Can I put regular gas in Lexus ES?

Most Lexus ES models are designed to run on premium fuel. Regular 87-octane gasoline is not recommended for regular use; if premium is unavailable, you may use regular in an emergency, but performance and efficiency will likely suffer. Return to premium as soon as possible for optimal operation.

In this article, we break down the official fuel-octane guidance for the Lexus ES, how it may vary by model and market, and practical steps to take if you ever need to refuel with regular gas. The guidance below reflects common instructions across recent ES generations, but always consult your owner’s manual for your exact model year and region.

Official fuel-octane guidance for the Lexus ES

To prevent engine knock and preserve performance, follow the octane rating specified by Lexus for your specific vehicle. The points below summarize typical recommendations and important caveats.

• Premium unleaded gasoline (usually 91 octane or higher) is the recommended fuel for most ES models in North America and many other markets.


• Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is generally not advised for regular use. If premium is unavailable, it may be used in an emergency, but expect reduced performance and fuel economy.


• Variations by model year or market exist. Some ES variants or regional specifications may explicitly allow 87 octane in emergency situations; always consult your owner’s manual or dealer for your VIN.


• Continual use of fuel with lower octane than specified can cause engine pinging, reduced power, and lower fuel economy. The vehicle’s knock sensors may adjust timing, but premium fuel provides the best performance and efficiency when specified.

Conclusion: The safest course is to use premium as specified; regular gasoline should only be a temporary exception when premium is unavailable.

What to do if you must refuel with regular gas

Emergency refueling requires careful steps to minimize risk to the engine and maintain drivability.

1. Fill up with premium 91+ as soon as you can after using regular; do not rely on regular as a long-term substitute.


2. Drive conservatively—avoid hard acceleration, high engine load, and steep climbs while operating on regular fuel.


3. If you hear knocking or feel a loss of power, ease off the accelerator and return to premium at the next opportunity.


4. Check your owner's manual or contact a Lexus dealer if you’re unsure about the fuel requirements for your specific ES model.

Conclusion: A temporary switch to regular is possible for ES models in certain situations, but plan to restore premium usage promptly to protect engine efficiency and performance.

ES 300h and other variants: Is the rule the same?

The ES lineup includes gasoline-only ES 350 and hybrid ES 300h variants; while some markets may allow 87 octane in emergencies, Lexus generally emphasizes premium for best performance, efficiency, and longevity across the lineup. Always verify the exact requirement for your vehicle through the owner’s manual or a Lexus dealer.

Conclusion: Regardless of variant, adhere to the octane rating specified in your manual to maintain optimal operation and warranty coverage.

Summary

In short, premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) is the recommended fuel for most Lexus ES models. Regular gasoline can be used only in emergencies where premium is unavailable, and you should return to premium as soon as possible. Always confirm the exact octane requirements for your model year and market in the owner’s manual, and consult a Lexus dealer if you have questions.

Can I put 87 gas in my Lexus IS?

2021 Lexus IS 300: Effects of Using Lower Octane Fuel
IS 300 may experience engine knocking and reduced performance when using lower octane fuel than recommended. Using 87 octane instead of the required 91 can cause engine knocking due to premature combustion.

What Lexus does not need premium gas?

Several Lexus models do not require premium gas, including the Lexus ES 350, RX 350 (older models), NX 250 (some model years), and hybrid models like the UX 250h and NX 350h/450h+ (where premium is recommended but not required). To confirm the correct fuel for a specific vehicle, always check the owner's manual or the vehicle's fuel-door label. 
Models that typically use regular unleaded (87 octane) 

• Lexus CT 200h
• Lexus ES 300h and ES 350
• Lexus HS 250h
• Lexus NX 250 (some model years)
• Lexus NX 300h (older models)
• Lexus RX 350 (models from approximately 2012-2022)
• Lexus UX 250h (some model years) 

Models where premium is recommended but not required 

• Some hybrid models, such as the NX 350h and NX 450h+, can use regular gas, but using premium is recommended for optimal performance and to prevent potential engine knocking. 

How to be certain

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle. 
• Look at the fuel door: The required fuel type is often listed inside the fuel-filler door. 

Does the Lexus ES take regular gas?

Yes, a Lexus ES can take regular 87-octane gas. While some Lexus models require premium fuel, the ES (including the ES 250, ES 350, and ES 300h) is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
 

• Regular gas is sufficient: Your ES engine is designed to operate properly on regular 87-octane gasoline. 
• Premium is optional: You can use premium gas for potentially enhanced performance, but it is not required, according to Lexus of Bridgewater. 
• Check your owner's manual: For the most accurate information, always consult your vehicle's owner's manual, as recommendations can vary by model year. 

What if I put regular gas in my Lexus?

If you put regular gas in a Lexus that requires premium, you may experience reduced engine performance and hear engine knocking, especially under heavy acceleration. While a one-time mistake likely won't cause lasting damage, consistently using regular gas can lead to long-term engine problems over time. Check your owner's manual to confirm if your specific Lexus model actually requires premium fuel, as some models are designed to run on regular gas. 
Potential effects of using regular gas

• Reduced performance: You may notice a decrease in power and acceleration. 
• Engine knocking: The engine may "knock," which is a harsh metallic sound caused by premature or uneven combustion. Consistently ignoring this can lead to engine damage. 
• Engine damage: Over time, continuous use of regular gas in an engine designed for premium can cause serious, long-term damage. 

What to do

• Check your manual: First, consult your car's owner's manual to see if your model genuinely requires premium gas. Many Lexus models, especially certain SUVs and hybrids, are designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel without issue. 
• If you accidentally used regular: If your car requires premium but you've put regular in, don't panic. It's best to avoid hard acceleration or heavy driving until you can top off the tank with premium fuel. Your car's computer will adjust the engine timing to compensate for the lower octane, preventing damage from a single fill-up. 
• If you consistently use regular (when premium is required): This is when you risk serious engine damage. The long-term effects of engine knocking and underperformance can lead to costly repairs.