Looking to fill up your Honda Pilot but not sure which gas to use? You’re about to discover exactly what fuel your Honda Pilot needs, when you might consider premium, and how to maximize your fuel economy. This guide covers everything from manufacturer recommendations to real-world performance data.
What Type of Gas Does a Honda Pilot Take?
Honda Pilots are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an 87 octane rating (AKI). This applies to all model years and trim levels, from the base LX to the top-tier Elite and TrailSport editions. The 3.5L V6 engine in the Pilot is specifically engineered to perform optimally with this fuel grade.
Honda also recommends using TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline whenever possible. These fuels contain extra detergent additives that help keep your engine cleaner and prevent carbon buildup in the fuel system over time.
Can You Use Premium Gas in a Honda Pilot?
Yes, you can use premium gas (91+ octane) in your Honda Pilot, but it’s generally unnecessary for daily driving. Honda’s engineering team has confirmed that using higher octane fuel provides no significant benefits in terms of:
- Performance
- Horsepower
- Fuel economy
- Engine longevity
Your Pilot’s engine is equipped with knock sensors and an advanced electronic control unit that automatically adjusts ignition timing based on the fuel you use, making premium gas an unnecessary expense for most drivers.
When Premium Gas Might Be Worth It
While regular 87 octane is perfectly fine for everyday use, there are a few specific scenarios where premium fuel might offer some benefits:
When Towing Heavy Loads
If you’re towing near your Pilot’s 5,000-pound capacity limit, premium fuel could provide some advantages. Under heavy load, cylinder pressures and temperatures rise significantly, increasing the likelihood of engine knock. Premium fuel’s superior knock resistance allows the engine to maintain optimal ignition timing under these demanding conditions.
Drivers who frequently tow trailers over 3,500 pounds have reported:
- Fewer knock events
- Slightly improved throttle response
- Less engine strain when climbing hills
In Extreme Heat or High Altitude
In very hot climates or at high elevations, premium fuel may slightly reduce engine knock. These conditions can make fuel more prone to pre-ignition, and premium gas provides additional protection against this phenomenon.
Honda Pilot Fuel Economy and Tank Capacity
The Honda Pilot comes with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank that provides a respectable driving range between fill-ups:
| Model Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Max Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Pilot 2WD | 19 | 27 | 22 | ~520 miles |
| 2024 Pilot AWD | 19 | 25 | 21 | ~490 miles |
| 2024 TrailSport | 18 | 23 | 20 | ~470 miles |
Real-world fuel economy reported by owners averages around 20 MPG in mixed driving, with many factors affecting actual performance:
- Driving style (aggressive acceleration reduces MPG)
- Traffic conditions
- Climate control usage
- Roof racks and cargo (can reduce MPG by up to 12%)
- Tire inflation
Ethanol Content and Compatibility
Honda approves the use of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol content (E15) in the Pilot. However, there are important considerations regarding ethanol-blended fuels:
- Higher ethanol blends like E85 are not compatible with your Pilot and could damage the fuel system
- Ethanol contains less energy by volume than gasoline, resulting in 3-4% lower fuel economy with E15 compared to E10
- Ethanol can absorb moisture over time, making it problematic for vehicles in long-term storage
If storing your Pilot for more than a month, consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol-related issues.
Top Tier Gas: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
Honda specifically recommends TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline for all their vehicles, including the Pilot. These fuels contain significantly more deposit-fighting additives than the minimum required by the EPA:
- Regular gasoline must meet EPA minimum detergent standards
- TOP TIER gasoline contains 2-3 times more cleaning additives
- These additives help prevent carbon deposits on intake valves and fuel injectors
Popular gas stations selling TOP TIER fuel include Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Mobil, and Costco. You can find a complete list of TOP TIER retailers at toptiergas.com.
The extra cost (typically a few cents per gallon) is generally justified by the long-term engine protection benefits.
Common Fuel-Related Misconceptions
Several myths persist about fuel use in the Honda Pilot:
Myth: Premium gas “cleans” your engine better
Reality: Cleaning power comes from detergent additives, not octane rating. TOP TIER regular gas cleans just as effectively as premium.
Myth: Premium gas improves fuel economy
Reality: Independent testing shows negligible difference in fuel economy between regular and premium in the Pilot.
Myth: You should never mix different octane fuels
Reality: It’s perfectly safe to mix regular and premium gasoline in your Pilot. The resulting octane will be somewhere between the two.
Myth: Gas station brands don’t matter
Reality: Fuel quality and additive packages do vary between brands. Sticking with major brands and TOP TIER certified stations is beneficial.
Tips to Improve Fuel Economy in Your Honda Pilot
Get the most from each tank of gas with these proven fuel-saving strategies:
- Maintain proper tire pressure – Underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%
- Remove excess weight – Every 100 lbs reduces efficiency by about 1%
- Use cruise control on highways – Maintains a constant, efficient speed
- Avoid excessive idling – Modern engines use very little fuel to restart
- Plan efficient routes – Combine errands to minimize total driving distance
- Accelerate moderately – Gradual acceleration uses significantly less fuel
- Perform regular maintenance – Follow Honda’s recommended service schedule
- Replace air filters – A clogged air filter can reduce efficiency in older models
Fuel System Maintenance for Longevity
Keep your Honda Pilot’s fuel system in top condition with these maintenance tips:
- Follow Honda’s recommended fuel filter replacement schedule
- Use quality fuel from reputable stations
- Consider using a fuel system cleaner once every 5,000-10,000 miles if you frequently use non-TOP TIER gas
- Address any fuel-related warning lights promptly
- Keep at least a quarter tank of fuel to prevent debris from the tank bottom from entering the fuel system
Regional Variations in Fuel Requirements
If you’re driving your Pilot internationally, be aware that octane is measured differently around the world:
- In the U.S., we use the Anti-Knock Index (AKI), which is the average of Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON)
- Most other countries use only the RON value, which appears higher for the same fuel quality
- Honda’s 87 AKI recommendation translates to approximately 91 RON internationally
This explains why some international Honda documentation may list a higher octane requirement than U.S. versions.
The Bottom Line on Honda Pilot Fuel
Your Honda Pilot was designed to run perfectly fine on regular 87 octane gasoline. While premium fuel won’t harm anything, it’s an unnecessary expense for most drivers under normal conditions.
The best approach for most Honda Pilot owners is:
- Use regular 87 octane fuel from TOP TIER certified stations
- Consider premium only when towing heavy loads or driving in extreme conditions
- Focus more on maintenance and driving habits than fuel grade for best overall performance
By following these guidelines, you’ll keep your Pilot running smoothly while avoiding unnecessary fuel expenses.
