Rarely does any vehicle get transmogrified to many different forms like the Toyota Corolla. Whether it’s simply going from point A to B as an econobox, drifting down a mountain pass, or jumping 10 feet in the air on a dirt trail, we’ve seen it do it all.
But while we obviously have world-class engineers to thank, let’s not forget the simple yet sometimes downplayed task of filling up your Corolla with the right type of gas to perform the way it does.
So with our experience with tons of Corollas and fuel types over the years, let’s take you for a ride into the types of fuel this best-selling Japanese compact car can and cannot use!
What type of gas does a Toyota Corolla take?
The Toyota Corolla takes unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (91 RON) for most of its engine options.
Only a select few Toyota Corolla engines, such as the 2ZZ-GE and the GR Corolla’s turbocharged G16E-GTS, use a minimum of premium 91-octane (95 RON) gasoline.
Toyota Corollas are ubiquitous and have been powered by so many of the Japanese manufacturer’s engines that it may seem tricky to familiarize yourself with the types of gas they can take.
However, the truth of the matter is that the majority of engines this popular Japanese compact car is paired with actually take unleaded 87-octane (AKI) gasoline, or “regular” gasoline.
For other markets with different ways of measuring octane rating, 87 AKI will be equivalent to 91 RON, and this is definitely an important distinction to make.
But aside from the octane rating of fuel, there are several other aspects of fuel for the Toyota Corolla that are worth talking about, such as the types of fuel blends and the percentage of ethanol.
In the next few parts, we’ll be going into more detail about the fuel requirements of each Corolla generation as well as the types of fuel blends that are compatible and incompatible with the car.
To keep things a bit more simple, we’ll be mostly presenting data on Corolla models sold in the North American market only.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Requirements by Generation and Engine Option
Most Toyota Corolla models made between 1998 and 2023/present require a minimum of 87-octane (91 RON) unleaded gasoline.
Premium 91-octane (95 RON) fuel is only required for Corollas with more performance-oriented engines, like the Corolla XRS’ 1.8L 2ZZ-GE I4 and the GR Corolla’s 1.6L G16E-GTS I3.
Toyota Corolla (E110) (1998 to 2002)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 1.8L 1ZZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) 16V DOHC(North American Market) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-10 Capable) |
| 1.8L 1ZZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) 16V DOHC VVT-i(North American Market) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-10 Capable) |
| 1.3L 4E-FE Inline-4 (I4) 16V DOHC(International Market) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON) |
| 1.6L 4A-FE Inline-4 (I4) 16V DOHC(International Market) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON) |
The Toyota Corolla E110 was sold in many parts of the world after it started its production run back in 1995, though it only arrived on North American shores for the 1998 model year.
While there are tons of 4-cylinder engine options for the international market, North America only received two versions of the 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE engine.
The main difference between the two options was that one of them had Toyota’s VVT-i technology. Otherwise, both 1ZZ-FE versions sold had 16 valves and a DOHC (dual overhead camshaft) design.
Regardless of which version of the 1ZZ-FE you picked, the North American Corolla E110 only requires a minimum of 87-octane (91 RON) gasoline inside its fuel tank.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, 87-octane gasoline is also the minimum fuel requirement of the majority of Corolla engines, and this can be seen even when looking at international Corolla E110 engines such as the 1.3-liter 4E-FE and the 1.6-liter 4A-FE.
Throughout the Corolla E110’s production run in North America, Toyota already permitted the use of gasoline containing ethanol for the model, albeit limited to only 10% ethanol content (E-10.)
Toyota Corolla (E120/E130) (2003 to 2008)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
1.8L 1ZZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) 16V DOHC VVT-i | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-10 Capable) |
1.8L 2ZZ-GE Inline-4 (I4) 16V DOHC VVTL-i | 91-Octane Premium Gasoline(95 RON)(E-10 Capable) |
By the time the newer Toyota Corolla E120 model came to North America, similarities can already be seen in the manufacturer’s choice of power plants for this generation and the last.
First off, the same 1.8-liter 1ZZ-FE I4 was carried over from the previous Corolla E110, and of course, they had to keep the one with the VVT-i.
Then the old non-VVT-i version was replaced with a newer 170-hp 1.8-liter I4 called the “2ZZ-GE”, which can only be had when you opt for the sportier Corolla XRS variant.
Unlike the 1ZZ-FE, which still kept its minimum fuel requirement of 87-octane gasoline, the more powerful and rev-happy 2ZZ-GE actually requires premium 91-octane gasoline (95 RON) this time around.
This is unsurprising, considering the 2ZZ-GE is the exact same engine that powers Toyota’s own Celica ZZT231 sports car and even the quick and nimble Lotus Elise from the UK.
As with the E110, the Corolla E120 is also compatible with gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E-10) for both the 1ZZ-FE and 2ZZ-GE engines.
Toyota Corolla (E140) (2009 to 2013)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
1.8L 2ZR-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-10 Capable) |
2.4L 2AZ-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-10 Capable) |
Moving on to the Toyota Corolla E140 model, we can see again that the North American market is only limited to two engine options. For this generation, however, no engines were carried over from the previous one.
First starting its production run in late 2007 for the 2009 model year, the E140 Corolla sold in the US and Canada was paired with two different 4-cylinder engines, namely a 1.8-liter “2ZR-FE” I4 and a 2.4-liter “2AZ-FE” I4.
The 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE served as the power plant for most of the E140 Corolla’s trim levels, while the bigger and more powerful 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE was yet again reserved for only the sporty XRS model.
Despite the 2AZ-FE being the one fitted in the sportier Corolla XRS model, its minimum fuel requirement still remained at 87-octane gasoline as with the 2ZR-FE used by the rest of the model lineup.
When it comes to ethanol compatibility, the limit still remains at 10% ethanol content for the Corolla E140, which means you can only use up to E-10 fuel at the pump.
Toyota Corolla (E170) (2014 to 2019)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
1.8L 2ZR-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-15 Capable) |
1.8L 2ZR-FAE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-15 Capable) |
Opting for a slightly sharper and more aggressive styling for the 2014 model year, the Toyota Corolla E170 clearly succeeded the previous E140 model in looks while still keeping a similar engine lineup.
The previous-gen Corolla’s 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE still remains the standard engine for most of the trims of the North American Corolla E170.
On the other hand, the newer 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE I4 is only equipped in the Eco models of the Corolla E170.
These two Corolla E170 4-cylinder engines are pretty much identical when talking about their fuel requirements, as both need at least 87-octane gasoline, or 91 RON gasoline in other countries.
What’s new for this generation of the Corolla, however, is that Toyota has already raised the percentage of ethanol compatible with the engines from the previous 10% to now 15%.
This means that you can now use E-15 fuel for the Toyota Corolla starting from the 2014 model year, contrary to 2013 and older Corolla models that were only limited to E-10.
Toyota Corolla (E210) (2019 to 2023/Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
1.8L 2ZR-FAE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-15 Capable) |
| 1.8L 2ZR-FXE Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid(w/ Hybrid Synergy Drive eCVT) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-15 Capable) |
2.0L M20A-FKS Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Regular Gasoline(91 RON)(E-15 Capable) |
| 1.6L G16E-GTS Inline-3 (I3) Turbo(GR Corolla) | 91-Octane Premium Gasoline(95/96 RON)(E-15 Capable) |
As the newest generation of the Toyota Corolla, the Corolla E210 now features a completely revamped exterior design that’s even sportier than before and four different engines for North American showrooms.
The L, LE, and XLE trims are powered by the same 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE I4 of the last generation, while a new 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE I4 hybrid engine is available for Corolla hybrid models.
A bigger-displacement 2-liter “M20A-FKS” I4 engine is offered for both the SE and XSE trims of the saloon and hatchback variants of the Corolla E210.
The 2019 to 2023 Toyota Corolla’s 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE I4, 1.8-liter 2ZR_FXE I4 hybrid, and 2-liter M20A-FKS I4 engines can all take a minimum of regular 87-octane (91 RON) gasoline.
However, one engine that wouldn’t be happy with just regular gas is non-other than the turbocharged 1.6-liter “G16E-GTS I3 of the high-performance Toyota GR Corolla.
Having one less cylinder doesn’t faze the GR Corolla sports car’s turbo 3-cylinder engine from its need for premium 91-octane gasoline, which is equivalent to 95 or 96 RON gasoline in other markets.
And before we forget to mention, all engines listed here for the newest Toyota Corolla E210 are capable of using gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E-15).
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla can be filled up with fuel types such as TOP TIER detergent gasoline, other gasoline with detergent additives, up to 10% or 15% ethanol blends (E-10/E-15), and reformulated gasoline.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline (Gasoline with Detergent Additives)
TOP TIER detergent gasoline is one of the best fuels that you can use for the Toyota Corolla, though it’s important to mention what the manufacturer recommends via the owner’s manual.
After looking at the owner’s manual of each Toyota Corolla generation, we’ve determined that Toyota started specifically recommending the use of TOP TIER gasoline for the 2014 model year, which is the start of the “E170” generation.
Otherwise, Toyota only mentions the use of gasoline with detergent additives for the Corolla in the owner’s manual of 2013 and older models.
It’s unclear if this is just a case of Toyota not updating its fuel specs for the Corolla earlier on, considering TOP TIER gas has been around since 2004 for all kinds of vehicles in North America.
What we do know is that when it comes to high-quality detergent additives, TOP TIER gasoline is definitely at the top of the industry.
Many major automakers recommend TOP TIER gas for its effectiveness in cleaning your engine and fuel system by preventing the build-up of carbon deposits.
If you fancy filling your Corolla up with TOP TIER gas, then all you need to do is to look for its own unique label at your local gas station pumps.
Reformulated Gasoline
Another type of fuel that’s recommended for the Toyota Corolla is reformulated gasoline, a relatively newer type of alternative fuel that is designed to burn cleaner than conventional gasoline.
Reformulated gasoline (RFG) contains less toxic ingredients, resulting in less toxic emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone and other air pollutants.
Due to its environmental and health benefits, many areas with higher concentrations of air pollution or smog actually mandate selling reformulated gasoline for the purpose of reducing the polluting effects of gasoline emissions.
However, reformulated gasoline may be a bit tricky to differentiate from conventional gasoline, so it’s worth asking the retailers at your local gas station if the fuel that they sell is reformulated.
Up to 10% or 15% Ethanol Blends (E-10/E-15)
Ethanol has been used in gasoline for decades to boost octane, reduce harmful emissions, and for renewability. Thus, many of today’s vehicles are actually made to be compatible with ethanol.
One such vehicle is the Toyota Corolla, but of course, there is a specific ethanol percentage that you shouldn’t go past if you don’t want to end up corroding and damaging your engine and fuel system components.
By looking at the owner’s manual of different Toyota Corolla model years, our findings are that 2013 and older Corolla models are compatible with gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E-10).
As for 2014 and newer Corolla models, they are compatible with gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol content instead, or “E-15” fuel.
No Flex-Fuel/E-85 version of the Toyota Corolla has been released in the North American market, so “non-Flex-Fuel” models limited to E-10 or E-15 will come with a regular black gas cap instead of a yellow one.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Toyota Corolla
Avoid filling up the Toyota Corolla with fuel types such as gasoline containing MMT, leaded gasoline, methanol, and any fuel with an octane rating of less than 87.
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
MMT has been used as an octane booster for decades, but due to its destructive effects, many automakers don’t ever recommend using it for their vehicles. That includes Toyota with the Corolla.
Using MMT in gasoline makes emissions highly toxic, and it’s also notorious for prematurely fouling your spark plugs as well as damaging other components of your fuel system and emissions control system.
When used on the Corolla or any other modern Toyota model, MMT can also potentially cause the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to turn on, signifying that you need to have it fixed at the dealership right away.
Leaded Gasoline
Lead gasoline has already been eradicated from the face of the earth a few years ago. Well, at least for land vehicles that are not involved in any kind of motorsport.
Thus, it’s quite a no-brainer that you shouldn’t be using leaded gasoline in a Toyota Corolla. It’s been banned for decades due to its damaging effects on catalytic converters.
Furthermore, it has also raised so many health concerns in the past regarding people experiencing lead poisoning because of its emissions.
Methanol
Methanol, which is an oxygenate that can also be blended into gasoline, is not compatible with any version of the Toyota Corolla from the factory.
While methanol is frequently used as a race fuel for high-performance applications, it can also corrode and damage your engine and fuel system components.
Thus, using methanol in a normal car like the Corolla is similar to if you were to fill it up with gasoline with too much ethanol content.
Can I use regular unleaded gasoline in my Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla is made to use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (91 RON).
Can I use biofuel in my Toyota Corolla?
Ethanol is a popular type of biofuel that is compatible with the Toyota Corolla. Just make sure to limit the ethanol content to 10% (E-10) only for 2013 and earlier models and 15% (E-15) for 2014 and newer models.
Does the fuel type affect the performance of a Toyota Corolla?
The fuel type that you use for your Toyota Corolla can affect its performance. For instance, using gasoline that has a lower octane than 87 can cause the engine to knock and make it run poorer.
Does the Toyota Corolla have a hybrid fuel option?
The Toyota Corolla E210 (2019 to 2023/present) has both a 1.8-liter I4 and a 2-liter I4 hybrid engine option for various markets.
Is the fuel efficiency of a Toyota Corolla affected by the fuel type?
The Toyota Corolla’s fuel efficiency can be affected by the type of fuel used. Fuel containing ethanol, for example, tends to reduce fuel mileage due to ethanol having less energy per gallon than pure gasoline.
Toyota Corolla Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Toyota Corolla can achieve a combined gas mileage of 26 to 31 mpg (1998 to 2002), 25 to 31 mpg (2003 to 2008), 24 to 30 mpg (2009 to 2013), 30 to 34 mpg (2014 to 2019), and 24 to 52 mpg (2019 to present).
The Toyota Corolla’s gas mileage also depends on the engine, model year, and transmission.
Toyota Corolla (E110) (1998 to 2002) Gas Mileage
| Engine Option | MPG(City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.8L 1ZZ-FE I4(5-Speed Manual) | 27 to 28 mpg | 34 to 37 mpg | 30 to 31 mpg |
| 1.8L 1ZZ-FE I4(4-Speed Auto) | 25 to 26 mpg | 33 to 36 mpg | 28 to 30 mpg |
| 1.8L 1ZZ-FE I4(3-Speed Auto) | 24 to 25 mpg | 29 to 30 mpg | 26 to 27 mpg |
Toyota Corolla (E120/E130) (2003 to 2008) Gas Mileage
| Engine Option | MPG(City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.8L I4(5-Speed Manual) | 28 mpg | 36 to 37 mpg | 31 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(6-Speed Manual) | 22 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(4-Speed Auto) | 25 to 26 mpg | 34 to 35 mpg | 28 to 29 mpg |
Toyota Corolla (E140) (2009 to 2013) Gas Mileage
| Engine Option | MPG(City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.8L I4(5-Speed Manual) | 26 to 27 mpg | 33 to 35 mpg | 29 to 30 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(4-Speed Auto) | 26 to 27 mpg | 33 to 35 mpg | 29 to 30 mpg |
| 2.4L I4(5-Speed Manual) | 21 to 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 to 25 mpg |
| 2.4L I4(S5 Auto) | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg |
Toyota Corolla (E170) (2014 to 2019) Gas Mileage
| Engine Option | MPG(City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.8L I4(6-Speed Manual) | 27 to 28 mpg | 35 to 36 mpg | 30 to 31 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(4-Speed Auto) | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(CVT-i) | 28 to 29 mpg | 35 to 37 mpg | 31 to 32 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco)(CVT-i) | 29 to 30 mpg | 38 to 40 mpg | 33 to 34 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(Corolla iM)(6-Speed Manual) | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(Corolla iM)(CVT-i) | 28 mpg | 36 mpg | 31 mpg |
Toyota Corolla (E210) (2019 to 2023/Present) Gas Mileage
| Engine Option | MPG(City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 1.8L I4(6-Speed Manual) | 27 to 29 mpg | 35 to 39 mpg | 30 to 33 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(CVT) | 28 to 30 mpg | 35 to 38 mpg | 31 to 33 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco)(CVT) | 29 to 30 mpg | 38 to 40 mpg | 33 to 34 mpg |
| 1.8L I4(XLE)(CVT) | 29 mpg | 37 mpg | 32 mpg |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid(Corolla Hybrid)(eCVT) | 50 to 53 mpg | 43 to 52 mpg | 47 to 52 mpg |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid(Corolla Hybrid AWD)(eCVT) | 47 to 51 mpg | 41 to 44 mpg | 44 to 48 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(6-Speed Manual) | 29 mpg | 36 mpg | 32 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(CVT) | 31 to 32 mpg | 40 to 41 mpg | 34 to 35 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(XSE)(CVT) | 31 mpg | 38 mpg | 34 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(Apex)(6-Speed Manual) | 28 mpg | 36 mpg | 31 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(Apex)(CVT) | 31 mpg | 38 mpg | 34 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(Hatchback)(6-Speed Manual) | 28 mpg | 36 to 37 mpg | 31 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(Hatchback)(CVT) | 32 mpg | 41 to 42 mpg | 35 to 36 mpg |
| 2.0L I4(Hatchback XSE)(CVT) | 30 mpg | 38 mpg | 33 mpg |
| 1.6L I3 Turbo(GR Corolla)(6-Speed Manual) | 21 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg |
What is the gas tank size/capacity of the Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla has a gas tank size of 13.2 gallons (50 liters) for non-hybrid models and 11.4 gallons (43.2 liters) for hybrid models.
| Toyota CorollaGeneration/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity(US Gallon/Liter) |
Corolla E110(1998 to 2002) | 1.8L I4 (CE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) |
| 1.8L I4 (LE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (VE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (S) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
Corolla E120/E130(2003 to 2008) | 1.8L I4 (CE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) |
| 1.8L I4 (LE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (S) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (XRS) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
Corolla E140(2009 to 2013) | 1.8L I4(Base/Standard) | 13.2 gal (50 l) |
| 1.8L I4 (S) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(S Special Edition) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (L) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (LE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Special Edition) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (XLE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 2.4L I4 (XRS) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
Corolla E170(2014 to 2019) | 1.8L I4 (L) | 13.2 gal (50 l) |
| 1.8L I4 (LE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Plus) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Premium) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco Plus) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco Premium) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (S) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(S Plus) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(S Premium) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (XLE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (XSE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(Special Edition) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(50th Anniv. Special Edition) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
Corolla E210(2019 to 2023/Present) | 1.8L I4 (L) | 13.2 gal (50 l) |
| 1.8L I4 (LE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4(LE Eco Premium) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (SE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 2.0L I4 (SE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 2.0L I4(SE Nightshade) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 2.0L I4(SE Apex Edition) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (XLE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 (XSE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 2.0L I4 (XSE) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 2.0L I4(XSE Apex Edition) | 13.2 gal (50 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid (LE) | 11.4 gal (43.2 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid(LE AWD) | 11.4 gal (43.2 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid (SE) | 11.4 gal (43.2 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid(SE AWD) | 11.4 gal (43.2 l) | |
| 1.8L I4 Hybrid (XLE) | 11.4 gal (43.2 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
