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Do all Lexus RX 350 require premium gas?

The short answer is no, not all Lexus RX 350 models require premium gasoline. The fuel requirement for the Lexus RX 350 can vary depending on the specific model year and engine configuration.


Fuel Requirements for the Lexus RX 350


The Lexus RX 350 is a popular luxury crossover SUV that has been in production since 2003. Over the years, Lexus has made several updates and changes to the RX 350, including the engine and fuel requirements.



  • 2003-2009 Lexus RX 350 models: These earlier RX 350 models are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane).

  • 2010-2015 Lexus RX 350 models: Lexus recommends the use of premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for these model years.

  • 2016-present Lexus RX 350 models: Lexus again recommends the use of premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for the latest generation of RX 350 models.

It's important to note that while Lexus recommends premium fuel for the 2010 and newer RX 350 models, the vehicle can still operate on regular unleaded gasoline. However, using regular fuel may result in a slight decrease in performance, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity compared to using the recommended premium fuel.


Reasons for Premium Fuel Recommendation


The primary reason Lexus recommends premium gasoline for the 2010 and newer RX 350 models is due to the engine's higher compression ratio and advanced technology. These engines are designed to take advantage of the higher octane rating of premium fuel, which helps prevent engine knocking and improves overall performance.


Additionally, the use of premium fuel can help maintain the engine's efficiency and longevity, as well as reduce emissions. Lexus engineers have optimized the RX 350's engine to perform best with premium gasoline, so it's generally recommended to follow the manufacturer's fuel requirements for the best driving experience and long-term engine health.

What happens if I put 87 instead of 91?


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 put regular gas in a Lexus RX 350?


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.



Which Lexus SUV uses regular gas?


Lexus SUVs

  • 2022 Lexus UX 200 Fuel Requirement: Premium 91-octane unleaded.
  • 2022 Lexus UX 250h Fuel Requirement: Regular 87-octane unleaded.
  • 2022 Lexus NX 250 Fuel Requirement: Regular 87-octane unleaded.
  • 2022 Lexus NX 350 Fuel Requirement: Premium 91-octane unleaded.



Which Lexus models do not require premium gas?


Lexus ES

  • 2022 Lexus ES 250 Fuel Requirement: Regular 87-octane unleaded.
  • 2022 Lexus ES 350 Fuel Requirement: Regular 87-octane unleaded.
  • 2022 Lexus ES 300h Fuel Requirement: Regular 87-octane unleaded.



Do any luxury SUVs take regular gas?


So, do all luxury cars require premium gas? The short answer is no. Luxury vehicles would only need premium gas if equipped with a high-performance or turbocharged engine.



Can I put regular gas in premium Lexus IS 350?


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.



Can you mix 87 and 91 gas?


Typically you'll want to stick to the gas that is recommended for your own vehicle, but you may be wondering what happens if you mix premium and regular gas? It depends on the situation, but mixing regular and premium gas is typically not detrimental to newer engines.



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


If you use regular gas, the high-compression engine may become more likely to detonate. While one fill-up with regular gas isn't expected to cause long-term damage, this repeated habit can lead to the need of severe repairs or an entire engine replacement.



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


Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than what is listed for your model year vehicle could potentially result in engine knocking. If the octane rating used is less than required, damage to the engine may occur and which could void the vehicle warranty.



Is it worth putting 91 instead of 87?


Does Premium Fuel Make Your Car Run Better? Some drivers swear that using a higher-octane fuel is better for a car's performance, but it's not. Engine computers can usually adjust their timing to account for the increased octane levels, so if you put premium gas in a regular car, you probably won't notice anything.


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.