What Type of Gasoline Goes in Volkswagen Vehicles?

This Article Will Make You Think Twice About Using Premium Fuel

The price of fuel remains a lingering pain point for many American families. According to AAA, the average price per gallon on regular gasoline in Missouri was $3.21 at the end of May 2023. Granted, this is a considerable improvement from the $4.17 per gallon prices we were paying a year ago; however, drivers are more mindful than ever about the cost of fuel and fuel economy.

Are there any best practices that can be employed to extend gas mileage?

Which vehicles offer the best fuel economy?

Does premium fuel offer any performance benefits over regular unleaded?

Savvy consumers are looking for any advantage that will either reduce their gas expenses or boost their fuel economy. Before we dive into that, let’s first dispel a myth about premium fuel and how it relates to Volkswagen vehicles.

The Difference Between Regular and Premium Gasoline

Adding the word “premium” to anything tends to elevate the product in the minds of consumers. When you think of premium fuel, you probably get the impression it has some performance-enhancing effect on your vehicle that regular fuel does not.

However, that’s not necessarily the case. The main difference between regular fuel and premium fuel is that they have different octane levels. Premium fuel has an octane level of 91; regular has an octane level of 87. So, what exactly do drivers get by paying a little extra for premium?

It’s reported that premium fuel is more balanced and more resistant to engine knocking and spontaneous combustion. Additionally, some varieties of premium fuel are advertised to have anti-corrosive elements that keep the engine clean and mitigate carbon buildup. At face value, this sounds great, but don’t make the switch over to premium fuel just yet.

Can Any Vehicle Have Premium Fuel? What Are the Benefits?

Here’s where things get interesting. The advertised benefits of premium fuel have convinced some drivers to use it instead of regular. One myth is that premium fuel equates to better mileage – not true. Premium fuel won’t degrade the performance of your vehicle, but it won’t enhance it either. Basically, you’d be overpaying for gas for nothing.

Premium gasoline should only be used with vehicles that require it, such as those with turbochargers or high-compression engines. Not using premium fuel for vehicles that require it will eventually lead to a degradation of performance. Drivers will notice a lag when trying to accelerate and a slight reduction in fuel economy. If the incorrect fuel type is used for a prolonged period, it may result in engine knocking or other mechanical issues.

Bottom line: stick with the fuel that the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends. The VW brand has always prioritized cost of ownership, which is why most Volkswagen vehicles are built to run on regular unleaded.

A More In-Depth Look at Gas Mileage for Volkswagen Vehicles

One huge benefit that has always remained consistent with the VW lineup of vehicles is the great fuel economy they provide drivers. Even the Volkswagen SUV models know how to stretch a buck at the pumps.

The following breaks down the fuel economy statistics for each current model year VW vehicle.

Volkswagen Jetta gas mileage – up to 31 city/41 highway

Volkswagen Golf R gas mileage – up to 23 city/30 highway

Volkswagen Golf GTI gas mileage – up to 24 city/34 highway

Volkswagen Arteon gas mileage – up to 25 city/33 highway

Volkswagen Taos gas mileage – up to 28 city/36 highway

Volkswagen Tiguan gas mileage – up to 23 city/30 highway

Volkswagen Atlas gas mileage – up to 21 city/25 highway

Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport gas mileage – up to 21 city/25 highway

Each of these vehicles runs on regular unleaded gasoline; however, there are certain members of the VW automotive family that require premium fuel to run at optimal levels. For example, the 2020 VW Jetta and 2021 VW Tiguan are both offered with turbocharged engines, meaning premium gas is essential for their performance.

Drivers who wish to remove themselves from the gasoline dilemma altogether may want to consider the 2023 VW ID.4. It is the lone electric option in the stable of Volkswagen SUV models, providing drivers up to 275 miles on a single charge in the Pro model. Additionally, the new ID.4 comes with three years of free unlimited DC fast charging sessions at Electrify America stations.

Where to Get More Info About Eco-Friendly Volkswagen Vehicles

Drivers who are curious about what the VW brand has planned for their electric vehicle lineup should check out our preview of the 2025 VW ID.7 and our article about the automaker’s path to sustainability. Volkswagen also has an all-electric travel concept car in the works that aims to replace short-haul flights.

For additional questions about the VW ID.4 or Volkswagen vehicles that use a combustion engine, contact your local VW dealership.

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