Does Acura ILX take regular or premium gas?
The Acura ILX typically runs on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane); premium fuel is not required for normal operation.
Across its model years, the ILX has been designed to operate on standard gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. This article explains the official guidance, what you might expect in practice, and how it applies to different ILX configurations.
Fuel requirements for the ILX
Here is a concise breakdown of the octane options you can use in most ILX models.
- Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI (or higher) is the standard recommendation for most ILX engines.
- Premium gasoline (typically 91–93 octane) is allowed but not required; it may be used if you prefer, though it generally does not provide a noticeable performance gain in standard ILX engines.
- Always refer to your specific model year and engine in the owner's manual, as there can be minor variations or recommendations for unusual driving conditions.
In everyday driving, regular fuel will meet the ILX’s needs. Premium remains optional and is primarily a matter of personal preference or particular driving circumstances.
Notes by model year and engine
Engine options and octane guidance
Historically, the ILX has offered different inline-four engines (notably a 2.0L and a 2.4L). Acura’s official guidance for these engines has consistently indicated that regular gasoline is sufficient, with premium being optional rather than required. Always confirm with the exact owner’s manual for your year and trim to ensure you follow the recommended octane for your specific configuration.
Practical tips for ILX owners
- If you notice persistent knocking or pinging under load, check the service notes and consider consulting a technician; while premium is not generally required, some drivers in certain climates or with specific tuning may opt for higher-octane fuel per manual guidance.
- Keep your fuel system clean and use quality gasoline to avoid deposits that can affect engine performance over time.
- When in doubt, start with regular 87 octane and only switch to premium if the manual explicitly recommends it for your year/model or if you have a reason to do so based on driving conditions.
Bottom line: Regular gas is the baseline recommendation for most Acura ILX models, with premium fuel as an optional choice rather than a requirement.
Summary
The Acura ILX is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) in most configurations. Premium fuel is not required and usually does not yield a meaningful performance boost for standard ILX engines. Always verify the fuel recommendation for your exact model year and engine in the owner's manual to ensure optimal operation.
