Since model year 2018, manufacturers have recommended or required premium gasoline for more than half of all light-duty vehicle configurations, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE).

In model year 1985, premium fuel was required/recommended for 6.5% of new vehicle model configurations. In pursuit of efficient performance, manufacturers have increased their use of turbocharging and higher compression engines that require higher levels of octane. This trend contributes to an increasing number of models where premium is recommended.

In model year 2023, 26.7% of models required premium and 26.3% were recommended but not required to use premium fuel.

Prior to 2011 all models were listed as regular or premium gasoline. Beginning with 2011, midgrade gasoline was listed separately, although the number of models with midgrade recommended has remained low.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Fuel Economy Guide data files.