Loading

Does a Acura need premium gas?

The short answer is that most Acura models recommend the use of premium gasoline, but it is not always strictly required. The specific fuel requirements can vary depending on the Acura model and engine type.


Acura Fuel Requirements Explained


Acura is a luxury vehicle brand owned by Honda, and their vehicles are designed to perform optimally with premium fuel (91 octane or higher). The majority of Acura models, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars, have engines that are tuned for premium gasoline. Using regular 87 octane fuel in an Acura that requires premium can potentially cause issues like reduced engine performance, lower fuel efficiency, and even long-term damage to the engine over time.


However, it's important to note that there are a few Acura models that can run on regular 87 octane fuel without any major problems. These include some of the brand's entry-level models, such as the ILX and TLX sedans with the base 2.4-liter engine. Acura's owner's manuals will clearly specify the recommended fuel grade for each model and engine.


Potential Consequences of Using Regular Fuel in an Acura



  • Reduced engine performance: Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which allows the engine to run at higher compression ratios and produce more power. Using regular fuel can result in a noticeable decrease in acceleration and overall performance.

  • Lower fuel efficiency: The engine may not be able to operate as efficiently on regular fuel, leading to reduced fuel economy.

  • Risk of engine damage: In high-performance Acura models with turbocharged or high-compression engines, using regular fuel can cause knocking or pinging, which can eventually lead to serious engine damage over time.


While it is possible to use regular 87 octane fuel in some Acura models without immediate consequences, it is generally recommended to follow the manufacturer's fuel grade recommendations to ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term engine health. Consulting the owner's manual or contacting an Acura dealer is the best way to determine the specific fuel requirements for your Acura model.

Why does Acura recommend premium fuel?


Many of these cars and SUVs feature turbocharged or supercharged engines, which use a higher compression ratio. That's why high-octane — or premium — gas is recommended instead of regular fuel for most Acura models and required for the Acura NSX to get you from Sunnyvale to Belmont.



Can you put 87 gas in an Acura RDX?


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.



Do Acuras hold their value?


Acura vehicles are renowned for retaining their value, and experiencing less depreciation compared to other brands. Discover what makes Acura vehicles a smart investment below.



Is Acura good on gas?


Acura MPG Ratings: Cars
Acura Integra MPG – 30 mpg city / 37 mpg highway / 33 combined* Acura TLX MPG – 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined*



What happens if you accidentally put regular gas instead of premium in an Acura?


An Acura spokesperson referred us to the TLX's owner's manual, which states, “Use of lower-octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine performance.”



What happens if you put 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.



What happens if I use 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.



Is it OK to put regular gas in a premium car?


If your car requires premium to run smoothly, but you aren't able to find a station with premium gasoline, it won't hurt to top off with regular gasoline. You do want to avoid running on regular gasoline for extended periods of time.



Can you put regular gas in an Acura?


If you're curious to know, “do all Acuras require premium gas?” the short answer is no. Acura engineers require only the Acura NSX is fueled with premium gasoline.



Can an Acura MDX use regular gas?


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


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.