Does Lexus LS 500 require premium gas?
Yes. The LS 500 is designed to run on premium unleaded gasoline, and using regular fuel can lead to reduced performance, especially under load. Always consult the owner's manual for the exact octane specification for your market and model year.
The LS 500 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 whose boost and timing are tuned for higher-octane fuel. Higher octane helps preserve power delivery, responsiveness, and efficiency, particularly in a turbocharged setup. Because octane recommendations can vary by region and market, the baseline guidance remains premium fuel for this model.
Fuel octane requirements by market
To help drivers understand regional differences, here is a general guide to octane expectations by market. Always defer to the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle VIN.
- North America (US/Canada): Premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 AKI; higher-octane options (often 93 AKI) are commonly available and recommended for optimal performance.
- Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific: Premium petrol with higher-octane ratings such as 95–98 RON is typically recommended for turbocharged engines; check the local manual for exact guidance.
- Other markets: Follow the local Lexus specification published in the owner's manual; octane standards vary by fuel grade availability.
Note: If premium fuel is temporarily unavailable, use the highest-octane fuel you can obtain and schedule a return to premium as soon as possible. Avoid ethanol-heavy blends that exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations and refrain from using fuels outside the approved specification for your model year.
Practical fueling guidance
Practical steps to ensure you meet the LS 500's fuel requirements and maintain performance:
- Always use premium unleaded gasoline that meets the octane specification for your region.
- Avoid mixing fuels with ethanol contents beyond what the manual allows.
- If you notice knocking, reduced power, or sluggish throttle response, refuel with higher-octane fuel and consult a dealer if the issue persists.
Adhering to these guidelines helps preserve the LS 500’s turbocharged performance, throttle response, and efficiency, while minimizing the risk of engine knock. Returning to premium fuel as soon as possible is strongly advised after using lower-octane options.
Summary
The Lexus LS 500 is designed to run on premium gasoline. Its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 relies on higher octane to deliver the advertised power and smooth operation, and using regular fuel can reduce performance. Always follow the octane specification in your owner’s manual for your market, and switch back to premium fuel as soon as you can if you temporarily use a lower-octane option.
What kind of gas does a Lexus LS 500 take?
The Lexus LS 500 requires premium 91-octane unleaded gasoline for optimal performance. Using this high-octane fuel is recommended to ensure the engine performs at its best and to maintain its long-term health.
- Fuel Grade: Premium 91-octane unleaded gasoline.
- Reason: The engine is designed for premium fuel to achieve its peak performance, efficiency, and longevity.
- Note: While the engine may run on lower-grade gasoline, it is not recommended for regular use, as it could lead to reduced performance and potential long-term issues.
What happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91 in a Lexus?
If you accidentally put 87 octane instead of 91 in a Lexus, your car will likely experience a loss of power and performance, and you may hear engine knocking or pinging. Modern Lexus models have knock sensors that adjust the engine's timing to prevent damage from lower octane fuel, but this reduces power. While a single tank is unlikely to cause serious damage, it's best to avoid heavy acceleration and fill up with the correct 91+ octane fuel as soon as possible to dilute the lower-octane gas.
What to expect
- Reduced performance: The engine may feel sluggish, with slower acceleration and reduced power output.
- Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling or pinging sound that occurs when the fuel detonates prematurely, especially under acceleration or when going uphill.
- Lower fuel efficiency: You may visit the gas station more frequently, which could negate any short-term savings on fuel.
- Potential for damage (older vehicles): Older Lexus models may not have the same sophisticated knock sensors. Repeatedly using 87 octane in a car that requires 91 can lead to engine damage over time.
What to do
- Avoid heavy acceleration: Drive gently to prevent the engine from knocking.
- Fill up with premium fuel: When your tank is low, fill it with the correct 91+ octane gas. This will dilute the remaining 87 octane fuel.
- Monitor your engine: Pay attention to any persistent knocking or changes in performance.
- Consult your owner's manual: Check the manual for the specific octane requirement of your Lexus model.
- Seek professional help if needed: If the knocking continues after filling up with premium gas, have a mechanic check the knock sensors and ignition timing.
What gas does a Lexus IS500 take?
| Model Year | Model(s) | Recommended Minimum Octane Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | GX 460, IS 300, IS 350, IS 500, LC 500, LC 500C, LC 500h, LS 500, LS 500h, LX 600, NX 350, NX 450h+, RC 300, RC 350, RC F, RX 450h | 91 |
| ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, NX 250, RX 350, UX 200, UX 250h | 87 | |
| NX 350h | 91 (recommended) or 87 (minimum) |
Which Lexus models do not require premium gas?
Several Lexus models do not require premium gas, including the Lexus ES 350, RX 350 (older models), NX 250 (some model years), and hybrid models like the UX 250h and NX 350h/450h+ (where premium is recommended but not required). To confirm the correct fuel for a specific vehicle, always check the owner's manual or the vehicle's fuel-door label.
Models that typically use regular unleaded (87 octane)
- Lexus CT 200h
- Lexus ES 300h and ES 350
- Lexus HS 250h
- Lexus NX 250 (some model years)
- Lexus NX 300h (older models)
- Lexus RX 350 (models from approximately 2012-2022)
- Lexus UX 250h (some model years)
Models where premium is recommended but not required
- Some hybrid models, such as the NX 350h and NX 450h+, can use regular gas, but using premium is recommended for optimal performance and to prevent potential engine knocking.
How to be certain
- Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle.
- Look at the fuel door: The required fuel type is often listed inside the fuel-filler door.
