Does the 2023 Lexus hybrid require premium gas?
No. Most 2023 Lexus hybrids run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) and premium fuel is not required.
For 2023, Lexus hybrids—from compact crossovers to family sedans—are designed to operate efficiently with standard gasoline. The official guidance from Lexus and the typical owner manuals specify regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. While you can use higher-octane fuel, it usually does not unlock noticeable performance or efficiency gains in these models, and it will cost more at the pump.
Fuel rules for 2023 Lexus hybrids
The following helps summarize the general fuel recommendations for several popular 2023 Lexus hybrid models. The guidance is drawn from owner manuals and fuel-label information; regional differences can occur, so always verify your exact vehicle’s label.
- ES 300h — Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable; premium gasoline is not required.
- UX 250h — Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable; premium gasoline is not required.
- NX 350h — Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable; premium gasoline is not required.
- RX 450h — Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable; premium gasoline is not required.
- NX 450h+ (plug-in) — When using the gasoline engine, regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable; plug-in operation can reduce gas use, but octane requirements remain regular for the gas engine.
In short, for the vast majority of 2023 Lexus hybrids sold in the U.S., regular gasoline is the standard fuel, and premium gas is not required for normal operation. If you notice knocking or you have a region-specific label that instructs otherwise, consult your owner's manual or dealer for the exact recommendation.
Why octane matters in hybrids
Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking. Modern hybrid engines are tuned for efficiency and reliability with regular 87-octane fuel, and many models will not deliver a noticeable performance gain from higher-octane gas. Using premium may be optional in some scenarios, but it typically isn’t necessary for everyday driving in 2023 Lexus hybrids.
How to confirm the exact fuel requirement for your car
To be absolutely sure, check the fuel-filler door sticker on your vehicle, and review the owner’s manual for your specific model and region. If you’re buying used, the sticker is a quick reference, and the manual provides the official specification for octane and fuel type.
Summary
Across the 2023 Lexus hybrid lineup, regular gasoline (87 octane) is generally all you need. Premium gas is not required for normal operation, and any potential benefits from higher-octane fuel are usually minimal for these hybrids. Always verify your exact model’s label or manual for the final specification.
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.
What happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91 in a Lexus?
If you accidentally put 87 octane instead of 91 in a Lexus, your car will likely experience a loss of power and performance, and you may hear engine knocking or pinging. Modern Lexus models have knock sensors that adjust the engine's timing to prevent damage from lower octane fuel, but this reduces power. While a single tank is unlikely to cause serious damage, it's best to avoid heavy acceleration and fill up with the correct 91+ octane fuel as soon as possible to dilute the lower-octane gas.
What to expect
- Reduced performance: The engine may feel sluggish, with slower acceleration and reduced power output.
- Engine knocking or pinging: This is a rattling or pinging sound that occurs when the fuel detonates prematurely, especially under acceleration or when going uphill.
- Lower fuel efficiency: You may visit the gas station more frequently, which could negate any short-term savings on fuel.
- Potential for damage (older vehicles): Older Lexus models may not have the same sophisticated knock sensors. Repeatedly using 87 octane in a car that requires 91 can lead to engine damage over time.
What to do
- Avoid heavy acceleration: Drive gently to prevent the engine from knocking.
- Fill up with premium fuel: When your tank is low, fill it with the correct 91+ octane gas. This will dilute the remaining 87 octane fuel.
- Monitor your engine: Pay attention to any persistent knocking or changes in performance.
- Consult your owner's manual: Check the manual for the specific octane requirement of your Lexus model.
- Seek professional help if needed: If the knocking continues after filling up with premium gas, have a mechanic check the knock sensors and ignition timing.
Can you put regular gas in a Lexus Hybrid?
Some vehicles, like the Lexus UX 250h, can utilize regular 87-octane fuel, whereas other models, like the 2022 Lexus GX, require premium 91-octane fuel, so the Lexus gas type depends on the model.
What kind of gas does the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid take?
According to the owners manual, 91 octane (premium) is “recommended” for the RX 350h, but 87 octane (regular) may be used. For the RX 500h 91 octane is “required”.
