Can You Put 93-Octane Gas in a Honda Accord?

Yes—93-octane gasoline can safely be used in a Honda Accord, though it’s not required for most models. Honda generally specifies regular unleaded 87 AKI (R+M)/2 as the minimum; premium (91–93) is optional and may offer slight performance benefits on certain turbocharged engines but won’t harm the engine if used.

What Honda Recommends by Model and Year

Honda’s guidance varies slightly by powertrain and model year, but the baseline remains consistent: regular 87 AKI is the minimum requirement for U.S. Accords. Premium is typically “recommended for maximum performance” only on some turbo engines from recent years, not required.

• All gasoline Accords (most model years, including older V6 and non-turbo fours): Minimum 87 AKI; premium not required.
• 2018–2022 Accord 1.5L Turbo: 87 AKI minimum; 91–93 can marginally improve performance under load.
• 2018–2022 Accord 2.0L Turbo: 87 AKI acceptable; premium (91–93) recommended for maximum performance.
• 2023–2025 Accord (11th gen): 1.5L Turbo and hybrid models use regular 87 AKI; premium not required.
• Outside North America: Check your manual—octane is often listed as RON (e.g., 95 RON), which differs from U.S. AKI.

In practice, this means 93 AKI is always safe to use in an Accord, but only certain turbocharged trims from 2018–2022 are likely to realize noticeable gains with premium fuel.

When 93-Octane Might Help

Higher-octane fuel resists knock (pre-detonation), allowing the engine’s computer to use more aggressive ignition timing under certain conditions. That can translate to slightly more power or smoother operation in specific scenarios.

• Turbocharged engines under heavy acceleration or hot ambient temperatures.
• High-load driving (steep grades, full passenger/cargo load).
• Drivers seeking maximum performance in 2018–2022 2.0T models, where premium is recommended for best results.

If you mostly drive moderately in mixed city/highway conditions, you may not feel a difference versus regular 87 AKI.

When 93-Octane Is Unlikely to Matter

For many owners, the Accord’s engine management won’t extract meaningful extra performance from premium during typical daily use.

• Normal commuting and cruising at steady speeds.
• Non-turbo (older) engines designed around regular fuel.
• Hybrid Accords focused on efficiency rather than peak output.

In these cases, paying for 93 often yields little to no improvement in power or fuel economy compared to 87.

Fuel Quality, Ethanol, and What to Avoid

Octane is only part of the story—fuel quality matters, too. Honda supports common ethanol blends and advises against certain fuels.

• Top Tier gasoline (any octane) is recommended for detergent levels that keep injectors and valves cleaner.
• Ethanol content: Many Honda manuals specify up to E10 (10% ethanol). Some newer vehicles in the market support E15, but guidance varies—check your owner’s manual and the label inside the fuel door.
• Do not use E85 (flex-fuel), methanol blends, or leaded gasoline in an Accord not designed for them.

Sticking with high-quality fuel and the ethanol limit specified for your exact car helps ensure reliability and emissions compliance.

Understanding Octane Ratings by Region

Octane numbers on the pump differ by market. This can cause confusion if you’re comparing recommendations internationally.

• United States/Canada: AKI (Anti-Knock Index) shown as (R+M)/2—typical grades are 87, 89, 91–93.
• Europe/Many other regions: RON (Research Octane Number)—common grades are 95, 97–99 RON.
• Conversion rough guide: 93 AKI ≈ 98 RON; 87 AKI ≈ 91–92 RON.

If your manual lists RON but you’re buying fuel in an AKI market, use the approximate equivalence to meet or exceed the recommendation.

How to Verify for Your Exact Accord

Because trims and markets differ, it’s best to confirm the specification for your specific vehicle. The steps are simple.

1. Check the sticker inside the fuel filler door for minimum octane and ethanol limits.
2. Consult your owner’s manual for detailed guidance, including any “premium recommended” notes for turbo engines.
3. If in doubt, contact a Honda dealer with your VIN for definitive fuel requirements.

These quick checks ensure you align with Honda’s official guidance and local fuel standards.

Bottom Line

Yes—93 will “go in” a Honda Accord and is safe. For most owners, 87 AKI regular is all that’s needed. If you drive a 2018–2022 turbo model—especially the 2.0T—premium (91–93) can unlock modest performance advantages, but it remains optional.

Summary

93-octane gasoline is compatible with Honda Accords, but regular 87 AKI is the required minimum for nearly all models. Premium fuel may provide small benefits for certain turbocharged trims under demanding conditions; otherwise, it’s typically an unnecessary expense. Always follow the label inside your fuel door and the owner’s manual for octane and ethanol guidance.

Can a Honda take a 93?

Can You Put Premium Gas in a Honda Accord? It is usually safe to use premium gasoline in a Honda Accord, although it is not necessary. Honda has designed the car to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which can be found in most gas stations at a much more affordable price point.

Is it okay to put 93 in my car?

In most cases, it’s okay to use 93 octane fuel in a car that typically uses 87 octane (regular) fuel, but it’s unlikely to provide any significant benefit and might be more expensive. If your car’s manufacturer recommends 91 or 93 octane fuel, then it’s generally a good idea to use it, but not using it won’t damage the engine. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What is octane? . Opens in new tabOctane rating indicates a fuel’s resistance to premature detonation (knocking or pinging) in the engine. 
• Higher octane doesn’t always mean better: . Opens in new tabEngines designed for lower octane fuel (like 87) will run fine with higher octane fuel, but they won’t necessarily perform better. The car’s computer will adjust to the higher octane, but you might not notice any difference in performance or fuel economy. 
• Higher octane is sometimes necessary: . Opens in new tabSome engines, especially those with high compression ratios, turbochargers, or superchargers, are designed to run on premium fuel (91 or 93 octane). If your car manual specifies premium fuel, it’s best to follow that recommendation. 
• What if you accidentally put in the wrong fuel? . Opens in new tabPutting 93 octane in a car designed for 87 won’t damage the engine. However, using 87 octane in a car that requires 93 might cause problems like engine knocking or reduced performance. 
• Potential benefits of using 93 in a regular car: . Opens in new tabIn some cases, using 93 octane in a car designed for 87 might result in slightly improved fuel economy, but this is not guaranteed. 

Can you put 93 in a Honda Accord?

Yes, you can put 93 octane gas in a Honda Accord, but it is usually not necessary or beneficial unless your specific Accord model’s owner’s manual recommends it. Most Honda Accords are designed to run on 87 octane regular gasoline, and using a higher octane fuel will not cause engine damage but will likely be a waste of money. 
When it’s safe but not recommended:

• No damage, just waste: Putting 93 octane gas in a car that requires 87 will not damage the engine. 
• Engine designed for 87 octane: Honda designs its Accords to run on regular gasoline. 
• Higher cost for little to no gain: You will likely not notice any significant performance or fuel economy improvements to justify the higher cost of premium gas. 

When it might be necessary (rarely):

• Tuned vehicles: If a Honda Accord has been tuned for performance with a specific tuner or has other aftermarket modifications, higher octane fuel might be required to prevent engine knocking. 
• Specific recommendations: Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see the exact fuel recommendation for your specific model and year. 

What to do instead:

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most accurate source of information for your specific vehicle. 
• Use 87 octane gas: Stick with regular unleaded gasoline for your Honda Accord. 
• Use “Top-Tier” gas: Focus on the detergents and cleaning additives in your fuel by choosing a “Top-Tier” brand of 87 octane gas, which can help keep your engine clean.