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What gas does ES300H take?

The ES300h takes regular unleaded gasoline as part of its hybrid powertrain; it uses a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. It is not a diesel-only or electric-only vehicle, and it relies on gasoline for regular operation. This article breaks down the fuel type, octane guidance, and practical fueling notes.


Fuel Type and Octane Requirements


Below is a concise guide to the fuel the ES300h uses, including octane guidance and ethanol compatibility.



  • Fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline (gasoline/petrol) is appropriate for use with the ES300h.

  • Octane rating: A minimum of 87 octane is recommended; using higher-octane fuel is permissible but typically does not provide a noticeable performance gain for the ES300h.

  • Ethanol content: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is commonly supported; check your local manual or Lexus guidance for regional specifications.


In practice, you should use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher, and you can generally use E10 fuel. Premium gasoline is not required for normal operation, though some drivers may choose higher-octane fuel for specific regional formulations.


Regional notes


Fuel formulations vary by market, so it’s wise to consult your owner's manual or your local Lexus dealer for region-specific guidance. The core requirement remains gasoline, not diesel or other fuels, and the vehicle is designed to operate efficiently on standard gasoline blends commonly available in most regions.


Practical Fueling Tips


To ensure reliable performance and efficiency from the ES300h, consider these practical guidelines when fueling.



  • Fill with regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) as recommended by Lexus.

  • Prefer gasoline with ethanol content up to 10% (E10) where available; avoid fuels with unknown additives or high ethanol content where not approved.

  • Premium (higher-octane) gasoline is not required for routine driving; it may not yield noticeable improvements in efficiency or performance for the hybrid system.


Following these fueling practices helps maintain smooth operation of the hybrid powertrain and supports optimal fuel efficiency.


Summary


The ES300h runs on regular unleaded gasoline, with a recommended minimum octane of 87 and compatibility with E10 in most markets. Always verify regional guidelines in the owner's manual or with a Lexus dealer, but you generally do not need premium fuel for everyday driving. This fuel approach aligns with the ES300h’s hybrid design, balancing gasoline use with electric assist for efficiency.

Do Lexus ES require premium gas?


No, most recent Lexus ES models, including the ES 250, ES 350, and ES 300h, do not require premium gas and can run on regular 87-octane unleaded fuel. While you can use premium gas, it won't provide significant benefits for this model and is a waste of money, according to some sources. However, you should always confirm your specific vehicle's requirements in the owner's manual.
 
Fuel requirements for Lexus ES

  • Regular (87-octane): The ES 250, ES 350, and ES 300h models are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. 
  • Premium (91-octane): Other Lexus models, such as the IS, LS, and turbo-charged variants, typically require premium gasoline. 

Important considerations
  • Consult the owner's manual: The most accurate information for your specific vehicle can be found in your owner's manual, which is the definitive source for fuel requirements. 
  • Premium fuel is optional: Using premium fuel in an ES will not harm the engine, but it is not necessary for this model and will not provide added performance or efficiency benefits. 



Does a Lexus hybrid require premium gas?


It depends on the specific Lexus hybrid model, as some require premium gas, while others can use regular. Always check the owner's manual or the vehicle's fuel door for the exact recommendation for your car. For models that require premium fuel, using it is recommended to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential engine damage from knocking, according to Lexus and Ray Catena Lexus of Freehold. 
Lexus hybrid models and their fuel requirements

  • Require premium gas: Models like the NX 350h and NX 450h+ recommend premium fuel for optimal performance. Some high-performance models or turbocharged engines, like those in the RX and TX lineups, also require premium gas, notes JM Lexus. 
  • Can use regular gas: Some models, such as the ES 300h and UX 250h, can use regular 87-octane unleaded gasoline. 

Why the difference matters
  • Octane rating: The octane rating of gasoline measures its ability to resist knocking during combustion. Engines designed for premium fuel have higher compression ratios and are built to utilize the higher octane to prevent knocking and maximize performance and efficiency. 
  • Performance and longevity: Using the correct fuel ensures your Lexus performs as the manufacturer intended. Using regular fuel in a premium-required engine may lead to decreased performance, and in some cases, could potentially cause engine damage over time. 
  • Check the details: For any vehicle, the manufacturer's recommendation is the most reliable guidance. Check the owner's manual or the fuel door for the specific fuel grade your Lexus hybrid requires or recommends. 



What kind of gas does a Hyundai hybrid take?


Generally, you can use any grade of gas to fill up your Hyundai. Whether you choose 87 or 91 octane, your vehicle should run just fine.



What kind of gas does a Lexus ES 300 hybrid take?


2025 Lexus ES 300h MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons. EPA-Estimated Total Range: 581 miles. Recommended Fuel: Unleaded, regular gasoline (87 octane)


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Kevin Bennett

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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.