Hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratio but similar crystal size were directly synthesized by a single-template hydrothermal method, and the intrinsic effect of acidic properties on their catalytic performance in methanol to gasoline (MTG) reaction was comprehensively investigated. The physicochemical properties of HZSM-5 zeolites were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, NH3-TPD, FTIR, and TGA techniques. The results show good linear correlations between the yields of gasoline components and the relative content of Brønsted acid sites, and the hierarchical HZSM-5 zeolite with SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of 200 was firstly found to exhibit high reactivity, excellent product distribution and superior stability in MTG reaction, which can be attributed to its appropriate acid distribution with moderate Brønsted acid sites and proper B/L ratio, predominantly promoting gasoline range hydrocarbons production and inhibiting side reactions.