Does Acura require premium gas?
Yes, for most of Acura's turbocharged engines and high-performance variants, premium unleaded gasoline is required or strongly recommended. Always verify the exact fuel octane for your model-year in the owner's manual or on the fuel-filler door sticker.
Why octane matters for Acura
Octane rating measures a fuel's resistance to knocking. Acura engines—especially turbocharged and high-compression units—are tuned for higher-octane fuel to preserve power, efficiency, and engine longevity. Using regular gasoline can trigger knocking and reduce performance in these engines, and in some cases may cause the engine to pull timing or derate power.
Turbocharged and high-performance models
In the current lineup, turbocharged engines and high-performance variants generally require premium fuel (91 octane or higher). This includes models with turbocharged 2.0L engines and performance-focused variants.
- Turbocharged models such as the RDX (2.0L turbo) and TLX (2.0L turbo) typically specify premium gasoline in their manuals; premium is the standard for peak output.
- High-performance variants like the TLX Type S and the NSX require premium fuel to sustain boost and power.
Note: Always check your specific model-year documentation, as requirements can change between generations.
Non-turbo and other engines
Many non-turbo Acura engines still list premium as the recommended fuel, especially in newer generations. Some older or less powerful engines may tolerate regular gasoline, but you should expect reduced performance and potentially lower fuel economy if you do so.
- For models without turbocharged engines, Acura often lists premium fuel as recommended, not always strictly required. Always confirm with the owner's manual.
- If your vehicle's manual says "premium gasoline required," you must use premium to avoid warranty issues and risk of knocking.
The exact octane requirement is engine-specific and year-specific; verify with official documentation to avoid mismatches that could affect performance or warranty.
How to verify the exact requirement for your car
To confirm the octane requirement for your Acura, use these official references:
- Fuel door sticker: Many vehicles display the minimum octane rating on the inside of the fuel-filler door.
- Owner's manual or quick-start guide: The exact fuel specification is listed for your trim and year.
- Authorized dealer or Acura's official site: For model-specific guidance and any updates to requirements.
Following the official guidance ensures you meet warranty guidelines and maintain optimal performance.
Summary
In brief, Acura's fuel octane requirements are tied to engine design. Turbocharged and high-performance versions generally require premium gasoline (91 octane or higher), while some non-turbo models may list premium as recommended or required depending on the year. Always check the exact specification for your vehicle in the owner's manual or on the fuel door sticker to avoid engine knock, loss of performance, or warranty issues.
