Does a Lexus IS350 require premium gas?
The Lexus IS350 is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline (octane rating of 91 or higher) for optimal performance. In practice, using premium gasoline is strongly recommended, while regular gas is not advised on a daily basis. This article explains the fuel requirements, why they matter, and what to consider for different markets and model years.
Fuel octane requirements for the IS350
The IS350’s 3.5-liter V6 is a high-compression powerplant, and Lexus typically specifies premium gasoline to ensure peak performance and smooth operation. In most markets, the owner’s manual calls for premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. While some drivers may occasionally use lower-octane fuel in an emergency, regular use can lead to reduced power, throttle response, and in some cases engine knocking, particularly under heavy load or hot conditions.
Key considerations about octane for the IS350 are summarized here:
- Premium gasoline is recommended (octane 91 or higher). In the US this typically means 91 AKI or higher; many regional blends use 93 AKI as premium.
- Regular unleaded (87 octane in the US) is not recommended for regular operation and may cause reduced performance or knocking in some conditions.
- Mid-grade fuel (89–91 octane) might be tolerated in a pinch, but it is not the standard recommendation and could limit performance.
- Always consult the specific owner’s manual for your model year and market, as octane requirements can vary slightly by region.
In short, the IS350 is optimized for premium fuel, and routinely using regular gas is not advised if you want maximum performance and efficiency.
Model-year and market notes
Practical fueling tips
To stay aligned with Lexus recommendations, rely on premium gasoline and avoid regular fuel as the daily option. When possible, choose high-quality, top-tier fuels, especially in demanding driving conditions or hot weather. If you are unsure about the octane rating available at a local station, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Lexus dealer for guidance specific to your vehicle and market.
Summary
The Lexus IS350 is designed to run optimally on premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher). Regular fuel is not recommended for routine use, as it can impair performance and efficiency. Always verify the exact octane specification for your model year and market in the owner’s manual, and when in doubt, opt for premium fuel to protect engine performance and longevity.
What Lexus does not need premium gas?
Several Lexus models do not require premium gas, including the Lexus ES, ES Hybrid, and non-turbo RX models. Specific models like the CT 200h, ES 300h, and the 250 and 350 versions of the IS can also use regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. It is always best to consult your specific vehicle's owner's manual to confirm the correct fuel type.
Lexus models that generally accept regular unleaded gas
- ES models: This includes the ES 350, ES 300h, and newer ES 250 models.
- Non-turbocharged RX models: For example, the RX 350 does not require premium fuel and can run on 87 octane.
- Some IS models: The IS 250 and IS 300 can use regular unleaded fuel.
- CT 200h: This hybrid model is designed for regular unleaded fuel.
- NX 300h: The hybrid version of the NX can use regular fuel.
- UX 250h: This hybrid model can use regular 87-octane fuel.
Important considerations
- Check your manual: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the definitive answer for your specific model and year.
- Turbocharged vs. non-turbo: Turbocharged engines often require premium fuel for optimal performance and longevity, while their non-turbo counterparts typically do not.
- Hybrid models: For many Lexus hybrid models, such as the NX350h, premium fuel is recommended but not strictly necessary, though regular fuel can be used safely.
- Avoid lower-octane gas: Using a fuel grade lower than the minimum recommended octane (87) can lead to diminished performance and potential engine knocking.
- Check for additives: Avoid using fuel with high ethanol content (above 15%) or fuels containing methanol or MMT.
Do you have to put premium gas in a Lexus 350?
The 2024 Lexus RX's Gas Requirements
Whether your Lexus RX needs premium gas depends on its age. 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.
What happens if I use regular gas in a Lexus IS?
For one, too low grade gas leads to engine knocking, which can damage your engine in the long run. In addition, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty, which will cost you much more than your small savings at the pump.
What type of gas does a Lexus IS350 take?
premium gas
Most Lexus vehicles, particularly those with turbocharged or performance-focused engines, require premium gas. If you're driving any of these models, be sure to fill up with 91-octane or higher: Lexus IS (IS 300, IS 350, IS 500) Lexus LS (LS 500, LS 500h)
