Does Acura TLX A-Spec require premium gas?
Yes. The TLX A-Spec's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) to deliver its advertised performance.
This article explains the fuel requirements for the A-Spec, why premium is recommended, what happens if you use regular, and how this differs from higher-performance TLX variants.
Fuel requirements for the TLX A-Spec
The A-Spec uses Acura's turbocharged 2.0L engine. Acura's official guidance specifies premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to maintain power, responsiveness, and engine safety. Using premium helps the engine avoid knocking and preserves turbo performance.
Always verify the exact octane specification in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for your model year and market, as recommendations can vary by region and edition.
Key considerations:
- Premium gasoline with 91 octane or higher is recommended for the 2.0-liter turbo engine in the TLX A-Spec.
- Regular gasoline (87 octane) is not recommended for sustained use in this turbocharged engine and may reduce performance or cause knocking if used frequently.
- Higher-octane fuels (such as 93 octane where available) are compatible and may offer marginal performance benefits, though 91 octane is the standard requirement.
In brief, premium fuel is the standard recommendation for the TLX A-Spec to preserve performance and engine longevity. Check your owner’s manual for the exact octane specification for your year and market.
Other considerations
Turbocharged engines like the TLX A-Spec are more sensitive to octane, heat, and fuel quality. Acura’s calibration assumes premium fuel for optimal ignition timing and boost. Ethanol content is another factor, and you should follow the manual’s guidance on acceptable fuel blends.
For buyers considering the TLX lineup, the performance-focused TLX Type S typically requires higher-octane fuel (often 93 octane) to support its higher boost and tuning. The standard TLX A-Spec’s 2.0L engine is tuned for 91 octane or higher.
Conclusion
Bottom line: If you own or are shopping for a TLX A-Spec, plan to use premium gasoline (91 octane or higher). This aligns with the engine’s turbocharged design and helps ensure consistent performance. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or ask a dealer for the exact specification for your model year and market.
Summary
Summary: The TLX A-Spec's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine requires premium fuel—91 octane or higher—for best performance and reliability. Regular gas may run in a pinch but is not recommended for sustained use. Always confirm year- and region-specific guidance in the manual.
What happens if you put regular gas in an Acura TLX?
You'll be safe on our Cherry Hill roads using regular gas in these automobiles. However, the engines in these models are designed for optimal performance when high-octane fuel is used. In other words, you'll get the best performance from these engines when you use premium gas.
Is the Acura TLX a spec good on gas?
The base 2022 TLX trim gets up to 22mpg in the city and 31 miles per gallon highway. If a 4-cylinder TLX trim level is configured with SH-AWD, its fuel efficiency will drop slightly to 21 miles per gallon city and 29 highway mpg.
What Acura models do 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 type of gas does an Acura TLX a spec take?
premium gas
For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended.
