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Does the Lexus NX 350h take regular gas?

Yes. The NX 350h is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) and does not require premium fuel for normal operation.


Beyond this basic fact, this article explains the fuel type, octane guidance, ethanol compatibility, and regional notes to help you fuel your NX 350h correctly across markets.


Fuel requirements and octane guidance


The NX 350h combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor as part of a non-plug-in hybrid system. In most markets, Lexus specifies regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 (often labeled as 87 octane or “regular”). Higher-octane fuels are not required to achieve the vehicle’s designed performance or efficiency in everyday driving.


Understanding octane and fuel choice


Octane is a measure of resistance to pre-ignition or knocking. The NX 350h is calibrated for regular 87-octane fuel, so using premium gasoline typically provides little to no measurable improvement in fuel economy or power for normal driving. If your local manual or dealer guidance differs for a specific region or model year, follow that instruction.


Before using any fuel beyond regular 87, consult your owner’s manual or local Lexus documentation to confirm regional requirements and recommendations.


Key fueling considerations:



  • Regular gasoline (87 octane) is sufficient for the NX 350h in most markets.

  • Premium fuel is not required and generally does not boost performance or efficiency in normal driving.

  • The NX 350h is typically compatible with E10 (gasoline with up to 10% ethanol) blends in many regions; verify local guidelines and the owner’s manual for your market.

  • It is a non-plug-in hybrid, so fueling remains gasoline-based and there is no need to plug in for charging the main battery.


Concluding: For most owners, regular unleaded gasoline is the simplest, most cost-effective choice for the NX 350h.


Regional considerations


Fuel recommendations can vary by market. In North America, regular 87-octane gasoline is typically specified for the NX 350h. In other regions, octane ratings and ethanol content standards are defined by local regulations and may be expressed differently (for example, RON in some markets). Always verify with the owner's manual or your local Lexus guidance to ensure you use the correct fuel for your exact model year and region.


Summary


The Lexus NX 350h is designed to run on regular gasoline (87 octane) in most markets, with compatibility for typical ethanol blends like E10. Premium fuel is not required, and there is no plug-in charging for this model. Regional variations can apply, so consult the owner’s manual or local dealership guidance for your specific market and year.

Does the Lexus RX 350h use regular gas?


The 2024 Lexus RX's Gas Requirements
Most 2024 and 2023 models require premium unleaded gas with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Models released between 2012 and 2022 use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. That means that while you can use premium gasoline in older RX models, it isn't required.



Can I put regular gas in a Lexus NX?


It depends on the specific Lexus NX model and year; some models, like the NX 250, are designed for regular 87-octane gas, while others, such as the NX 350, 350h, and 450h+, require premium 91-octane or higher for optimal performance. For models that require premium fuel, using regular gas can lead to reduced engine performance, and repeated use of regular gasoline could potentially cause engine damage. Always check the sticker inside the fuel door or your owner's manual to confirm the correct fuel requirement for your vehicle. 
Models that take regular gas

  • Lexus NX 250: This model requires regular 87-octane unleaded gas. 

Models that require premium gas
  • Lexus NX 350: This turbocharged model requires premium 91-octane unleaded gas. 
  • Lexus NX 350h (Hybrid): This hybrid model runs best on premium 91-octane unleaded fuel to maintain peak efficiency and performance. 
  • Lexus NX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid): This model also requires premium 91-octane unleaded fuel. 

Why premium fuel is recommended for certain models
  • Performance: Premium fuel allows turbocharged and high-compression engines to operate at their designed performance levels.
  • Engine health: Higher octane fuel helps prevent engine knocking and premature detonation, which can lead to reduced efficiency and long-term engine damage.
  • Engine longevity: Using the recommended fuel helps ensure a longer-lasting engine by reducing wear and tear. 

What to do if you accidentally use the wrong fuel
  • If you put a tank of regular gas in a vehicle that requires premium, it is generally okay to use the fuel up, but avoid doing it again.
  • Fill up with the correct premium fuel as soon as possible to avoid potential issues. 



What kind of gas does a Lexus nx350h take?


The Lexus NX350h requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using regular unleaded gas is not recommended, as it can decrease performance and potentially lead to engine damage over time, especially in vehicles with high-compression engines.
 

  • Recommended Fuel: Premium unleaded gasoline with a 91+ octane rating. 
  • Why premium is needed: The hybrid's engine is designed for premium fuel, and using it ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency. 
  • Consequences of using lower octane: Using regular fuel can result in decreased power, lower fuel economy, and potential long-term engine damage. 
  • Ethanol content: Any fuel used should not contain more than 15% ethanol. 



Do Lexus NX hybrid cars require premium gas?


Yes, Lexus recommends premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) for the NX hybrid to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and engine protection, though it can run on regular unleaded fuel. Using regular gas may result in reduced performance and slightly lower fuel economy. 

  • Recommended fuel: For the best performance, use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. 
  • Alternative fuel: The NX hybrid can operate on regular unleaded fuel (87 octane), but this may lead to a decrease in performance and fuel efficiency. 
  • Engine protection: Premium fuel helps prevent engine issues like carbon buildup, especially in high-compression engines. 
  • Verify your specific model: Always check your owner's manual for the precise fuel requirements for your specific model and model year. 


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.