might be other reasons as well. one could be related to manufacturers EPA test values. When the value is given to the EPA, the EPA can and does sample vehicles to verify that the rating was met. If the value given to the EPA was using premium then the manufacturer would have to state premium or risk the sample not meeting the claim. Not all vehicles can benefit with higher mpg from premium fuel mixtures. The MPG gain on those that can benefit can be >=1% or so. might not be a big deal for the end user but the manufacturer has to offset inefficiency in one vehicle somewhere else in the fleet.

another reason can be to meet the HP claim. If premium was used in the test then it gets called out as a requirement. if there's timing retardation then most likely not going to get the max HP.

one factor looked at is the luxury-ness of the vehicle. If its assumed the end user is less concerned on gasoline costs and more concerned with specs, they will use premium in tests and claims.

another factor is the relative competition. although manufacturers want higher HP, MPG they don't want to be the odd one out that requires premium. The pickup truck market can be tighter than the luxury suv market. if the tundra was the only one requiring premium they might lose too many customers in the profit/loss ('X') curve.

 

making it more difficult without a very controlled study is the fact that although it says say 85 or 87 thats not what you always get. that value is the minimum. sometimes its less expensive to produce 87 than 85, and they just put 87 into the 85 tank.

 

 

 

 

 

What a beautiful place, definitely one of my favorite place. Telluride to Ouray, Imogene Pass.

I was fortunate enough to meet up with some awesome people from Ohio Offroad. They made it look super easy but had fun keeping up with them.​​​​

Instagram

View this post on Instagram

 

My 2011 is dedicated to adventuring in the mountains. It does very well with a 3 inch lift and plenty of gear. I am currently building a overland trailer to take weight off the rig.

 

 

Explore some NERDY information about the wonders of the Torsen C-Type Center Differential on Your Lexus GX460:

 

This is near 29 Palms, CA about a month ago. We didn’t camp out here this trip though, we rented a house in Yucca Valley and just came out here to do some target shooting.

 

Seen too many on Youtube making this mistake.... Hope this helps everyone! Happy Thanksgiving Video: