Wondering about the right fuel for your Subaru Crosstrek? You’ve got questions, and we’ve got straightforward answers. This guide breaks down everything about Subaru Crosstrek gas type requirements, saving you money at the pump while keeping your vehicle running smoothly.
Regular Unleaded is All You Need for Your Crosstrek
Your Subaru Crosstrek runs perfectly fine on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87. There’s no need to spend extra money on premium fuel.
The Crosstrek’s efficient 2.0L or 2.5L Boxer engine is specifically designed and calibrated to run optimally on regular unleaded gas. The engine’s advanced management system adjusts timing automatically to prevent knocking, so higher-octane fuels offer no benefit.
According to Subaru’s official recommendations, using premium gas in your Crosstrek won’t improve performance, power, or fuel efficiency. It simply wastes your money.
Understanding Octane Ratings for Your Crosstrek
When you pull up to the gas station, you’ll see different numbers on the fuel pumps. Here’s what they mean for your Crosstrek:
- 87 octane (regular): The recommended fuel for your Crosstrek
- 89 octane (mid-grade): Not necessary for your Crosstrek
- 91-93 octane (premium): Not needed and provides no benefits
These ratings measure a fuel’s resistance to “knocking” or premature ignition. Your Crosstrek’s engine is designed with an optimal compression ratio that works perfectly with 87 octane fuel.
Using higher octane gas doesn’t give you more power or better gas mileage in a Crosstrek. The engine simply isn’t designed to take advantage of premium fuel’s properties.
Regional Differences in Fuel Labeling
Fuel labeling varies around the world, which can cause confusion when traveling:
| Region | Regular Fuel Label | Equivalent to US |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 87 AKI | 87 AKI |
| Canada | 87 AKI | 87 AKI |
| Australia | 91 RON | ~87 AKI |
| Europe | 91-95 RON | ~87-89 AKI |
If you’re driving your Crosstrek outside the US, don’t be confused by different numbers. Australia’s 91 RON is roughly equivalent to the US 87 AKI, making it the correct fuel for your Crosstrek in that market.
High Altitude Considerations
If you’re driving in mountainous regions like Colorado, you might notice gas stations offering 85-octane fuel. Despite the lower number, Subaru still recommends sticking with 87-octane minimum.
Why? At high altitudes, the lower atmospheric pressure actually reduces the risk of engine knock. However, modern Crosstreks with their sophisticated engine management systems are still calibrated for 87-octane, and using lower-grade fuel could potentially trigger subtle knock events over time.
Fuel Economy and Your Wallet
One of the Crosstrek’s selling points is its impressive fuel efficiency. Using the recommended 87-octane gas, you can expect:
- 2.0L engine: 27 MPG city/34 MPG highway
- 2.5L engine: Slightly lower at 26/33 MPG
- Wilderness trim: 25 MPG city/29 MPG highway
With its 16.6-gallon fuel tank, your Crosstrek offers approximately 450-560 miles of range per fill-up. That’s impressive for an all-wheel-drive vehicle!
The best part? By using the recommended regular unleaded instead of premium, you’ll save around $0.50-$1.00 per gallon. Over a year of driving (15,000 miles), that adds up to $200-$400 in savings, according to data from Edmunds.
Ethanol Blends and Top Tier Gas
Your Crosstrek can safely use E10 gasoline (containing up to 10% ethanol), which is common at most pumps. However, higher ethanol blends like E15 or E85 are not recommended and could damage your fuel system.
For the best engine protection, Subaru encourages using Top Tier™ gasoline regardless of the brand. Top Tier fuels contain enhanced detergent additives that help prevent carbon buildup in fuel injectors and intake valves. Many major brands like Shell, Chevron, and Costco offer Top Tier gas.
Debunking Premium Fuel Myths for the Crosstrek
Despite what some people might tell you, premium fuel doesn’t improve your Crosstrek’s performance. Here are some common myths debunked:
Myth: Premium Fuel Increases Horsepower
Truth: Dyno tests show identical performance between 87 and 93 octane in non-turbocharged Subaru engines like those in the Crosstrek. Your engine’s knock sensors and ECU make adjustments to ensure optimal combustion with regular fuel.
Myth: Higher Octane Improves Fuel Economy
Truth: Studies show negligible differences in fuel efficiency between using 87 and higher octane fuels in the Crosstrek. Subaru’s EPA estimates are based on 87-octane, and deviating from this rating doesn’t yield measurable improvements.
Myth: Premium Fuel Keeps Your Engine Cleaner
Truth: What matters most for engine cleanliness is the detergent additive package, not the octane rating. That’s why Top Tier gas (available in regular 87 octane) is recommended over non-Top Tier premium fuel.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Fuel?
Using the incorrect fuel type can impact your Crosstrek in various ways:
Using Lower Than 87 Octane
If you accidentally use fuel with less than 87 octane (except in high-altitude areas where 85 might be acceptable), you might notice:
- Engine knocking or pinging sounds
- Reduced power and acceleration
- Potentially reduced fuel economy
- Long-term risk of engine damage
Using Diesel (Serious Mistake)
If you accidentally put diesel in your Crosstrek:
- Don’t start the engine!
- Have the vehicle towed to a service center
- The fuel system will need to be completely drained
- This error can cause serious damage to injectors and the catalytic converter
Using Premium (Not Harmful, Just Wasteful)
If you use premium fuel in your Crosstrek:
- Your engine will run normally
- You’ll get the same performance as with regular gas
- You’ll spend more money unnecessarily
Maintaining Your Crosstrek’s Fuel System
To keep your Crosstrek’s fuel system in top shape:
- Use Top Tier gasoline when possible to minimize carbon deposits
- Replace the fuel filter according to the maintenance schedule (typically every 60,000 miles)
- Keep at least a quarter tank of gas, especially in cold weather
- Avoid prolonged idling, which can dilute engine oil with unburned fuel
- Consider using a fuel system cleaner once a year if you frequently use non-Top Tier gas
According to Subaru’s maintenance guides, following these simple steps will help ensure your fuel system stays clean and efficient for years to come.
How Fuel Choice Affects Your Crosstrek’s Longevity
Using the correct fuel type is just one aspect of keeping your Subaru Crosstrek running well for the long haul. The good news is that Subaru has designed the Crosstrek to be durable and relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fuel requirements.
Consistently using the recommended 87 octane gas helps maintain:
- Proper combustion timing
- Optimal fuel efficiency
- Protection of sensitive fuel system components
- Longevity of your catalytic converter
Subaru engineers have carefully calibrated the Crosstrek’s engine management system to work specifically with regular unleaded gasoline, so you can feel confident filling up with 87 octane at any reputable gas station.
Real-World Experiences from Crosstrek Owners
Crosstrek owners consistently report excellent results using regular 87 octane fuel. In online forums, many drivers share that they achieve or even exceed the EPA-estimated fuel economy figures using regular gas.
Some owners living in high-altitude areas report using 85 octane without issues, though most follow Subaru’s recommendation to stick with 87 octane minimum. A small number of owners experiment with premium fuel but typically report no noticeable improvements in performance or economy.
The consensus among the Crosstrek community aligns with Subaru’s official position: regular 87 octane gas provides the best balance of performance, protection, and value for your Crosstrek.
Making Smart Fuel Choices for Your Subaru Crosstrek
To summarize what we’ve covered about the Subaru Crosstrek gas type:
- Use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane AKI in the US)
- There’s no benefit to using premium fuel
- Choose Top Tier gas when available for better engine protection
- E10 blends are fine, but avoid higher ethanol contents
- In high altitudes, 87 octane is still recommended despite 85 being available
By following these guidelines, you’ll keep your Crosstrek running at its best while saving money at the pump. The beauty of the Crosstrek’s design is its ability to deliver capable all-wheel-drive performance and excellent fuel economy while running on affordable regular unleaded gas.
Whether you’re commuting to work or heading off the beaten path, your Crosstrek will serve you well with the simple, cost-effective fuel it was designed to use.
