Does the Acura TLX require premium gas?
Yes, the Acura TLX requires premium gasoline, typically 91 octane or higher. This is a common recommendation for many luxury and high-performance vehicles to ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
Detailed Explanation
The Acura TLX is a midsize luxury sedan known for its refined driving dynamics and sophisticated design. As a premium vehicle, the TLX is engineered to perform best with higher-octane fuel. The engine's compression ratio and other design elements are optimized for premium gasoline, which has a higher resistance to premature ignition (or "knocking") compared to regular fuel.
Using the recommended premium fuel in the Acura TLX provides several benefits:
- Improved performance: Premium gas allows the engine to produce more power and torque, resulting in better acceleration and responsiveness.
- Enhanced fuel efficiency: The higher octane rating of premium fuel enables the engine to operate more efficiently, potentially improving overall fuel economy.
- Reduced engine wear: Premium gasoline's resistance to premature ignition helps protect the engine components from damage over time.
While it is possible to use regular 87 octane fuel in the Acura TLX, doing so may result in a noticeable decrease in performance and fuel efficiency. The engine may also experience increased knocking or pinging, which can lead to long-term damage if not addressed. Therefore, Acura strongly recommends using premium gasoline to ensure the best possible driving experience and maintain the vehicle's long-term health.
Which Acura does not require premium gas?
The majority of the Acura lineup can safely use regular gasoline in a pinch, but there are good reasons to opt for premium anyway. The only model that requires the upgrade is the Acura NSX. But, premium is recommended for the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX. Find out why with Rallye Acura in Roslyn!
What happens if I put 87 in my Acura?
Possible Engine Knocking: Lower-octane fuel can cause engine knocking (a knocking sound), which can be damaging over time. Lower Fuel Efficiency: Regular gas may not burn as efficiently as premium fuel, which can cause lower miles per gallon (MPG).
What happens if I don't put premium gas in my Acura?
If you don't use premium gas in an Acura that recommends it, you may experience reduced engine performance, such as less horsepower and acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. You may also hear engine knocking or pinging, and consistent use of lower-octane fuel could lead to long-term engine wear and carbon buildup over time. However, most modern Acuras have knock sensors that can prevent immediate damage from using lower-octane fuel in a pinch.
Effects of using regular gas in an Acura that recommends premium
- Reduced performance: The engine's performance, including horsepower and acceleration, will be less than its full potential.
- Engine knocking: You may hear a metallic knocking or pinging sound from the engine, which is a sign of pre-ignition.
- Lower fuel efficiency: The car may get lower gas mileage because the fuel isn't burning as efficiently.
- Potential for carbon buildup: Over time, inefficient burning of the lower-octane fuel can lead to carbon buildup in the engine.
When it's okay to use regular gas
- Check your owner's manual: The manual will specify if premium fuel is a requirement or a recommendation. For many models, using regular gas once in a while is not a problem.
- If you are forced to: In a rare situation where premium gas is unavailable, your modern Acura can run on regular gas thanks to its knock sensors.
When you must use premium gas
- If it's a requirement: For certain models like the Acura NSX, premium gas is mandatory, and using lower-octane fuel can cause significant engine damage.
- If you experience consistent knocking: If you hear the knocking sound frequently, you should use premium gas to avoid potential damage.
Why is Acura discontinuing TLX?
Acura is discontinuing the TLX primarily due to declining sales and the broader market shift away from sedans towards SUVs and crossovers. In recent years, TLX sales have dropped significantly, and Acura is focusing on higher-demand vehicles, including new electric SUVs like the upcoming RSX, which will replace the TLX on the production line.
- Declining sales: The TLX's sales have been in a steady decline since 2015, with sales figures for 2024 showing only a fraction of its previous peak. For example, in the first half of 2025, only 3,634 units were sold.
- Market shift to SUVs: The automotive industry is seeing a major shift in consumer preference from sedans to SUVs and crossovers. Acura's decision reflects this trend, as they are reallocating resources to their more popular SUV models.
- Focus on electric vehicles: Acura is also pivoting towards electrification, and the production capacity at the TLX's Marysville, Ohio, plant will be used for a new electric SUV, the RSX.
- Brand strategy: The discontinuation is part of Acura's larger strategy to streamline its lineup and focus on future growth areas, such as electric vehicles and its SUV offerings.
