCombined MPGCity MPGHighway MPG
4.6 V8151419
4.7 V8141316
5.7 V8 (Gas)141318
5.7 V8 (FFV)10913

Third Generation (2022 – Present)

EngineCombined MPGCity MPGHighway MPG
3.4 Hybrid201922

You can also check out a great demonstration of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia’s fuel efficiency, specifically on the highway, in this video:

What Is The Tank Size Of Toyota Sequoia?

The Sequoia has changed its fuel tank capacity several times throughout its generations. This is what that looks like:

  • 2001 – 2004: 26 gallons or 98.5 liters.
  • 2005 – 2022: 26.4 gallons or 100 liters.
  • 2023 – Present: 22.5 gallons or 85 liters.

That’s comparable to the similarly sized 4Runner’s fuel tank but much larger than the 15.8 gallon tank you’ll find the much smaller, but more fuel efficient, Camry.

Closing Thoughts

Wrapping up, choosing the right gasoline for your Sequoia is more than just a choice; it’s a crucial step towards getting top-tier performance from your vehicle.

Remember, not all gasoline types are created equal for every car model. By using the recommended fuel type for the Sequoia, you’re investing in the health and performance of your vehicle. However, it’s honestly not too complicated and as we’ve seen in several other Toyotoa vehicles, including the RAV4, Sienna, and Prius 87 octane is all you need in most cases.

Gas mileage is also another key factor to take into account. Understanding your Sequoia’s gas mileage can help you predict fuel costs and manage them effectively.

In the end, it’s all about taking care of your Sequoia, and knowing your vehicle’s fuel needs is a major part of that equation. Drive safe, fill smart, and enjoy the ride in your Sequoia!

Sources

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