Does the 2013 Acura Ilx require premium gas?
On the 2013 ILX, fuel requirements depend on the engine: the base 2.0-liter i-VTEC can run on regular 87-octane gasoline, while the available 2.4-liter i-VTEC is designed to run on premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) to meet its performance specifications.
Engine options and octane guidance
The 2013 ILX was offered with two four-cylinder engines. Here is how the octane recommendations break down by engine choice.
- 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine, base model: Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is acceptable. Premium gasoline is not required for normal operation, and using higher-octane fuel does not generally increase power on this engine.
- 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, added option: Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) is recommended to achieve the engine’s designed performance and efficiency. Running on regular gasoline may result in reduced performance and potential knocking under heavy load.
Availability of the 2.4-liter engine varied by market and model year in the ILX lineup; not all 2013 ILX models included the 2.4L option in every region. If your car has the 2.4L engine, follow the premium fuel recommendation; if it has the 2.0L engine, regular fuel is fine.
Practical considerations
In everyday driving, using the appropriate octane helps the engine maintain optimal timing and performance. Some owners report no noticeable difference in daily driving when using premium in the 2.4L, but the official specifications still call for premium to guarantee peak output and prevent knocking during spirited driving or hot conditions.
What the owner's manual advises
The owner's manual for the 2013 ILX clearly distinguishes engine options: the 2.0-liter engine is compatible with regular gasoline, while the 2.4-liter engine requires premium gasoline (octane 91 or higher) for best performance.
Summary
Bottom line: If your 2013 Acura ILX has the 2.0-liter engine, you can use regular gasoline. If it has the 2.4-liter engine, premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) is the recommended fuel to meet the engine’s specifications and performance. Always confirm your specific vehicle’s engine type and octane requirement in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer’s site if you’re unsure.
