Loading

Does the 2018 Acura TLX require premium gas?

Yes, the 2018 Acura TLX requires premium gasoline. This luxury sedan from Honda's premium brand is designed to run on higher-octane fuel for optimal performance and efficiency.


Acura TLX Fuel Requirements


The 2018 Acura TLX is powered by a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 engine, both of which are recommended to use premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91. This is a common requirement for many luxury and performance-oriented vehicles, as the higher octane fuel helps prevent engine knocking and allows the engine to operate at its peak efficiency.


Using regular gasoline in the Acura TLX is not recommended, as it could result in reduced power, fuel economy, and engine performance. The engine is designed to take full advantage of the higher octane rating provided by premium fuel.


Why Premium Fuel is Recommended



  • Engine Performance: Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which allows the engine to operate at higher compression ratios and temperatures without experiencing knocking or pre-ignition. This enables the engine to produce more power and torque.

  • Fuel Efficiency: The higher octane rating of premium fuel can also improve fuel efficiency, as the engine can operate more efficiently with the higher-quality fuel.

  • Engine Protection: Premium gasoline contains detergents and additives that can help clean and protect the engine's fuel system, reducing the risk of deposits and other issues that can occur with lower-quality fuels.


While the Acura TLX can technically run on regular gasoline, it is not recommended, as it will not provide the same level of performance, efficiency, and engine protection as premium fuel. For the best driving experience and to maintain the long-term health of the engine, Acura recommends using premium gasoline in the 2018 TLX.

Can I put regular gas in my Acura TLX?


We contacted Acura and Nissan, asking why both automakers recommend using premium gas. An Acura spokesperson referred us to the TLX's owner's manual, which states, “Use of lower-octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the engine and will result in decreased engine performance.”



Which Acura models use regular gas?


Do All Acuras Require Premium Gas? Like we stated, premium gas is only recommended on the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX Acura models. You'll be safe on our Cherry Hill roads using regular gas in these automobiles.



Can I mix regular and premium gas?


There's nothing wrong with mixing premium and regular gas in the same tank. In fact, this is how midgrade gas is formulated at the station. Rather than drawing from a separate storage tank for each octane rating, gas pumps actively mix high-octane fuel with lower-octane fuel to create midgrade gas.



Which Acura does not require premium gas?


Only one Acura model explicitly requires premium gas–the Acura NSX supercar–but there are other models that recommend you use premium gas over regular. The Acura MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX all run more efficiently on premium gas, but you can use regular gas if you need to.



What happens if I accidentally put regular gas in my Acura?


If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.



Which Acura models require premium gas?


According to Acura, premium gas is required for the Acura NSX, and it's recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX. The answer to the question, “Do all Acuras require premium gas?” is no — but it's recommended that you use a higher-octane fuel in your Acura for several reasons.



Will regular gas ruin my premium car?


However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine.



Are Acura TLX good on gas?


The base 2022 TLX trim gets up to 22mpg in the city and 31 miles per gallon highway. If a 4-cylinder TLX trim level is configured with SH-AWD, its fuel efficiency will drop slightly to 21 miles per gallon city and 29 highway mpg.



What happens if I don't use premium gas in my Acura?


When you fill your Acura's fuel tank with a lower octane level than is recommended, you'll experience pre-ignition (also known as engine knocking). Pre-ignition negatively affects your fuel economy and can damage your pistons or cylinder walls over time.



What kind of gas does the 2018 Acura TLX take?


Premium unleaded 91 octane fuel
If you're the proud owner of a new Acura sedan or SUV, Premium unleaded 91 octane fuel is required to make it run – and recommended for the following Acura models: Acura Integra. Acura TLX.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.