Does the 2022 Lexus NX require premium gas?

In brief, it depends on which NX you have. The turbocharged NX 350 requires premium gasoline, while the non-turbo NX 250 and the hybrids NX 350h and NX 450h+ run on regular unleaded. Always verify the octane specification on your vehicle’s fuel door label or in the owner’s manual for your market.

Variant-by-variant fuel requirements

The 2022 Lexus NX lineup spans several powertrains, and octane needs follow the engine design. Here is a concise guide to what each engine generally requires or tolerates.

NX 350 Turbo (2.4L)

The turbocharged NX 350 is designed for premium unleaded gasoline. Using regular fuel can reduce performance and efficiency and may trigger knock in some driving conditions. For best results, use an octane rating of 91 or higher where available.

NX 250 (2.5L, non-turbo)

The NX 250’s naturally aspirated engine is compatible with regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane in most markets). Premium is not required for this engine, though you might choose higher-octane fuel if you want a potential edge in certain conditions.

NX 350h (Hybrid)

The NX 350h uses the hybrid 2.5L powertrain and generally runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Premium gasoline is not required, though you can use higher-octane fuel if desired.

NX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid)

The NX 450h+ combines gasoline with electric propulsion and typically operates on regular unleaded fuel. Premium gasoline is not a necessity for this plug-in hybrid model.

Key takeaway: the turbocharged NX 350 is the one that specifically calls for premium fuel, while the other NX variants are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Market-specific variations can exist, so always check the fuel-door label or the owner’s manual for your exact model year and region.

Practical considerations: if you frequently drive in demanding conditions (hot climates, steep terrain, heavy loads), you may notice more consistent performance by using the recommended octane for your turbo model. For non-turbo and hybrid NX variants, regular gasoline remains the standard choice.

Practical guidance for fueling

To avoid confusion at the pump, rely on official guidance from Lexus for your exact vehicle and market. The fuel-door sticker and the owner’s manual are the best sources for octane requirements, especially if you’re outside the United States or Canada where ratings can differ.

In daily use, you can plan as follows:

• Use premium gasoline only if you own an NX 350 turbo and your local fuel options meet the recommended octane (91+).


• For NX 250, NX 350h, and NX 450h+, regular unleaded (87) is generally sufficient.


• If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual or contact a Lexus dealer to confirm the correct octane for your exact model and market.

Whichever variant you own, a quick check of the fuel requirements is a smart step before your next fill-up. Gasoline octane requirements can vary by market and model year, and the vehicle’s calibration may differ depending on region.

Summary

The 2022 Lexus NX does not have a single fuel requirement for all models. The turbocharged NX 350 requires premium gasoline for optimal performance, while the non-turbo NX 250 and the hybrids NX 350h and NX 450h+ operate on regular unleaded. Always verify the octane rating specified for your vehicle’s market and model year on the fuel door sticker or in the owner’s manual. If in doubt, ask a Lexus dealer for confirmation to ensure you’re fueling correctly and maintaining optimal performance.

Final note

Fuel guidance can vary by region and production changes. For the most accurate information, refer to your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual and the fuel-cap label, or reach out to a local Lexus service center.

Does the 2022 Lexus NX 350 require premium gas?

Yes, the Lexus NX requires premium gas.
Premium gas is unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If you use fuel with an octane rating of less than 91, it can damage your engine.

Does Lexus NX really need premium gas?

Whether a Lexus NX requires premium gas depends on the model: the NX 350 and NX 350h require premium unleaded gasoline (919191 octane or higher), while the NX 250 uses regular unleaded. Using the correct fuel is crucial for optimal performance and preventing engine damage.
 
Which models need premium gas?

• Lexus NX 350: Requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 919191 or higher. 
• Lexus NX 350h: Also requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 919191 or higher for optimal performance. 

Which models use regular gas?

• Lexus NX 250: Requires regular unleaded gasoline. 

Why is the correct gas important?

• Engines with a turbocharger, like those in the NX 350 and 350h, are designed for higher-octane fuel. 
• Using regular gas in a model that requires premium can lead to reduced engine performance, engine knocking, and potential damage. 
• If you're unsure which type of gas to use, always consult your owner's manual. 

What happens if I put regular gas in my Lexus?

If you put regular gas in a Lexus that requires premium, you may experience reduced engine performance and hear engine knocking, especially under heavy acceleration. While a one-time mistake likely won't cause lasting damage, consistently using regular gas can lead to long-term engine problems over time. Check your owner's manual to confirm if your specific Lexus model actually requires premium fuel, as some models are designed to run on regular gas. 
Potential effects of using regular gas

• Reduced performance: You may notice a decrease in power and acceleration. 
• Engine knocking: The engine may "knock," which is a harsh metallic sound caused by premature or uneven combustion. Consistently ignoring this can lead to engine damage. 
• Engine damage: Over time, continuous use of regular gas in an engine designed for premium can cause serious, long-term damage. 

What to do

• Check your manual: First, consult your car's owner's manual to see if your model genuinely requires premium gas. Many Lexus models, especially certain SUVs and hybrids, are designed to run on regular 87-octane fuel without issue. 
• If you accidentally used regular: If your car requires premium but you've put regular in, don't panic. It's best to avoid hard acceleration or heavy driving until you can top off the tank with premium fuel. Your car's computer will adjust the engine timing to compensate for the lower octane, preventing damage from a single fill-up. 
• If you consistently use regular (when premium is required): This is when you risk serious engine damage. The long-term effects of engine knocking and underperformance can lead to costly repairs. 

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.