Fortunately she is mistaken as the FJ is rated for good old regular gas.
I am sure it runs fine on regular. What can you expect to lose in HP & torque using regular in a car that calls for Premium? Would it drop the HP to under 200 HP?
The governemnt fuel economy website rates it at 17 MPG combined on Premium unleaded. Would you also get less MPG using the lower power fuel?
I stand corrected. Though I would be inclined to ignore the reccomendation as the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner are all rated for regular gas with the same engine.
Oops I would like to redact my admission of defeat. The following is cut and pasted directly from Toyota Canada's dealer communication site:
It has been brought to our attention that the label on the FJ Cruiser fuel door states that Premium Unleaded Fuel Only is required. As the Owner's manual states " select Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for optimum engine performance". However, Regular Unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 87 is acceptable.
The VOAS guide, brochure and website, show a rating of 239 hp, which was achieved using Premium Unleaded fuel. Please note that this rating may be reduced with the use of non-premium fuel.
They should. The fuel economy numbers are probably accurate as the EPA (and Transport Canada) tests would have been done with the reccomended fuel which is regular--despite the sticker. The HP is the same as the other models that share that engine - 236 and 266 Lb.ft.
Toyota is now selling a rather good looking bug deflector for the FJ. Got my wife one for her TRD-SE as an Xmas present. Haven't been able to install it though, since one bracket was fubar.
Still going to lower the deductible on the inssurance - I was at the dealership and there was an FJ there getting his second windshield...
17.1 mpg on PREMIUM fuel?? Thats sickening. You'd spend less on gasoline in a Suburban than this thing!
And $1,438 on a new windshield? Thats also ridiculous. Goes to show that even if imports' perceived quality is better, you pay for it dearly in more expensive "maintenance" items like this.
In context, 17.3 MPG overall given the acceleration, weight, towing, and off road excursions seems very acceptable. And I doubt you'd do better in an excursion under the same circumstances.
Comments
"Senior Editor Erin Riches called the requirement for premium fuel "criminal" given the FJ's image as an affordable, back-to-basics off-roader. "
Fortunately she is mistaken as the FJ is rated for good old regular gas.
I am sure it runs fine on regular. What can you expect to lose in HP & torque using regular in a car that calls for Premium? Would it drop the HP to under 200 HP?
The governemnt fuel economy website rates it at 17 MPG combined on Premium unleaded. Would you also get less MPG using the lower power fuel?
See Karl on Cars for more in his 2007 FJ Cruiser -- Gotta Give it the Good Stuff article.
Steve, Host
It has been brought to our attention that the label on the FJ Cruiser fuel door states that Premium Unleaded Fuel Only is required.
As the Owner's manual states " select Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for optimum engine performance". However, Regular Unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 87 is acceptable.
The VOAS guide, brochure and website, show a rating of 239 hp, which was achieved using Premium Unleaded fuel. Please note that this rating may be reduced with the use of non-premium fuel.
The other thing that may be reduced, besides HP, is mileage.
Steve, Host
You may want to browse the Bug guards, protective bras & film discussion, but those guys are mostly trying to prevent paint chips.
If the rock misses the deflector, it won't help. Lots of people like them though.
Still going to lower the deductible on the inssurance - I was at the dealership and there was an FJ there getting his second windshield...
And $1,438 on a new windshield? Thats also ridiculous. Goes to show that even if imports' perceived quality is better, you pay for it dearly in more expensive "maintenance" items like this.