Is 89 Octane Good for a Honda Accord?

Yes—89 octane (midgrade) is safe for a Honda Accord, but it’s usually unnecessary. Most Accords are engineered to run optimally on regular 87 octane. If you drive a 2.0-liter turbo model and want maximum performance, 91 octane is recommended, though 87 still meets the minimum requirement. Using 89 won’t hurt the engine, but it rarely delivers a noticeable benefit for the extra cost. Always confirm your specific model’s guidance on the fuel door and in the owner’s manual.

What Honda Recommends by Engine

Honda’s guidance varies slightly by powertrain and model year, but the baseline is consistent: use unleaded gasoline with a posted pump octane (AKI) of 87 or higher in the U.S. and Canada. Below is a quick breakdown by common Accord configurations.

• Accord 1.5-liter turbo (2018–present): 87 AKI recommended; premium not required. You may see no meaningful performance or economy gains with 89 or 91 in normal driving.
• Accord 2.0-liter turbo (2018–2020 in the U.S.): 87 AKI minimum; 91 AKI recommended for maximum performance. The engine’s tuning can take modest advantage of higher octane under load.
• Accord Hybrid (2014–present): 87 AKI recommended; higher octane offers little to no benefit for typical use.
• Older naturally aspirated Accords (pre-2018): 87 AKI is standard; higher octane is generally unnecessary unless addressing knock under heavy load.

If you’re outside North America, remember many markets list RON instead of AKI. Roughly, 87 AKI ≈ 91–92 RON, 89 AKI ≈ 94–95 RON, and 91 AKI ≈ 95–98 RON. Match the manual’s specification accordingly.

Will 89 Octane Improve Performance or MPG?

In most daily driving, no. Modern Accords use knock sensors and engine management to run efficiently on 87 octane. Stepping up to 89 typically doesn’t produce a measurable gain in fuel economy or acceleration. On the 2.0T, premium (91) can unlock slightly better performance when pushed hard, but 89 sits in the middle and rarely changes outcomes enough to justify the cost.

When Higher Octane Might Make Sense

There are a few situations where moving from 87 to 89 or 91 can help—mainly to prevent knock (pre-detonation) or to maintain peak performance under stress.

1. You notice persistent pinging/knock on 87 during uphill climbs or hot weather; a higher octane can improve knock resistance.
2. You frequently drive in sustained high-load conditions (spirited highway merges, long mountain grades, extreme heat) where the engine may pull timing on 87.
3. Your 2.0T model is driven for maximum performance; Honda recommends 91 for best results, though it’s not required.
4. Your engine has very high mileage and minor carbon buildup that raises effective compression; higher octane can reduce light knock.

If none of these applies, 87 remains the cost-effective, manufacturer-backed choice. If symptoms persist even on higher octane, have the vehicle inspected rather than relying on fuel grade.

Practical Tips at the Pump

Choosing the right fuel goes beyond octane. These simple steps help ensure smooth running and long-term engine health.

• Use Top Tier certified gasoline when available; the added detergents help keep injectors and intake valves cleaner over time.
• Avoid fuel below 87 AKI, even at high altitude. Many manufacturers, including Honda, do not recommend 85 AKI for modern engines.
• Mixing grades is safe; the result is an average octane. If you’ve been using premium, switching back to 87 is fine for most Accords.
• Check your manual for ethanol limits. Many late-model Accords allow up to E15; older models often specify up to E10.
• If you hear knock on 87, try one tank of 89 or 91. If the noise persists, seek a diagnostic rather than continuing to buy higher octane.

Following these guidelines helps you avoid unnecessary cost while maintaining the performance your Accord was designed to deliver.

If You Meant the 1989 Honda Accord

If “89” refers to the 1989 model year, the answer depends entirely on condition, maintenance history, and rust. A well-kept 1989 Accord can be reliable for light use, but parts availability, outdated safety tech, and age-related wear make it less suitable as a primary daily driver compared with newer models. Have any surviving example inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase.

Summary

Using 89 octane in a Honda Accord is fine, but for most models it’s unnecessary—87 is recommended and works as intended. Only the 2.0T meaningfully benefits from 91 octane when driven hard, and 89 seldom offers a clear advantage over regular. Check your owner’s manual and fuel door, use Top Tier gas when possible, and only step up in octane if you encounter knock or need peak performance from a turbo model.

Is 87 or 89 gas better for your car?

Your car will run just fine. All modern cars can run 87,89,91,93. It’s suggested that for maximum power that you use 93. If you’re not at a track day event and just daily commuting 87 will serve you well. All modern cars are equipped with knock sensors to prevent engine damage from running lower octane fuel.

What is a good year for a Honda Accord?

If your budget allows, you should consider the 2012 and 2015 Accord are some of the best years for reliability. 2020 and 2021 are also strong contenders but the used car price on these demand a premium.

Which gas is better for a Honda Accord?

regular unleaded gasoline
Honda engines are certified and designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Gasoline is allowed, by regulation, to contain a variety of additives.

Does a Honda Accord need 87 or 89 gas?

Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Honda CR-V models have been made available with turbocharged engines, but even here, gasoline with an octane rating of 87 is the recommendation you’ll find in your owner’s manual. So, can you put premium gas in a Honda Civic? Yes, but do you need to? No.