Does Lexus RX 350 2023 require premium gas?
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 is designed to run best on premium gasoline, with an octane rating of 91 or higher, to deliver optimal power and efficiency. Regular 87 octane can be used in a pinch, but expect reduced performance and fuel economy.
For potential buyers and current owners, understanding the RX 350’s fuel requirements matters, especially since the vehicle shares a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that benefits from higher-octane fuel. Lexus expressly outlines premium fuel as the recommended option to maintain peak performance.
Fuel requirements for the 2023 RX 350
Key guidelines and expectations for octane and performance are summarized in the following points.
- Recommended octane: Premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher for optimal performance and efficiency.
- What happens if you use regular 87 octane: The engine's knock-sensing system may retard timing to prevent knocking, which can reduce horsepower, throttle response, and fuel economy.
- Longer-term considerations: Consistently using lower-octane fuel can lead to diminished performance and driving experience, especially during acceleration or turbo boost.
In short, sticking with premium gasoline aligns with Lexus's guidance for the RX 350’s turbocharged powertrain, ensuring the vehicle delivers its advertised performance and efficiency.
Practical fueling guidance
To help drivers follow the fuel recommendations, here are practical tips for purchasing and maintaining fuel quality.
- Use the octane grade specified in the owner's manual or on the fuel door sticker, preferably 91 octane or higher.
- Seek top-tier or high-quality gasoline from reputable stations to minimize intake of ethanol and contaminants that can affect turbo engines.
- If premium isn’t available occasionally, fill with the highest octane available and avoid aggressive driving until you can refuel with 91+.
Note: This guidance is intended to help maintain peak performance; always refer to your owner’s manual for region-specific fuel recommendations and any updates from Lexus.
Summary
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 performs best on premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. While 87 octane can be used temporarily, it typically results in reduced power, slower acceleration, and lower fuel efficiency. For optimal performance and the long-term health of the turbocharged engine, plan to fuel with premium gas and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in the owner’s manual.
What kind of gas does a 2023 Lexus RX 350 take?
The 2023 Lexus RX 350 requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using a lower-octane fuel may cause engine knocking, decreased performance, and could potentially void your warranty.
- Required fuel: Premium unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher.
- Why it's required: The turbocharged engine in the RX 350 is designed for the higher octane fuel to prevent pre-ignition (knocking) and ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Consequences of using lower octane: Using regular (87 octane) gas can lead to performance issues and damage the engine over time. It may also void your vehicle's warranty.
Does 2023 Lexus IS 350 require premium gas?
Most Lexus vehicles, particularly those with turbocharged or performance-focused engines, require premium gas. If you're driving any of these models, be sure to fill up with 91-octane or higher: Lexus IS (IS 300, IS 350, IS 500) Lexus LS (LS 500, LS 500h)
What happens if you use regular gas in a Lexus RX 350?
If gasoline with an octane rating of lower than 87 is used, it could lead to engine knocking noises. Consistent use of gasoline below this rating could lead to engine issues. Be sure you're using the right gas for your RX.
What Lexus does not need 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.
