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Do Acura MDX require premium gas?

The short answer is no, the Acura MDX does not require premium gasoline. The Acura MDX is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which is the recommended fuel type for this luxury SUV. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when it comes to the fuel requirements for the Acura MDX.


Fuel Recommendations for the Acura MDX


According to the Acura owner's manual, the recommended fuel for the Acura MDX is regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Acura specifically states that premium fuel (91 octane or higher) is not required for the MDX. 1 This means that you can safely use regular gasoline in your Acura MDX without any issues.


That said, Acura does note that using premium fuel can provide some benefits, such as slightly improved performance and fuel economy. However, these benefits are relatively minor, and the difference in cost between regular and premium fuel may not justify the upgrade for most drivers.


Potential Consequences of Using Premium Fuel


If you do choose to use premium fuel in your Acura MDX, there is no harm in doing so. The engine is designed to accommodate both regular and premium gasoline. However, using premium fuel when regular is recommended will not provide any significant performance or fuel economy gains. 2 It will simply result in higher fuel costs without any tangible benefits.


Conclusion


In summary, the Acura MDX is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. While premium fuel can be used, it is not required and will not provide any significant advantages over regular fuel. For most Acura MDX owners, the recommended and cost-effective choice is to use regular unleaded gasoline.

What gas can I put in an Acura MDX?


For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended. So, does Acura require premium gas? Only some models, not all — our service department recommends using higher octane gas in Acura for a few reasons.



Will regular gas ruin my premium car?


However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine.



Can you put 87 gas in a Acura?


If you want to experience the full performance potential of your new Acura, it's best to opt for premium gas. Your luxury vehicle is still able to run on lower-octane or regular gas, but with this type of fuel, you won't be able to see all that it can do.



What happens if I don't use premium gas in my Acura?


When you fill your Acura's fuel tank with a lower octane level than is recommended, you'll experience pre-ignition (also known as engine knocking). Pre-ignition negatively affects your fuel economy and can damage your pistons or cylinder walls over time.



What happens if I accidentally put regular gas in my Acura?


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.



Can you use regular gas in an Acura MDX?


No, but Acura recommends it. You can certainly use regular gasoline in your MDX.



What Acura does not require premium gas?


The majority of the Acura lineup can safely use regular gasoline in a pinch, but there are good reasons to opt for premium anyway. The only model that requires the upgrade is the Acura NSX. But, premium is recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX. Find out why with Rallye Acura in Roslyn!



Can you use 89 octane in Acura MDX?


Recommended means that Acura recommends you use a minimum of 91-octane premium unleaded fuel. Using this recommended Acura fuel type will allow you to enjoy maximized performance and efficiency during your drives.



What happens if you mix 87 and 91 gas?


Yes, drivers can mix the two types of fuel. The combined gas types will result in an octane level somewhere in the middle — something the vehicle “will survive,” according to The Drive.



Does the 2024 Acura MDX require premium gas?


According to Acura, premium gas is required for the Acura NSX, and it's recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX. The answer to the question, “Do all Acuras require premium gas?” is no — but it's recommended that you use a higher-octane fuel in your Acura for several reasons.


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.