gman2727

I know this topic has probably been discussed extensively in separate threads (of which I cannot locate at this point in time), but wanted to confirm there was no potential warranty void if using Regular (87) gas in a NX 350h as stated per the manual? It is of course recommended for a performance boost (which is always questionable), but listed as required for the 350h.

I know the non-hybrid and F-Sport model both with the turbo engine require Premium (91); however, just doing my due diligence to make sure I am not missing anything for the 350h.

Appreciate the insight and thanks in advance!

SocalBiker

As far as i know, there is actually no requirement for high octane unless you are truly driving a high performance car. If you want your car to perform at the highest performance rating for your car, then you want 91. Normal driving you will not notice any difference. Look in the manual, at best it will say recommended.

midcow3

Answer : REGULAR is perfectly fine; don't waste your money on mid or premium grades.

Here are the other discussions:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...errerid=161523
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...errerid=161523

YMMV,
MidCow3

Lexus22563

I started off using 91 octane and then switched to 87 octane the last 4 fills. I can tell folks here that the performance and mpg is slightly better. BUT i have to say that 87 octane is working just fine. I am a conservative to moderate driver who tries to get good mpg. The performance is good and mpg decreases by maybe 1 to 1.3 mpg. This is perfectly fine for me. By the way I got 44.9 mpg on my last tank of 87 octane. After 5800 miles I am averaging 43.5 mpg with 87 and 91 used in past. I calculate by inputting my info into the app Fuelly.

midcow3

as the engine breaks-in

Awesome mileage ..just like I expect to get listening to ML.

YMMV,
MidCow3

Freds430

For over a million miles I have run regular gasoline in our vehicles that either recommended or required premium with zero problems. I also have noticed when run premuim on a rare occasion no increase in gas mileage or power. This can all be confirmed in these two YouTube clips.
Seach on YouTube regular gas versus premium Consumer Reports and Premium gas vs. regular: What's really better for your car? (CBC Marketplace)

gb350h

Exactly the same here. started off using 91 octane and then switched to 87 octane the last few fills. I don't feel a day and night difference so I'm totally fine with 87 octane until the gas prices drops back to where it was supposed to be.

midcow3

OP, @gman2727 Let me try to give you a kinder more accurate answer, peace brother.

As far as I know and I am pretty certain using Regular (87) will not void the warranty.


This is really very misunderstood. On higher compression engines the horsepower is derived when using premium gas only because the ECU is not retarding the spark to prevent pinging and you get full stated horsepower. The only thing premium gas does is has a more additive that prevents pre-detonation ( pinging) most modern ICEs have an ECU that will automatically adjusts when a lower grade of gas is used. In some cases such as the Lexus 2.4. turbo the ECU is adjusted for maximum horsepower and you could potentially get pinging by using regular. Okay using premium you get full stated horsepower maximum improvement. If you use regular then the ECU adjusts and you get about 5% less horsepower Since the 350h can run without pinging on regular you get full horsepower on regular and using premium adds no horsepower. F. Most people can not discern a difference in performance, mpg with a 5% horsepower difference; in most cases, you are talking maybe a couple of tenths of seconds improvement in 0-60 mph times. INSIGNIFICANT.

In a lot of cases the NX 350 2.4 turbos could run on regular and the ECU may downgrade the horsepower to prevent pinging if needed. Howver, if pinging does occur, then you should first upgrade to mid-range, and if pinging still occurs upgrade to premium. One has to remember that the Lexus and for that matter any car's manuals are ultra-conservative.

By the way congrats on your NX. I finally got allocated a couple of weeks ago and will be getting my NX 350h soon and I plan to run regularl all the time

Good Luck and Peace to All

YMMV,
MidCow3

Kimberly88

Premium gas is not “required” for 350h and using regular will not void your warranty.