Does the Lexus Nx300 require premium gas?
Yes. The NX300’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is designed to run on premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to deliver the car’s intended performance.
This article explains why octane matters for the NX300, how fuel choices can affect performance, and how requirements may vary across NX variants and markets.
Fuel octane and performance
Key considerations on octane and fueling for the NX300:
- Premium gasoline (octane 91 or higher) is recommended for the NX300 to preserve peak horsepower, acceleration, and efficiency.
- Regular 87-octane gasoline is not recommended; using it can reduce power and throttle response, especially under boost, and may trigger timing adjustments by the engine control unit.
- Fuel available at your local market (including ethanol blends like E10) should meet the octane specification; when in doubt, follow the octane rating listed in the owner’s manual for your model year and region.
In practice, sticking to premium fuel helps ensure the NX300 performs as designed and maintains fuel efficiency over time.
Regional variations and NX variants
Fuel requirements vary by market and by which NX variant you own. The NX family includes gasoline-powered NX300 (turbo), the NX250 (non-turbo in some regions), and the NX300h hybrid; each has its own fueling guidelines based on powertrain design.
What you need to know by market
- NX300 (gasoline, turbo) commonly requires premium 91 octane or higher in North America and many other regions.
- NX250 (gasoline, non-turbo in some markets) may support regular 87 octane in certain regions and model years; always verify for your exact year and market.
- NX300h (hybrid) uses a different powertrain and may have different fuel flexibility; check the owner’s manual for explicit guidance.
Because fuel standards can change with model year and region, always consult the owner's manual for your exact vehicle to confirm the correct octane requirement.
Practical fueling tips
Practical guidance to avoid fuel-related issues and keep the NX300 performing as intended:
- Use premium gasoline (91 octane or higher) as recommended by Lexus for the NX300 to preserve performance and efficiency.
- If you find yourself needing to refuel with regular 87 octane, plan to refuel with premium as soon as possible and avoid sustained aggressive driving until you’re back on premium fuel.
- Be mindful of ethanol content; most markets sell fuels with up to 10% ethanol (E10). Check local fuel labels and the owner’s manual for any restrictions related to ethanol blends.
Following these guidelines helps maintain the NX300’s performance envelope and protects engine health over time.
Summary
The Lexus NX300 is engineered to run on premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher to achieve its designed performance. Regular 87-octane fuel is not recommended for the turbocharged engine and can lead to reduced power and efficiency. Fuel requirements can differ by market and by NX variant (NX300, NX250, NX300h), so always check the owner’s manual for your exact model and year. For most drivers seeking optimal performance and reliability, sticking with premium fuel is the prudent choice.
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.
Does the nx 300 require premium gas?
When it comes time to fill up, the Lexus NX requires premium unleaded gasoline. You should be looking for an octane rating of 91 or higher, to ensure the NX runs efficiently while providing the best possible performance. Any gas used in the NX should not contain any higher than 15% ethanol.
What happens if you put regular gas in a Lexus NX?
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than what is listed for your model year vehicle could potentially result in engine knocking. If the octane rating used is less than required, damage to the engine may occur and which could void the vehicle warranty.
Can I put regular gas in Lexus IS 300?
Most Lexus vehicles, particularly those with turbocharged or performance-focused engines, require premium gas. If you're driving any of these models, be sure to fill up with 91-octane or higher: Lexus IS (IS 300, IS 350, IS 500)
