Does an Acura require premium gas?
In most Acura models with turbocharged engines, premium fuel is required or strongly recommended to maintain peak performance. Some naturally aspirated engines can run on regular unleaded, but you should verify the exact requirement in your owner's manual. This guidance reflects Acura's current recommendations for the 2024-2025 lineup.
How Acura communicates fuel requirements
Interpreting the official guidance requires reading the owner's manual and the fuel door sticker. Below is a concise guide to how Acura expresses octane requirements across the lineup.
- Turbocharged engines such as the TLX 2.0L turbo, RDX 2.0L turbo, and MDX variants typically require premium unleaded gasoline and may warn that lower-octane fuel can reduce performance.
- High-performance variants like the TLX Type S and the NSX specify premium fuel to achieve peak output and protect the engine.
- Naturally aspirated or less aggressive engines may tolerate regular gasoline, but Acura often still recommends premium for best performance and efficiency on hot days or hard driving.
Bottom line: consult your model’s manual and the fuel door label for the definitive octane requirement.
What happens if you run regular gas in a turbo Acura?
Using regular gasoline in turbocharged Acura models can lead to noticeable drop in power, slower acceleration, and reduced throttle response. You may also encounter mild engine knocking under heavy load or heat, and fuel efficiency can suffer. The car’s engine management system will adapt timing to accommodate lower octane, which is why you may feel a difference in performance.
How octane choices translate to real-world driving
On a turbo engine, premium fuel helps keep the engine's timing and boost within design specs. Regular gas can cause the ECU to pull timing and limit boost, resulting in a less spirited drive, especially during demanding driving scenarios like highway passing or uphill climbs.
Practical steps to ensure you use the right fuel
To avoid guesswork, use these steps to confirm the required octane for your specific Acura model and year.
- Check the owner’s manual section on fuel requirements for your exact model/year.
- Look at the fuel-filler door sticker, which often lists the recommended octane (e.g., premium unleaded 91+).
- If you’re unsure, start with premium; if you experience pinging or reduced performance, consult your dealer or service bulletin for model-specific guidance.
Even if the car runs on regular temporarily, sticking to the recommended octane ensures you maintain performance and engine health over time.
Summary
Across Acura’s lineup, turbocharged and performance-focused models generally require or strongly recommend premium gasoline. Some naturally aspirated engines may tolerate regular fuel, but for best performance and to avoid knock, verify the exact requirement for your model in the owner’s manual and on the fuel door label. In short, premium is the safer default for most modern Acuras, especially if you drive a turbo or Type S variant.
