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Can I use 87 octane in my Lexus?

The short answer is no, you should not use 87 octane fuel in your Lexus. Lexus vehicles are designed to run on higher octane premium gasoline, typically 91 octane or higher. Using a lower octane fuel can potentially cause engine damage and negatively impact your vehicle's performance.


Understanding Octane Ratings


Octane rating is a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Higher octane fuels can withstand higher compression levels before igniting, making them better suited for high-performance engines found in many luxury vehicles like Lexus.


Lexus recommends using 91 octane or higher fuel to ensure optimal engine performance and prevent potential damage. Using a lower octane fuel, such as 87 octane, can cause the engine to knock or ping, which can lead to long-term issues like reduced fuel efficiency, decreased power, and even engine damage over time.


Why Lexus Requires Premium Fuel



  • Engine Design: Lexus engines are engineered to take advantage of the higher octane rating of premium fuel, allowing for increased compression ratios and more efficient combustion.

  • Performance: Premium fuel helps maintain the high-performance characteristics of Lexus vehicles, providing better acceleration, power, and overall driving dynamics.

  • Fuel Efficiency: Using the recommended premium fuel can help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions compared to using a lower octane fuel.

  • Engine Protection: The higher octane rating of premium fuel helps prevent knocking and pre-ignition, which can cause long-term damage to the engine over time.


While it may be tempting to save money by using a lower octane fuel, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Lexus vehicle.

What happens if I put 87 instead of 91 in Lexus?


For one, too low grade gas leads to engine knocking, which can damage your engine in the long run. In addition, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty, which will cost you much more than your small savings at the pump.



Which Lexus can use 87 octane gas?


Model YearModel(s)Recommended Minimum Octane Rating
2021ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350, UX 200, UX 250h87
2020GS 350, GS F, GX 460, IS 300, IS 350, LC 500, LC 500h, LS 500, LS 500h, LX 570, NX 300, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 450h, RX 450hL91
ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350, RX 350L, UX 200, UX 250h87



Do all Lexus require premium?


So, if you are wondering “Can I put regular gas in my Lexus?” The answer may be yes. Some vehicles like the Lexus UX 250h can utilize regular 87-octane fuel whereas other models like the 2022 Lexus GX require premium 91-octane fuel.



Is it OK to put regular gas in a Lexus?


But, does Lexus require premium gas? If you want to continue to enjoy the outstanding power and high-level efficiency offered in new Lexus models, you'll want to utilize the recommended Lexus gas type. Some Lexus vehicles will require premium 91-octane fuel while others can use regular 87-octane fuel.



Is Lexus ES 350 87-octane gas?


The minimum octane requirement for a 2023 Lexus ES 350 is 87. That means you can use premium gasoline, but lower-octane regular unleaded won't be a detriment to your vehicle's engine. Learn more about the Lexus ES 350, 2023 model, and the gas it needs from Lexus of Cherry Hill.



What happens if I put 87 octane in my car?


If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.