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Does the nx 350 require premium gas?

The short answer is yes, the Lexus NX 350 does require premium gasoline. This luxury crossover SUV is designed to operate on high-octane fuel, and using anything less than premium can potentially cause engine damage and reduce performance.


Explaining the Lexus NX 350's Fuel Requirements


The Lexus NX 350 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine is engineered to run on premium gasoline, which has a higher octane rating than regular fuel. Using lower-octane gas in the NX 350 can lead to issues like engine knocking, reduced fuel efficiency, and potentially even long-term damage to the engine components.


Lexus specifically recommends using 91-octane or higher fuel in the NX 350. This is to ensure the engine operates as intended and delivers the full performance and efficiency the vehicle is capable of. Trying to save money by using regular 87-octane gas is not advisable, as it could compromise the engine's performance and longevity.


Why Premium Fuel is Necessary



  • The NX 350's turbocharged engine requires higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking and pre-ignition, which can damage the engine over time.li>
  • Premium gas has a higher resistance to premature detonation, allowing the engine to operate at higher compression ratios and deliver more power.

  • Using the recommended premium fuel helps maintain the NX 350's fuel efficiency and emissions standards set by the manufacturer.

  • Lexus designs its engines to run optimally on premium gasoline, and using anything less could void the vehicle's warranty.


In summary, the Lexus NX 350 is engineered to run on premium 91-octane or higher gasoline, and using anything less can potentially cause engine problems and reduce the vehicle's performance and efficiency. Lexus strongly recommends following the fuel requirements specified in the owner's manual to ensure the NX 350 operates as intended.

Can I put regular gas in my Lexus NX 350?


Premium Fuel Preference
The Lexus NX 350h runs optimally on premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. While the vehicle can operate on regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87, using premium fuel ensures maximum performance, efficiency, and engine protection.



What kind of gas does a 2025 Lexus NX 350 take?


The 2025 Lexus NX 350 requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using lower octane fuel can negatively affect performance and may cause engine damage over time. 

  • Gas type: Premium unleaded gasoline.
  • Octane rating: 91 or higher.
  • Consequences of using lower octane: Decreased performance, reduced fuel economy, and potential engine damage, which could void the warranty.



What Lexus does not need 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 is the difference between NX 350 base and premium?


The main differences are that the Lexus NX 350 Premium trim adds a power liftgate with kick sensor, power moonroof, ventilated front seats, a driver's seat memory system, and a power-adjustable steering column, while the base model has a power rear door with kick sensor, memory system, and heated and ventilated front seats. Other key upgrades in the Premium include rain-sensing windshield wipers and the ability to upgrade the infotainment system to a larger 14-inch display.
 
This video compares the Lexus NX 350 Premium with the F SPORT Handling trim: 54sHawkeye RidesYouTube · May 28, 2025
Lexus NX 350 (Base)

  • Heated front seats: Standard.
  • Infotainment: Standard 9.8-inch touchscreen.
  • Safety: Lexus Safety System 3.0+ with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Lexus NX 350 Premium
  • Power liftgate: Includes a kick sensor.
  • Moonroof: Power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
  • Front seats: Heated and ventilated.
  • Memory settings: Driver's seat and steering wheel memory system.
  • Steering column: Power-adjustable.
  • Parking sensors: Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
  • Rain-sensing wipers: Included.
  • Infotainment: Can be upgraded to a larger 14-inch display. 


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.