Does Lexus use 91 or 93?

Lexus typically requires premium gasoline rated at 91 octane (AKI) or higher in the United States, with some high-performance engines calling for 93 AKI for maximum performance. In Europe and other regions, fuel is quoted in RON (usually 95 RON or higher). Always check your owner’s manual or the fuel-label on the fuel door for your exact model.

Understanding this question means unpacking how octane ratings work, why higher octane matters for certain engines, and how requirements differ by market and model. The following guide outlines the general rules, market variations, and practical tips to keep your Lexus running smoothly.

Market-by-market guidance

The following summarizes typical minimum octane recommendations by market:

• United States and Canada: Premium unleaded gasoline, typically 91 octane (AKI); many engines perform best on 93 AKI for peak power and smoothness.


• Europe and the United Kingdom: Premium petrol with a minimum of 95 RON; some high-performance variants may specify 97–98 RON for maximum output.


• Asia-Pacific and other regions: Local specs vary, but premium grades commonly range from about 95 to 98 RON (or equivalent AKI); always refer to regional Lexus documentation or the owner’s manual.

In summary, the exact octane requirement depends on the model and market. Always verify the official specification for your vehicle to ensure proper fueling and performance.

Model-specific nuances

Beyond broad market guidelines, some Lexus engines—especially higher-performance or turbocharged variants—demand higher-octane fuel to deliver the rated power and to prevent knocking. In contrast, standard gasoline engines and many hybrids are designed around premium-grade fuel but may offer marginal gains from using the next-higher octane in certain conditions.

• High-performance engines (such as certain F Performance or turbocharged variants): Often require 93 AKI (or 97–98 RON in Europe) to maximize performance and avoid knock under boost.


• Standard gasoline and hybrid engines: Generally aligned with 91 AKI; using 93 AKI can provide slight performance or efficiency benefits, but 91 AKI is typically within spec for normal operation.


• Regional differences: Some markets label octane as AKI (US) or RON (Europe). When in doubt, follow the label in your fuel door or the exact specification in the owner’s manual.

Bottom line: follow the octane spec printed for your exact model and market. Using a lower grade than recommended can reduce performance and, in some engines, provoke knocking.

Practical fueling tips

To help ensure you’re using the right fuel and avoiding common pitfalls, consider these steps:

• Always check the fuel type label inside the fuel door or the owner’s manual for the required octane rating.


• Stick to the recommended octane. If you’re in a pinch and the engine allows it, you may opt for the next-higher grade, but avoid dropping to a lower grade than specified.


• Use reputable gasoline brands and, if possible, premium-grade fuel that meets regional standards (for example, 95 RON or higher in Europe, 91 AKI or higher in the U.S.).


• If you accidentally refuel with a lower-octane grade and hear knocking or experience reduced performance, stop driving and refuel with the proper grade as soon as possible; persistent issues should be checked by a dealer.

Following the official octane specification helps preserve engine performance, efficiency, and longevity across Lexus models.

Summary

Across most Lexus models, premium gasoline with 91 octane (AKI) or higher is the standard baseline in the United States, with some engines requiring 93 AKI for peak performance. In Europe, the minimum is typically around 95 RON, with higher-ronne variants used for certain engines. Always confirm the exact requirement for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the fuel-door label.

Does Lexus take 91 or 93 gas?

With that said, you're probably asking yourself, “Does Lexus require premium gas?” For most (but not all) of the Lexus lineup, the answer to that question is yes. Most Lexus models require you use at least 91 octane (premium) gasoline, while there are a few that can use 87 octane regular unleaded.

Which gas for Lexus RX 350?

The Lexus RX 350 gas type depends on the model year: most models from 2012-2022 can use regular 87-octane unleaded gas, while 2023 and newer models generally require premium 91-octane or higher. However, always check your vehicle's owner's manual or the fuel door for the specific requirement for your model year. 
Model year requirements

• 2023 and newer: Typically require premium 91-octane unleaded gasoline. 
• 2012–2022: Can use regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. 
• Before 2012: Many models require premium gas, but it's best to check the owner's manual. 

Important considerations

• Ethanol content: Whichever fuel type you use, make sure it has no more than 15% ethanol. 
• Check your vehicle: Always consult your owner's manual or the fuel door for the most accurate information for your specific vehicle. 

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. 

Are 91 and 93 the same?

No, 91 and 93 octane fuels are not the same; 93 is a higher octane than 91, which means it can better resist knocking and detonation, and is generally recommended for high-performance or high-compression engines. While many drivers won't notice a significant difference, a 93 octane rating can lead to small performance improvements, particularly under heavy load, in hot weather, or for turbocharged/supercharged engines.
 
Key differences

• Knock resistance: 93 octane has a higher resistance to premature detonation (knocking), which is important for engines with high compression ratios. 
• Performance: If your car's manufacturer recommends 93 octane, using 91 might cause the engine to reduce power to prevent knocking. Using 93 can provide a more responsive and consistent performance, especially under stress. 
• Availability: 91 octane is more common in some regions like the Western United States, while 93 octane is more common in others, such as the Eastern United States. 
• Ethanol content: Sometimes, 91 octane fuel is more likely to be ethanol-free, while higher octane fuels may contain ethanol, which can lower energy density and affect fuel mileage. However, the impact varies depending on the specific blend. 

How to decide which to use

• Check your owner's manual: Always follow your car's specific recommendation, which can usually be found in the owner's manual or on the fuel door. 
• Listen to your engine: If you notice "pinging" or "knocking" noises when accelerating with 91 octane, switch to 93 to see if the sound disappears. 
• Consider your driving conditions: If you frequently drive in hot weather or put your car under heavy load (like towing), 93 octane may offer better performance and prevent engine knocking. 
• Don't overthink it: If your car runs smoothly on 91 and doesn't require 93, the difference may be negligible for your needs.