Do Acura RDX need premium gas?
The short answer is yes, the Acura RDX requires premium gasoline. The Acura RDX is a luxury crossover SUV that is designed to run on high-octane fuel for optimal performance and efficiency.
Acura RDX Fuel Requirements
According to the Acura owner's manual, the recommended fuel for the Acura RDX is premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91. Acura specifically states that the use of regular gasoline is not recommended for the RDX, as it can cause engine knocking and reduced performance.
The Acura RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 272 horsepower. This high-performance engine requires the higher octane fuel to prevent premature ignition, also known as engine knocking or pinging. Using regular gasoline in the RDX can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, reduced power, and potential long-term damage to the engine.p>
Why Premium Fuel is Recommended
- Higher octane rating: Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, typically 91 or higher, compared to regular gasoline which is usually 87 octane. The higher octane helps prevent engine knocking in high-performance engines like the one in the Acura RDX.
- Improved engine performance: The higher octane fuel allows the engine to operate at higher compression ratios, resulting in more power and better acceleration.
- Better fuel efficiency: Premium fuel can improve fuel economy by a few percentage points compared to regular gas, helping to offset the higher cost per gallon.
- Reduced engine wear: The cleaner-burning properties of premium fuel can help reduce carbon buildup and engine deposits, extending the life of the engine.
While premium fuel is more expensive, it is the recommended and required fuel for the Acura RDX to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity of the engine. Using anything less than premium gasoline is not advised by Acura.
Which Acura models use regular 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!
Which 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!
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.
Does Acura RDX get good gas mileage?
Here are the estimated Acura RDX MPG ratings by package: Acura RDX – 21 city mpg / 27 highway mpg / 23 combined mpg*
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 I use regular gas in my Acura RDX?
According to Acura, the Acura NSX requires premium gas. 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.
Does the 2025 Acura RDX 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.
Can you put 87 in an Acura?
Acuras can operate with regular gas, however, you won't be able to unleash the full potential of your vehicle without a higher octane fuel.
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.
Is it bad if I put 89 instead of 87?
The primary consideration is whether your car requires premium gasoline. If it does, you should use 87-octane only in an emergency. Otherwise, you risk hurting your engine. If your vehicle doesn't require premium gasoline, 89-octane will work just fine.
