Premium fuel required on the RX350?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: Ontario
Premium fuel required on the RX350?
Hey guys. I originally ordered the NX350h but someone canceled an order for a RX350, so I jumped the gun and got that instead. I'm seeing a ton of debates regarding which fuel type to use. I understand that the 2023 rx350 now has a new turbo charged engine, so does that change the fuel required? I'm from Toronto and regular gas here is 87. I read on a dealers website that the 2022 rx350 can use a minimum of 87. Anyone know if that's the case for the 2023 rx350 as well? I'd rather not spend the extra money on more expensive fuel if I don't have to. Thanks in advance!
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 103
Likes: 19
From: ON
Hey guys. I originally ordered the NX350h but someone canceled an order for a RX350, so I jumped the gun and got that instead. I'm seeing a ton of debates regarding which fuel type to use. I understand that the 2023 rx350 now has a new turbo charged engine, so does that change the fuel required? I'm from Toronto and regular gas here is 87. I read on a dealers website that the 2022 rx350 can use a minimum of 87. Anyone know if that's the case for the 2023 rx350 as well? I'd rather not spend the extra money on more expensive fuel if I don't have to. Thanks in advance!
2023 RX350 and RX500h "require" premium gas
2023 RX350h and upcoming Plugin Hybrid (probably 2024) "recommended" premium fuel BUT it is fine if you use regular fuel (87) , you may lose some performance (which 99% of people don't care)
so if you want to use regular fuel (87) right now your only option is RX350h.
2022 and 2023 RX have completely different engine
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 459
From: NY
Yes, premium. Costco at least is holding the line at 50 cents more per gallon for premium, I have seen other stations even higher. It's a negative to be sure for the turbo engine, depends on how many miles a year your drive. If you want the hybrid, the wait for it is going to be longer as the 350h is only 17% of Production (Lexus badly underestimated it I think).
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Premium fuel required?
Just discovered premium fuel,is required in the 2023 RX 350. I did not notice this in the RX booklet I got at the dealer. If one is not into performance, will it harm the engine to use regular fuel?
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 34
Likes: 14
From: New Jersey
For the 350h models premium is recommended but not required. Other models do need premium.
This info is in the owner manuals:
RX350h: Recommended to use premium unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 91 (Research Octane Number of 96) or higher for optimum engine performance. You may use unleaded gasoline with octane rating as low as 87 (Research Octane Number of 91). In this case, engine performance may be decreased. Use of octane rating unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 may result in engine knocking. Persistent knocking can lead to engine damage.
RX500h: Select premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher required for optimum engine performance and fuel economy. If the octane rating is less than 91, damage to the engine may occur and may void the vehicle warranty.
Last edited by RolfK; May 4, 2023 at 11:55 AM.
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Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 70
Likes: 49
From: TX
The newest generation NX and RX hybrids can use regular fuel. The newest generation NX 350 and RX 350 have a turbo 4 engine which requires premium fuel according to the manufacturer. The interesting question is why those require premium but the new Highlander turbo 4 does not. I don't know the answer, but I found a reddit thread. Maybe other readers here can comment on that.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
I am still confused whether or not the RX 350 requires premium gas. My vehicle is being built this week and so the only owners manual I have been reading is on line it states premium is required. As a senior citizen I am not into jack rabbit starts and most of my driving is local, so I wouldn’t be pushing the envelope.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 542
From: Florida
I am still confused whether or not the RX 350 requires premium gas. My vehicle is being built this week and so the only owners manual I have been reading is on line it states premium is required. As a senior citizen I am not into jack rabbit starts and most of my driving is local, so I wouldn’t be pushing the envelope.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 149
From: fl
I am still confused whether or not the RX 350 requires premium gas. My vehicle is being built this week and so the only owners manual I have been reading is on line it states premium is required. As a senior citizen I am not into jack rabbit starts and most of my driving is local, so I wouldn’t be pushing the envelope.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 18
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
My original post asks if I am not into performance, will it harm the engine to use regular gas? Several of the reply’s indicate that the computers will adjust the timing and it would be safe to use regular. Just want to do the right thing and not harm the engine. But it’s a waste of money to pay $1,00 more a gallon.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 542
From: Florida
My original post asks if I am not into performance, will it harm the engine to use regular gas? Several of the reply’s indicate that the computers will adjust the timing and it would be safe to use regular. Just want to do the right thing and not harm the engine. But it’s a waste of money to pay $1,00 more a gallon.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 1,709
From: NC
Used regular gas in last six vehicles that required premuim or recommended it and logged over a million miles. Noticed no difference in gas mileage or horsepower and of course zero engine problems. Want another opinion go to YouTube and search regular gasoline versus premuim and watch two clips one from Consumer Reports and one from CBC News.
