![A Guide to the Toyota Sienna's Gas Type [All Generations]](https://www.autoalmanac.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/A-Guide-to-the-Toyota-Siennas-Gas-Type-All-Generations-1024x576.jpg)
Whether you drive a souped-up track weapon or a fuel-efficient minivan, using the right kind of gas will do you a big favor in getting from point A to B in whatever way you want. Such is the case for the Toyota Sienna!
With four generations of Toyota’s popular people carrier we researched, you might be surprised as to how similar their taste preferences are to each other, so let’s see what types of gas each Toyota Sienna generation should be taking at the pump!
What kind of gas does the Toyota Sienna take?
The Toyota Sienna takes regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 AKI (91 RON) or higher.
The Toyota Sienna can also use premium 91-octane gasoline or higher, but it will gain no added benefits in performance and economy that regular 87-octane fuel already achieves.
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Fuel requirements for the Toyota Sienna are easy enough to remember since, regardless of the generation or specific model, all of them are designed to run on regular unleaded 87-octane gasoline.
This means that every single engine it can come with, whether it’s a V6, an inline-4, or even the latest generation’s hybrid engine, will take just your regular fuel at the pump.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to strictly stick to “87” in terms of octane rating, as you can also use midgrade 88 to 90-octane and it will do just fine as well.
Even premium 91-octane gasoline is also compatible with the Toyota Sienna, but at that point, Toyota doesn’t recommend it since you’ll just be wasting money while getting no additional gains over standard fuel.
Other than just getting more resistance to preignition and knocking, using higher-octane fuel on any vehicle that already achieves peak performance and fuel economy with regular 87-octane fuel is just unnecessary.
Octane ratings aside, it’s also worth talking about the Toyota Sienna’s compatibility with different fuel blends, additives, and ethanol percentages, and we’ll be doing just that as you read on throughout this article!
Toyota Sienna Fuel Requirements by Generation and Engine Option
All generations and engine options of the Toyota Sienna require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 AKI (91 RON) or higher.
Premium 91-octane gas may also be used for the Toyota Sienna, but it’s not recommended as the vehicle does not gain any extra benefits in performance.
1st-Generation Toyota Sienna (XL10) (1998 to 2003)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The first generation of the Toyota Sienna minivan was first unveiled in 1998 bearing the “XL10” design code and was the successor to the Previa model.
In the North American market, the 1st-gen Toyota Sienna XL10 was only offered with a single engine option, the 3-liter 1MZ-FE V6, despite having multiple trim levels.
This sole V6 option for the Toyota Sienna made 194 hp when it first came out in 1998 but underwent a boost in power to 210 hp for the 2001 model year when Toyota added its VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing) feature for the engine.
Despite it being equipped with a relatively large engine, the 1998 to 2003 Toyota Sienna only requires regular 87-octane gasoline or higher to perform at its best.
While premium 91-octane fuel can also be used, the manufacturer generally doesn’t recommend it as you’ll already be achieving peak performance and fuel economy by using just regular fuel.
Hence, as long as you don’t go any lower than 87 octane and use only unleaded gasoline, this will be all that you need to get the best out of a 1st-gen Toyota Sienna fuel-wise.
2nd-Generation Toyota Sienna (XL20) (2004 to 2010)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
After a 6-year run with the 1st-gen model, Toyota released the 2nd-generation Toyota Sienna “XL20” with a completely revamped design that also increased its size in all three dimensions.
Another big difference from the 1st-gen Sienna is the inclusion of two new engine options for this generation.
Gone was the previous 3-liter V6 in favor of two bigger and more powerful 3.3-liter “3MZ-FE” and 3.5-liter “2GR-FE” V6 engines.
The smaller of the two, the 3.3-liter V6, was ULEV-certified (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) and made 230 hp at the crank for the 2nd-gen Toyota Sienna. This was also the same engine used for Toyota’s 1st-gen Highlander at that time.
As for the 266-horsepower ULEV-II-certified 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6, it was introduced for the 2007 model year as a replacement for its 3.3-liter counterpart.
Regardless of which model year or engine option you choose, all 2nd-gen Toyota Sienna units are made to perform optimally on regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87.
So as with the 1st-gen model, you don’t need to spend a few more bucks on premium fuel to make the 2nd-gen Toyota Sienna run any better than it already can on just regular fuel.
3rd-Generation Toyota Sienna (XL30) (2011 to 2020)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.7L 1AR-FE Inline-4 (I4) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 (2011 to 2016) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
| 3.5L 2GR-FKS V6 (2017 to 2020) | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
The 3rd-generation Toyota Sienna once again reinvented the minivan with an updated design, more trim levels, innovative features, and a revised lineup of engines.
Given the “XL30” designation, the 3rd-gen Sienna was the first generation of the minivan to be offered with a 4-cylinder engine option, namely the 2.7-liter 1AR-FE I4.
Making 187 hp, the 2.7-liter inline-4 motor served as the base engine for the Sienna for only the 2011 and 2012 model years of the vehicle before it was shortly dropped for insufficient sales.
Afterward, the only remaining engine option for the 2013 model year was the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 carried over from the last-gen Sienna. However, even this particular engine was also replaced for the 2017 model year.
The replacement engine in question was none other than the 3.5-liter “2GR-FKS” V6, which now makes 296 hp partially thanks to the inclusion of a “D4-S” direct injection fuel system technology by Toyota.
Now matted to a new 8-speed automatic over the previous 6-speed, the 2GR-FKS V6 powers all 3rd-gen Sienna models and trims from 2017 up until the end of the generation’s production run in 2020.
Whether you opt for any of the two V6s or even the rarer 2.7-liter 4-cylinder power plant, all 3rd-gen Toyota Sienna models are designed to take regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87.
4th-Generation Toyota Sienna (XL40) (2021 to 2024/Present)
| Engine Option | Minimum Fuel Requirement |
| 2.5L A25A-FXS Inline-4 (I4) Hybrid | 87-Octane Gasoline (Regular) |
Now in its fourth iteration, the latest Toyota Sienna “XL40” further extends the boundaries of what a minivan from the renowned Japanese manufacturer can offer, all while only needing one engine option to power all of its trims.
The 4th-gen Toyota Sienna is now powered by a 2.5-liter A25A-FXS I4 hybrid engine, a first for the Sienna that allows it to achieve 36 mpg both in the city and on the highway.
Thus, no other Sienna generation even comes close to the 4th-gen Sienna hybrid fuel efficiency-wise, and the good news is that this is all attainable with just regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline.
With a combined output of 243 hp at your disposal, the 2021 to 2024/present Toyota Sierra’s hybrid engine already performs optimally without the need for premium fuel.
Types of Gasoline/Fuel That Can Be Used in a Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna can be filled up with TOP TIER detergent gasoline, up to 10% or 15% ethanol blends (E10/E15), and up to 15% MTBE blends.
Fuel for the Toyota Sienna must have an octane rating of at least 87 AKI. Anything lower should not be used to avoid any knocking, reduced performance, or damage.
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
If you’re curious as to what the best fuel type or blend is for the Toyota Sienna, then the easiest way to find out is by checking its owner’s manual, which calls for TOP TIER detergent gasoline.
Like many other automakers selling their models in the US market, Toyota highly recommends TOP TIER fuel for its blend of high-quality detergent additives that are effective at cleaning and protecting your engine from deposits.
As a result of its engine-cleaning benefits, TOP TIER fuel helps maintain engine performance and fuel economy when used regularly for your vehicle.
It’s also worth mentioning that despite TOP TIER fuel not being mentioned in the owner’s manual of the 1st-gen Toyota Sienna (1998 to 2003), Toyota still generally recommends using fuel blended with detergent additives for the same reason.
Should you specifically opt for TOP TIER detergent gasoline, be sure to look for its signature green label or logo at your local gas station pumps.
And of course, it already starts with a minimum octane rating of 87, which is just what you need for the Toyota Sienna!
Up to 10% or 15% Ethanol Blends (E10/E15)
Gasoline that contains ethanol is a common oxygenate-based fuel blend that’s compatible with the Toyota Sienna, and the majority of gasoline sold today usually contains either 10% (E10) or 15% (E15) ethanol.
But while ethanol-blended gasoline is known for its renewability and cleaner-burning benefits, you should still consider how much ethanol your specific Toyota Sienna model year can take.
| Toyota Sienna models made between 1998 and 2013 can take gasoline blended up to 10% ethanol (E10), whereas 2014 and newer models are compatible with up to 15% ethanol (E15) instead. |
Toyota advises to not use any fuel containing over 15% ethanol (e.g. E30, E50, E85). Going over the ethanol limit for your vehicle can corrode and damage its fuel system components.
Since the Toyota Sienna can only take up to 15% ethanol at most, it can be considered a “non-Flex-Fuel vehicle” (non-FFV). Thus, it will only come with a regular black gas cap indicating its fuel/ethanol limitations.
Up to 15% MTBE Blends (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
Aside from ethanol, another oxygenate blend that can be used in a Toyota Sienna is gasoline with MTBE, or methyl tertiary butyl either.
Gasoline blended with MTBE is also known for its cleaner and lower emissions, making it acceptable for Toyota as well. However, just like ethanol, it’s also important to draw the line of just how much MTBE you can use for the Sienna.
| Just about every generation of the Toyota Sienna can use MTBE, but the owner’s manuals of 1998 to 2011 models specify a limit of 15%. Otherwise, the owner’s manuals of 2012 and newer Toyota Sienna models only mention MTBE as a recommended cleaner burning gasoline (CBG). |
Types of Gasoline/Fuel to Avoid for the Toyota Sienna
Avoid filling up the Toyota Sienna with gasoline containing the octane-boosting additive “MMT”, E85/Flex-Fuel, fuel with over 15% ethanol, fuel containing methanol, or any fuel with a lower octane rating than 87 AKI (91 RON).
Gasoline Containing MMT (Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl)
Gasoline that contains MMT, an octane-boosting additive, is a big no-no for the Toyota Sienna and many other vehicles on the road today.
Toyota advises against using any fuel with MMT since it can potentially damage components of your emission control system.
In general, MMT is known to be highly toxic when emitted through gasoline fumes, which is both damaging to your vehicle and the environment.
According to the manufacturer, using MMT can also cause your malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to illuminate on your dashboard, which you should immediately have diagnosed at your local dealership.
E85/Flex-Fuel or Any Ethanol Blends With Over 15% Content
E85 or “Flex-Fuel” is a type of ethanol blend that can contain up to 85% ethanol by volume, making it completely off-limits for the Toyota Sienna, which can only use up to 15% ethanol.
This also means that other ethanol blends such as E20 (20% ethanol) and E50 (50% ethanol) are also incompatible with the Sienna.
Using E85 or any fuel above the ethanol limit for your non-Flex-Fuel vehicle (non-FFV) can lead to a buildup of corrosion in the fuel system components that were not built to take that much ethanol.
As a rule of thumb, you should always check if your vehicle is capable of taking E85 or Flex-Fuel. If it can, it will come with a special yellow gas cap that is sometimes printed with “E85” on it.
Methanol
No matter which model year of the Toyota Sienna you fancy buying, no generation of the minivan is compatible with gasoline that contains methanol.
While the owner’s manual simply states that Toyota does not recommend using methanol for the Sienna, we know that using methanol in a fuel system not designed to take it can also have corrosive and damaging effects on both metal and plastic parts.
What is the 2021 Toyota Sienna’s gas type?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna’s gas type is unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 AKI (91 RON) or higher.
Gasoline used for the 2021 Toyota Sienna must meet the ASTM D4814 specifications for vehicles sold in the US.
Is the Toyota Sienna fuel efficient?
The Toyota Sienna can achieve an EPA-rated gas mileage of 36 mpg for both city and highway driving using the 2.5-liter I4 hybrid engine, making it tough to beat in terms of fuel economy against its close competitors.
Toyota Sienna Gas Mileage Per Generation
The Toyota Sienna has a combined gas mileage of 19 mpg (1st gen), 17 to 20 mpg (2nd gen), 18 to 22 mpg (3rd gen), and 35 to 36 mpg (4th gen) depending on the model year, engine option, transmission, and drivetrain.
1st-Generation Toyota Sienna Gas Mileage (XL10) (1998 to 2003)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.0L V6 2WD (4-Speed Automatic) | 16 to 17 mpg | 22 to 23 mpg | 19 mpg |
2nd-Generation Toyota Sienna Gas Mileage (XL20) (2004 to 2010)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 3.3L V6 (2WD) (5-Speed Automatic) | 17 mpg | 24 to 25 mpg | 19 to 20 mpg |
| 3.3L V6 (4WD) (5-Speed Automatic) | 15 to 16 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg | 17 to 18 mpg |
| 3.5L V6 (2WD) (5-Speed Automatic) | 17 mpg | 23 to 24 mpg | 19 mpg |
| 3.5L V6 (4WD) (5-Speed Automatic) | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg |
3rd-Generation Toyota Sienna Gas Mileage (XL30) (2011 to 2020)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.7L I4 (2WD) (6-Speed Automatic) | 19 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 3.5L V6 (2WD) (6-Speed Automatic) (2011 to 2016) | 18 mpg | 24 to 25 mpg | 20 to 21 mpg |
| 3.5L V6 (2WD) (6-Speed Automatic) (2017 to 2020) | 19 mpg | 26 to 27 mpg | 21 to 22 mpg |
| 3.5L V6 (AWD) (6-Speed Automatic) (2011 to 2016) | 16 to 17 mpg | 22 to 23 mpg | 18 to 19 mpg |
| 3.5L V6 (AWD) (8-Speed Automatic) (2017 to 2020) | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg |
4th-Generation Toyota Sienna Gas Mileage (XL40) (2021 to 2024/Present)
| Engine Option | MPG (City) | MPG (Highway) | MPG (Combined) |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (2WD) (6-Speed Automatic) | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (AWD) (6-Speed Automatic) | 35 mpg | 36 mpg | 35 mpg |
What is the gas tank size/capacity of the Toyota Sienna?
The Toyota Sienna has a gas tank size of 20.9 to 21 gallons (1st gen), 20 gallons (2nd and 3rd gen), and 18 gallons (4th gen) depending on the model year and trim level.
| Toyota Sienna Generation/Model Years | Engine/Trim Level | Gas Tank Size/Capacity (US Gallon/Liter) |
1st Generation (XL10) (1998 to 2003) | 3.0L V6 (CE) (1998 to 2000) | 21 gal (79.5 l) |
| 3.0L V6 (LE) (1998 to 2000) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 (XLE) (1998 to 2000) | 21 gal (79.5 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 (CE) (2001 to 2003) | 20.9 gal (79.1 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 (LE) (2001 to 2003) | 20.9 gal (79.1 l) | |
| 3.0L V6 (XLE) (2001 to 2003) | 20.9 gal (79.1 l) | |
| 2nd Generation (XL20) (2004 to 2010) | 3.3L V6 (CE) (2004 to 2006) | 20 gal (75.7 l) |
| 3.3L V6 (LE) (2004 to 2006) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.3L V6 (XLE) (2004 to 2006) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.3L V6 (XLE Limited) (2004 to 2006) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (CE) (2007 to 2010) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (LE) (2007 to 2010) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (XLE) (2007 to 2010) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (XLE Limited) (2007) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (Limited) (2008 to 2010) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3rd Generation (XL30) (2011 to 2020) | 2.7L I4 (Base) | 20 gal (75.7 l) |
| 2.7L I4 (LE) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (Base) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (CE Fleet Cargo) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (L) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (LE) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (LE) (Mobility) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (LE) (Mobility Auto Acess) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (SE) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (SE Premium) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (XLE) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (XLE) (Mobility Auto Acess) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (XLE Premium) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (Limited) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 3.5L V6 (Limited Premium) | 20 gal (75.7 l) | |
| 4th Generation (XL40) (2021 to 2024/Present) | 2.5L I4 Hybrid (LE) (8-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (XLE) (7-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (XLE Woodland Edition) (7-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (XSE) (7-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (Limited) (7-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (Platinum) (7-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) | |
| 2.5L I4 Hybrid (25th Anniversary Special Edition) (7-Passenger) | 18 gal (68.1 l) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Toyota Sienna need premium gas?
The Toyota Sienna does not require premium gas, as it is designed to already perform optimally on regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota Sienna 2021?
The 2021 Toyota Sienna has a fuel consumption of 36 mpg (combined) for the 2-wheel-drive (2WD) model and 35 mpg (combined) for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model.
How much does it cost to fill up a Toyota Sienna?
It costs between $55.3 and $64.5 to fill up a Toyota Sienna with an 18 to 21-gallon gas tank using the current US national average price for regular gasoline at $3.072/gallon.
Why do I hear a knocking sound from the engine after refueling?
If a knocking sound can be heard from the engine after refueling, chances are that you may have either put in the wrong fuel type, the fuel used has a lower octane rating than what’s required for your engine, or the fuel has been contaminated.
However, issues with the fuel system and ignition system components may also cause the engine to knock, which is why it’s recommended to have your vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as you can.
