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Can you use 89 octane for Lexus?

No, you should not use 89 octane fuel in a Lexus vehicle. Lexus recommends using premium 91 octane or higher gasoline for optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.


Understanding Octane Ratings and Lexus Fuel Requirements


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 engines are designed to operate on premium 91 octane or higher gasoline. Using a lower octane fuel, such as 89 octane, can lead to engine knocking, reduced power, and potentially cause long-term damage to the engine over time. Lexus specifically recommends against using anything less than 91 octane fuel.


Consequences of Using 89 Octane in a Lexus



  • Engine knocking or pinging, which can damage engine components

  • Reduced fuel efficiency and power output

  • Potential long-term engine damage from prolonged use of improper fuel

  • Voiding of the vehicle's warranty if engine damage is determined to be caused by using the wrong fuel


To ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity, it's crucial to always use the premium fuel recommended by Lexus for your specific model. Consult your owner's manual or speak with a Lexus dealer if you have any questions about the proper fuel requirements for your vehicle.

Can I put 89 gas in my Lexus?


With that said, you're probably asking yourself, “Does Lexus require premium gas?” For most (but not all) of the Lexus lineup, the answer to that question is yes. Most Lexus models require you use at least 91 octane (premium) gasoline, while there are a few that can use 87 octane regular unleaded.



What if I accidentally put 87 instead of 89?


It shouldn't cause your vehicle any harm. The ECM (Engine Control Module) will compensate for the lower octane fuel. You might notice a drop in engine performance and possibly lower fuel economy; but nothing detrimental.



Which Lexus does not require premium gas?


A luxury vehicle like Lexus may need premium fuel, but the answer to these questions is actually model-specific. 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, so the Lexus gas type depends on the model.



Does 87 or 89 get better gas mileage?


The Federal Trade Commission recommends using regular gasoline for most standard cars and notes that: "In most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage, or run cleaner."



What octane rating for Lexus?


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



Is it OK to put 89 octane gas in my car?


Yes, it is generally safe to use 89 octane gasoline in a car that is rated for 87 octane. Here are a few points to consider: Engine Performance: If your car is designed to run on 87 octane, using 89 octane may not provide a noticeable performance improvement.



Is 89 the same as premium gas?


“Premium” Gas Can Vary By State
One state may require a minimum octane rating of 92 to be considered premium, while another may only require 90. Gas stations in the United States generally offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane), and premium (usually 91 or 93 gas).



What happens if I put 87 instead of 91?


What Happens If You Put the Wrong Octane of Gas In Your Car? If you have an old car that needs high-octane fuel, running 87 octane might make it start knocking before you can leave the gas station. It will sound bad and perform poorly, but even so, will probably escape permanent damage.



Can Lexus RX 350 run on regular gas?


The Lexus RX's Gas Requirements
Most 2024 and 2023 models require premium unleaded gas with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Models released between 2012 and 2022 use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. That means that while you can use premium gasoline in older RX models, it isn't required.



What happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91 in a Lexus?


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.