2006 V6 Rav4 Octane Rating

[backtolife]

Can anyone confirm what the recommended octane rating is for the V6 model of the rav4.

I have seen the owners's manual in Canada, however it was with the 4 cylinder model.

it says "select octane rating 87 (Research octane number 91) or higher.

Does this mean 87 octane is ok or is 91 octane recommended???

With regards to OXYGENATES IN GASOLINE

the manual says:
Toyota allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate content is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
If you use gasohol in your toyota, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower than 87.

What is MTBE and gasohol???

thanks for any assistance.

[RAVishing4]

It means you can use 87 octane. The Research octane number isn't really relevant to the consumer (it's determined by a different testing method).

MTBE (Methyl tert-butyl ether) is a gasoline additive used to achieve more efficient burning.

Ethanol and gasohol are actually the same thing...an alcohol additive made from corn, barley, or wheat. It is added to save petroleum and to create cleaner emissions.

Look 7 posts down (poster nhparrot) and you can view the "preliminary" specs for the RAV4 V6. It states 87-octane unleaded or higher, so hopefully that is still true. Otherwise someone with subscriber access to the owner's manual on this site could confirm.

Cheers,

Brent

[backtolife]

Thanks RAVishing4.....Appreciate your input!

[BRay]

Hi, folks,

I bought a 2006 Sport 4x4 just before the New Year, and I'm very happy with it. I've been burning regular unleaded and it works fine, with absolutely no knocking. Toyota is recommending Premium for the V-6.

Incidentally, I was at the LA Auto Show a couple of weeks ago, and they had a V-6 Sport on display. It had 20" wheels!!!!!

Thanx,
B.Ray

[RAVishing4]

Hi BRay,

Where are you hearing that Toyota is recommending premium for the V6 Rav4? I'm curious because everything I can find about that engine says it uses regular fuel (although I've primarily found data about the same engine when used in the Avalon). Does the owner's manual state this somewhere? And even if it does, I have to believe that 87 octane would be fine based on the Avalon.

Thanks,

Brent

[nhparrot]

Regular 87 Octane

From the '06 Owner's Manual:

OCTANE RATING
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane
Number 91) or higher.
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating or research octane number lower
than stated above will cause persistent
heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will
lead to engine damage.
If your engine knocks...
If you detect heavy knocking even when
using the recommended fuel, or if you
hear steady knocking while holding a
steady speed on level roads, consult your
Toyota dealer.
However, occasionally, you may notice
light knocking for a short time while accelerating
or driving up hills. This is normal
and there is no need for concern.

[backtolife]

Originally Posted by BRay

Hi, folks,

I bought a 2006 Sport 4x4 just before the New Year, and I'm very happy with it. I've been burning regular unleaded and it works fine, with absolutely no knocking. Toyota is recommending Premium for the V-6.

Incidentally, I was at the LA Auto Show a couple of weeks ago, and they had a V-6 Sport on display. It had 20" wheels!!!!!

Thanx,
B.Ray

Bray:
in Canada the sport only comes in the V6 model. I hope to receive mine by April.

Just wondering if you test drove the different models. If so, how did you find the ride on the sport model compared to the base or limited?
Did you find it a firmer or harder ride? I am actually hoping that the sport won't be any firmer than the base model I tested.

My dealer showed me the manual of the 4 cylinder which I assume to be the same in the V6 as using 87 octane or higher.

[FStephenMasek]

The octane rating on the pumps in the USA is the average of the "research" and the "motor" octane ratings. In Europe I think that they post the research rating.