Does Lexus use premium vs regular gas?

Yes, for most Lexus models with turbocharged or high‑compression engines, premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) is recommended or required. Some models, especially hybrids and naturally aspirated engines, can run on regular fuel, but premium is often advised for optimal performance.

How octane guidance applies across the lineup

The following overview helps distinguish which engine types typically need premium and which can run on regular. Note that exact requirements can vary by model year and market, so always check the owner’s manual or the fuel-filler label on your car.

• Premium typically required: turbocharged engines and high‑compression powertrains. Using premium (91 octane or higher) helps prevent knocking and preserves advertised performance and efficiency.


• Regular acceptable: naturally aspirated gasoline engines and many hybrid powertrains can run on regular 87 octane; however, some variants may still benefit from premium for peak performance or efficiency, and certain markets may specify premium only.

In practice, if you own a turbo Lexus model or a high‑performance trim, expect to use premium; if you own a hybrid or a non‑turbo base engine, regular is commonly acceptable, but always verify with your model-year’s manual.

Practical tips and regional notes

To navigate octane guidance accurately, consider these notes and steps.

• Check your specific model-year guidance in the owner's manual or on the fuel-filler door label; Lexus can update recommendations between generations.


• In the United States, premium commonly refers to 91 AKI or higher; in Europe and other regions, octane is listed as RON and varies by market.


• If you accidentally fill with regular on a premium‑requiring engine, your car will protect itself using knock sensors, potentially reducing power; switch back to premium as soon as possible for best performance.

For driving in demanding conditions (hot climates, towing, or spirited driving), premium fuel is more likely to deliver the advertised performance on turbo and high‑compression engines.

Summary

Ultimately, Lexus guidance favors premium unleaded gasoline for turbocharged and high‑compression engines, while many hybrids and naturally aspirated gasoline engines can operate on regular gas. Always follow the model-year‑specific recommendations in the owner’s manual or fuel label to ensure reliability and performance.

Which Lexus does 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. 

Can I put 87 gas in my Lexus IS?

2021 Lexus IS 300: Effects of Using Lower Octane Fuel
IS 300 may experience engine knocking and reduced performance when using lower octane fuel than recommended. Using 87 octane instead of the required 91 can cause engine knocking due to premature combustion.

Does the 2025 Lexus need premium gas?

2025 Lexus NX 350h: Luxury and Efficiency
While it performs optimally with premium unleaded fuel, its sophisticated hybrid system delivers exceptional fuel economy regardless of fuel grade.

Can I use regular gas instead of premium in Lexus?

You can only use regular gas if your Lexus model's owner's manual specifies it, otherwise using regular gas instead of the recommended premium can damage the engine over time and may void your warranty. Most Lexus models require premium (91 octane) fuel, especially high-performance or turbocharged ones. 
If your Lexus requires premium gas

• Engine damage: You risk engine knocking, which is uncontrolled self-combustion that can lead to long-term damage. 
• Voided warranty: Using the wrong fuel can void your warranty, leaving you responsible for costly repairs. 
• Reduced performance: Your car may underperform, and fuel economy could suffer. 

How to check your fuel requirement

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information. 
• Consult a dealership: A staff member at a Lexus dealership can tell you the correct fuel for your specific vehicle. 
• Check the fuel door or cap: Some vehicles have this information printed on the inside of the fuel door or cap. 

Examples of Lexus models that require premium vs. regular 

• Premium Required (91 octane):
  • Most performance trims (e.g., RC F, IS F) 
  • Turbo models (e.g., GS 200t) 
  • Some models like the NX 350, RX 350 
• Regular Acceptable (87 octane):
  • Certain models like the ES 250, ES 350, and UX 200 
  • Hybrid models such as the ES 300h