If this has been talked about, could someone post a link to it? But the dealer says that the T-5 uses regular , 87 octane fuel (US), but that the T-6 and T-8s need 91 octane as they are supercharged . He even printed it out for me. But the manual and sticker on the fuel door say 91 octane. He says that those are recommendations from Volvo on the T-5. Anyone one have a better handle on which octane is required ? I know I can always go to 91, but if 87 works, that will save some money at the pump.
By the way, getting 21.5 MPG...is that pretty typical for the T-5?

 

He is wrong. It requires 91.

 

The bible says on page 454: Octane rating Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octane8 or higher) for all T5, T6 and T8 engines, and recommends AKI 93 for optimal performance and fuel economy

https://volvornt.harte-hanks.com/man...US_TP25629.pdf

 

Here you go.... if you put in regular fuel anything less than 91, the electronics (ECM) will adjust your motor's tuning to run the fuel without knocking. Some of you may remember the pinging sound. This is called detonation or knocking and is bad for a motor. To prevent this, the motor has KNOCK sensors that adjust the burning of the fuel (timing) so there is no ping/knock. In doing so your car is less efficient. Your MPG will drop 10-20% and you will have even less power. So you just saved $$ at the pump but as a result you go to the pump more often. so there is no savings and your wonderfully under-powered Volvo is even more under-powered.

 

Thanks for the answers. I'm headed in to the dealer and see how they explain from their end next week .

 

Here's a link to the Volvo website that shows you can use 87 octane in the T5.
Fuel Requirements

 

If you narrow it down to a 2019 XC60, it will only display the correct fuel requirements:

Volvo Car USA Support | Contact us | Help

 

Randy.
thanks. Thats what I was looking for. So far at 2000 miles in the T5, the difference in MPG is the same for regular and premium gas. I guess if I load it up or go into the mountains, i'll use the regular. thanks again.

 

 

the keyword is "recommended" versus "requires". Most T5s say "recommended" ie your engine will make more peak HP on 91 vs 89 but the engine can adjust for the lower octane and it won't ping. As to the MPGs, keep in mind you don't use peak HP in 99% of daily driving. If your owners manual says "requires" then that's a pretty direct statement saying the engine is designed to run with that octane rating as a minimum - anything less may cause pinging which can damage the engine over time.

 

Not arguing..just posting what the online volvo manual states : https://volvornt.harte-hanks.com/man...US_TP25629.pdf page 454

Octane rating
Volvo requires premium fuel (91 octanee or
higher) for all T5, T6 and T8 engines, and recommends AKI 93 for optimal performance and
fuel economy. See decal examples in illustrations 1 and 2.

Odd that it does say REQUIRES a min of 91......

 

The dealer is correct. If the words "recommend" are are printed on the fuel door you can use the 87 octane without any problems. For best performance 91 octane would be used. If the word "recommend" is not printed on the fuel door sticker, it will say "Premium 91 octane". My T6 says Premium 91 octane.

 

I just purchased a 2021 XC 60 T5 AWD. I drove it about a week and then took it on a trip to Colorado, about 1,400 miles. I noticed that I was only getting around 21 mpg. on the trip there. I was surprised by the low mileage and called my service manager. He asked what fuel I was using, and I told him 87 octane. He told me that was the problem, and that I needed to use 91 octane fuel. I did as he recommended, and on the return trip, I was getting on average 30 mpg! Big difference. I will continue to use premium fuel.