Does a 2014 Acura TL require premium gas?
No—The 2014 Acura TL does not require premium gasoline. It runs on regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 or higher, and using premium is optional rather than mandatory. In typical daily driving, regular gasoline is adequate, while premium may offer marginal gains in specific scenarios.
What the owner's manual says
Official guidance from Acura’s owner’s manual covers octane requirements and fuel options for the TL. Understanding these details helps drivers choose fuel confidently.
- Minimum fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 (often labeled 87 AKI).
- Premium fuel: Higher-octane gasoline (91–93) is not required, but you may use it if you prefer or if you operate under conditions that might benefit from higher octane.
- Ethanol content: The TL is designed to run on gasoline containing typical ethanol blends up to E10; avoid fuels with unusually high ethanol content beyond the vehicle’s specification.
In practice, most TL owners will fill with regular 87-octane fuel. Premium can be used but is unnecessary for most daily driving.
When to choose premium gas
Consider these scenarios when deciding whether to use premium gasoline in your TL.
- Hot climates or heavy towing/loads that increase engine knock risk.
- High-altitude or high-performance driving where maximum engine timing may benefit from higher octane.
- If you notice knocking or pinging with regular gas, or if the engine’s knock sensor retards timing, switching to premium may restore smooth operation.
- Your owner’s manual or dealer may recommend premium for certain trims or if you drive aggressively on a regular basis.
For most daily use, regular gasoline is sufficient and cost-effective unless you frequently encounter the situations above.
Engine options and octane considerations
Overview of the 2014 TL powertrain options and a note on octane expectations across the lineup.
- 2014 TL standard engine: 3.5-liter V6, designed to run on regular 87-octane gasoline; premium is not required.
- Earlier TL Type-S variant: A 3.7-liter V6 with higher output existed in prior generations and generally benefited from premium fuel.
- Regional and model-year differences may apply; always verify the fuel recommendation for your exact VIN with the owner’s manual or dealer.
Bottom line: For the 2014 TL you own, you almost certainly can use regular gas; premium is optional and typically not necessary unless you operate in conditions that could benefit from higher octane or your vehicle’s specific instructions call for it.
Summary
The 2014 Acura TL does not require premium gas. Regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline meets its basic fuel specification, with higher-octane premium fuel available for potential performance or knock-prevention benefits under certain conditions. Always confirm your vehicle’s exact requirements in the owner’s manual or with a dealer, especially if you own a special or earlier TL variant.
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 kind of gas does a 2014 Acura TL take?
The 2014 Acura TL requires premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91. While the engine can run on lower-octane fuel, doing so is not recommended and can lead to decreased performance and potential long-term engine damage. Using 91 octane or higher ensures optimal performance and protects the high-compression engine from pre-ignition or "knock".
- Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher).
- Why it's recommended: The 2014 TL's high-compression engine is designed for premium fuel to prevent pre-ignition (knock) and achieve its full performance potential.
- What happens with lower octane: Using lower-octane gas (like 87) may result in decreased engine performance and efficiency. While a modern knock sensor can compensate for some variation, long-term use of regular gas could cause engine damage.
What happens if I put 87 in my Acura?
Possible Engine Knocking: Lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking (a knocking sound), which can be damaging over time. Lower Fuel Efficiency: Regular gas may not burn as efficiently as premium fuel, which can cause lower miles per gallon (MPG).
What happens if I put regular gas in my Acura TL?
Acura cars and SUVs are designed to get the best performance possible. With many now incorporating turbochargers, higher compression, and variable timing, regular-grade gas can cause pinging. Pinging, or spark knock, happens when fuel detonates before the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.
