Which Acura models take regular gas?

In practice, Acura’s current lineup largely requires premium gasoline, with no widely published current models officially listing regular 87-octane fuel as acceptable. However, engine and year variations can occur, so it’s important to verify for your specific vehicle.

Understanding octane and Acura engines

Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to knocking in an engine. Acura’s turbocharged and newer engines typically rely on higher-octane fuel (91 octane or above) to maintain optimal performance and avoid timing adjustments that reduce power. Non-turbo engines in the modern lineup generally align with premium guidance as well. Always check the exact octane requirement in the owner’s manual or on the fuel-filler door sticker for your vehicle’s year and trim.

Current Acura lineup: official octane guidance

As of the 2024–2025 model years, Acura’s official guidance for its mainstream vehicles indicates premium unleaded gasoline is the recommended fuel. The company does not publish a regular 87-octane requirement for current models, which means using regular gas is not documented as acceptable for peak performance or warranty purposes. If you plan to rely on regular gas, confirm for your exact model/year to avoid potential issues.

Before making decisions based on this, always confirm for your specific model and year, as requirements can differ by engine and market. If you want, I can look up the precise octane guidance for a particular Acura model/year you specify.

Here is how to verify octane requirements for your Acura model.

• Check the fuel-filler door placard on the vehicle for the indicated octane rating and requirements.


• Consult the owner’s manual or the official Acura website for the model-year’s fuel requirements.


• Ask a dealer or service advisor to confirm the exact octane rating recommended for your engine and trim.


• Be aware that using a lower-octane fuel than recommended can cause knocking, reduced performance, or warranty considerations.

In short, for most current Acura models, premium gasoline is the recommended fuel, and regular gas is not listed as acceptable. Always verify with the official sources for your specific vehicle.

Bottom line and guidance for shoppers

For buyers and owners, the safest approach is to treat the contemporary Acura lineup as premium-fuel-only unless a specific exception is noted for a particular model-year or market. If you have a model in mind, share the exact year and trim, and I can pull the precise octane guidance from Acura’s official documentation.

Notes and caveats

Engine specifications and octane requirements can vary by market and model year. The information above reflects typical guidance for U.S. models through 2024–2025, but always verify with the latest official materials.

Summary

In summary, Acura’s current lineup generally requires premium gasoline, and there are no widely published current models that officially accept regular 87-octane fuel. To be certain, check the owner’s manual, the fuel-door sticker, or Acura’s official support resources for your exact model and year. If you’d like, tell me the specific model and year you’re considering and I’ll pull the exact octane recommendation from official sources.

Do any acuras take regular gas?

No, most Acuras cannot use regular gas as their primary fuel, but the Acura NSX is the only model that requires premium fuel. Many Acura models, such as the MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, are designed to run on regular gas but recommend premium gas for optimal performance, as many feature turbocharged or supercharged engines. Using regular gas may result in reduced fuel efficiency, performance, and engine longevity.
 
Acura's fuel recommendations

• Acura NSX: Requires premium fuel. 
• Most other Acuras (MDX, RDX, TLX, RLX, ILX, and others): Recommend premium fuel for peak performance, but can run on regular gas. 

Why premium gas is recommended

• Performance: Acura's engines are engineered with high-compression ratios, and premium gas is necessary to achieve their full power and efficiency potential. 
• Engine longevity: Using regular gas may lead to knocking and pre-ignition, which can cause engine damage over time. 
• Efficiency: While the upfront cost of premium gas is higher, the improved fuel efficiency may offset the cost over time. 

What to do if you use regular gas

• Check your owner's manual: Your manual will provide specific guidance on fuel requirements for your vehicle. 
• Consider the impact: Using regular gas may lead to reduced performance, fuel economy, and engine longevity. 
• Use premium gas occasionally: If you choose to use regular gas, consider using premium fuel every few fill-ups to clean out any carbon deposits. 
• Use Top Tier gasoline: If you are concerned about engine health, choosing a Top Tier gasoline brand can help keep your engine clean and running efficiently, regardless of octane rating. 

What happens if you put regular gas in an Acura TLX?

You'll be safe on our Cherry Hill roads using regular gas in these automobiles. However, the engines in these models are designed for optimal performance when high-octane fuel is used. In other words, you'll get the best performance from these engines when you use premium gas.

Can an Acura RDX run on regular gas?

No, an Acura RDX is not designed to take regular gas; it is highly recommended to use premium gasoline for optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. While the engine can run on regular fuel, it will do so less efficiently, potentially leading to reduced horsepower, lower fuel economy, and engine knocking. Using premium fuel ensures the engine runs smoothly as it is designed to. 
What to do if you've been using regular gas

• You can switch to premium fuel, and the engine computer will adjust to accommodate the change.
• It is best to stick with one type of fuel once you make the switch.
• Using regular gas in the long term can cause deposits to build up and potentially damage the engine over time. 

Why premium is recommended

• Acura's turbocharged engines require higher octane fuel for peak performance. 
• Premium fuel prevents pre-ignition, which can cause engine knocking and rattling. 
• Premium fuel will result in better fuel economy and longevity for your engine. 

Can I put 87 gas in my Acura?

While your luxury vehicle can run on lower-octane, or regular, gas, you won't be able to experience its full performance potential without premium gas. Acura vehicles in particular are created with high performance in mind.