Gasoline 4 min read · updated Nov 9, 2026
Premium vs. regular gas: is it worth it?
Only if your engine requires it. Here is what the price gap costs you in a year.
Premium costs $1.018 a gallon more than regular this week (U.S. averages).
Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating (usually 91–93) that resists engine knock in high-compression and turbocharged engines. If your owner's manual says premium is recommended rather than required, regular is usually fine; if it is required, use premium. Higher octane does not add power or cleaning ability to an engine designed for regular.
The premium-to-regular gap has widened over the years in every region. Use the premium vs. regular calculator to see what it costs at your mileage, and compare grades on the premium and midgrade pages.