Does the Lexus RC 350 take regular or premium gas?
The RC 350 requires premium gasoline (typically 91 octane or higher). Regular unleaded is not recommended and can reduce performance. Always check your owner’s manual or the fuel filler label for the exact specification in your market.
Fuel requirements for the RC 350
The RC 350’s 3.5-liter V6 is tuned for higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking and sustain peak output. Lexus publishes a premium-fuel requirement in the owner’s manual and on the fuel filler placard, with regional octane variations.
Note: Octane ratings differ by market. In the United States and many regions, premium is 91 AKI (and higher octane options are available). In some markets, octane ratings may be listed differently (for example, 95–98 RON). Always follow the specification printed for your vehicle.
Guidance before the list: The following points summarize the core recommendations and potential effects of using different gasoline grades in the RC 350.
- Recommended fuel grade: Premium unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 91 (AKI) or higher; verify your local specification on the label or manual.
- Consequences of using regular: Regular gasoline can cause engine knocking, reduced horsepower, and lower performance; the ECU may retard timing to protect the engine, which hurts acceleration and efficiency.
- Regional variations: Some markets require higher octane (often 93 or higher) for optimal performance; the exact requirement depends on the market and model year.
- Warranty and reliability considerations: Consistently fueling with under-spec octane may increase the risk of engine knock and wear over time; follow the manufacturer’s guidance to protect warranty and longevity.
Conclusion: For best performance and efficiency, fill with premium gasoline as specified in your owner's manual and regional fuel label.
Why premium matters for the RC 350
Engine design and octane sensitivity
The RC 350 uses a high-compression V6 designed to deliver strong power and smooth operation. Higher-octane fuel helps prevent premature detonation (knock) and enables the engine to maintain optimal timing and output. Using lower octane can force the ECU to pull timing, reducing power and efficiency.
Regional octane guidance
Fuel octane requirements can vary by market. In the U.S., premium is typically 91 AKI, with higher octane options available; in some regions, octane is listed as RON and may appear as 95–98. Always rely on the local specification printed on your vehicle’s fuel door or in the owner's manual.
Practical fueling tips
Keep to the octane specification for your market, and be aware that many fuels contain ethanol (common in E10 formulations). If you regularly drive under high load or in hot conditions, premium fuel helps maintain performance and engine safety. Refer to your owner’s manual for any region-specific allowances or recommendations.
Summary
The Lexus RC 350 is designed to run on premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Regular gasoline is not recommended, as it can reduce performance and efficiency and may lead to engine knock under certain conditions. Always verify the exact octane specification for your market in the owner's manual or on the fuel filler label, and choose premium accordingly.
Does the Lexus RC 350 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) Lexus LS (LS 500, LS 500h) Lexus RC (RC 300, RC 350, RC F)
Does the Lexus 350 require premium gas?
Anything from the 2024 model year and up, requires premium gas. 2012-2022 models call for minimum 87 octane. 23-24 models require 91 octane.
What happens if I put regular gas in a Lexus?
For one, too low grade gas leads to engine knocking, which can damage your engine in the long run. In addition, using regular gas when you should use premium could void your warranty, which will cost you much more than your small savings at the pump.
Is it better to use 87 or 89 gas?
89 is mostly for older cars that can run significantly better on higher octane, but it isn't really that popular anymore. 87 is the standard for basically all modern vehicles.
