Can you put 87 gas in a Lexus ES 350?
No. The Lexus ES 350 is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular 87 octane fuel is not recommended and can reduce performance or cause knocking, especially under load. To maintain optimal efficiency and engine longevity, use the fuel type specified by Lexus.
What octane does the ES 350 require?
Most model years and markets direct drivers to premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to ensure the 3.5L V6 delivers its intended performance. Always consult your specific vehicle’s owner's manual for the exact requirement, since regional labeling and tuning can cause slight variations.
In practice, Lexus generally expects 91 octane or higher. If you’re in a region that uses different octane labeling, follow the equivalent rating as indicated in the manual or by official Lexus guidance.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where only 87 octane is available, the prudent course is to minimize high-load driving until you can refuel with premium, then resume normal operation and monitor for any unusual noises or performance changes. Always aim to return to the recommended octane as soon as possible.
- 87 octane is not recommended for regular use in the ES 350 and may reduce performance and efficiency.
- Using the recommended 91+ octane helps prevent knocking and preserves engine timing and power output.
- If you hear pinging or knock, reduce acceleration and seek premium fuel at the next opportunity.
- Check the owner's manual for the exact octane requirement and any ethanol content limits in your market.
In summary, the safe and recommended practice is to use premium gasoline as specified by Lexus for the ES 350. If a lower-octane fuel is used only briefly, return to premium at the earliest opportunity and monitor for any abnormal engine sounds or performance changes.
Regional and model-year variability
While the guidance above reflects typical ES 350 requirements, octane needs can vary slightly by year, market, or engine tuning. Always verify the exact specification for your car in the owner’s manual or on official Lexus support resources for your country or region.
Notes for owners
For most North American ES 350 models, premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. In other regions, the recommended octane may differ, so rely on the local manual and Lexus guidance.
Summary
The Lexus ES 350 should not be routinely run on 87 octane fuel. Use premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) as prescribed by Lexus for optimal performance and reliability. If you accidentally fill with 87, refuel with premium at your next opportunity and avoid aggressive driving until you’re back to the correct octane.
