What Fuel Does My Lexus Require? 87 or 91 Octane Guide by Model Year | Lexus of Concord

February 23rd, 2026 by

What fuel should I use for my Lexus

What Fuel (Octane Level) Does Your Lexus Require?

Ever stood at the gas pump and paused for a second…

“Wait! Does my Lexus take 87 or 91?”

You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from both new and long-time owners. With different engines, hybrid systems, turbocharged models, and performance trims, it’s not always obvious which fuel your vehicle actually needs.

At Lexus of Concord, we wanted to make this simple. No flipping through your manual at the pump. No guessing. Just a clear, easy guide you can reference anytime.

Why the Right Octane Matters

Using the correct fuel isn’t just about performance, it’s about protecting your investment.

The proper octane level helps:

  • Keep your engine running smoothly

  • Prevent knocking or pinging

  • Maintain performance and fuel efficiency

  • Protect long-term reliability

Your Lexus is engineered with precision. Giving it the right fuel helps it perform exactly the way it was designed to.

As a general rule:
Use the recommended octane for your model or higher.
Avoid using a lower octane than required.

If you ever aren’t sure, your Owner’s Manual (Vehicle Specifications section) will always have the final word.

Lexus Fuel Requirement Chart

Below is a simplified guide organized by model year.

2026 Models

Model Minimum Octane
Lexus IS 91
Lexus LC / LC Hybrid 91
Lexus LX 91
Lexus RC / RC F 91
Lexus NX 350 91
Lexus NX 350h 91
Lexus NX 450h+ 91
Lexus RX family 91
Lexus TX / TX Hybrid 91
Lexus NX  91
Lexus ES Unknown
Lexus ES Hybrid Unknown
Lexus UX Hybrid 91

If your model isn’t listed here:
91 is generally recommended (87 minimum in some cases — confirm in your manual).

2024–2025 Models

Model Minimum Octane
Lexus IS 91
Lexus LC / LC Hybrid 91
Lexus LX 91
Lexus RC / RC F 91
Lexus NX 350 91
Lexus NX 350h 91
Lexus NX 450h+ 91
Lexus RX family 91
Lexus TX / TX Hybrid 91
Lexus NX 250 87
Lexus ES 87
Lexus ES Hybrid 87
Lexus UX Hybrid 91

If your model isn’t listed here:
91 is generally recommended (87 minimum in some cases — confirm in your manual).

2023 Models

Model Group Minimum Octane
IS, LC, LC Hybrid, LX, RC, RC F, LS, LS Hybrid, NX 350, NX 350h, NX 450h+, GX, RX family 91
NX 250, ES, ES Hybrid, UX Hybrid 87
Model not shown 91 recommended (87 minimum in some cases)

2022 Models

Model Group Minimum Octane
GX 460, IS 300/350/500, LC 500/500C/500h, LS 500/500h, LX 600, NX 350, NX 450h+, RC 300/350/F, RX 450h 91
ES 250/300h/350, NX 250, RX 350, UX 200/250h 87
NX 350h 91 recommended (87 minimum)

2021–2016 Models (General Guide)

Model Group Minimum Octane
GX, LX, LS, LC, RC (most trims), IS (most trims), GS models, RX 450h, Turbo models (200t/300/350) 91
ES models, RX 350, NX 300h, UX 200/250h, CT 200h, HS 250h 87

2015–2006 Models (General Guide)

Model Group Minimum Octane
GS models, LS models, SC models, IS performance trims, GX (most years), LX (most years) 91
ES models, RX 330/350 (most years), LX 470 (select years) 87

2005–1993 Models (General Guide)

Model Group Minimum Octane
LS, SC, GS performance models 91
ES models, RX models (most years) 87
1992 LS 400 87
1992 ES 300 91

For older vehicles, we strongly recommend confirming directly in your Owner’s Manual since requirements varied by year and engine.

FAQ: Where Can I Find What Octane Fuel My Car Needs?

Q: Where can I find the recommended octane level for my car?
A: You can find the required octane rating in three easy places:

1. Inside the Fuel Door
Open your fuel door and look for a sticker near the fuel cap or filler opening. It will usually say something like:

  • “Premium Unleaded Fuel Only – 91 Octane or Higher”

  • or

  • “Unleaded Fuel Only – 87 Octane Minimum”

2. In Your Owner’s Manual
Check the “Fuel Information” or “Specifications” section. It will list the minimum octane required and whether premium fuel is recommended.

3. Online or in the Lexus App
You can also view your digital owner’s manual through the Lexus App or on Lexus.com by selecting your vehicle’s year and model.

Final Takeaway

✔ Use the recommended octane or higher
✔ Do not use fuel below the required rating
✔ When in doubt, check your Owner’s Manual

And if you’d rather not dig through the manual — just reach out to us at Lexus of Concord. We’re always happy to help you confirm what your Lexus needs.

Because taking care of your vehicle starts with the basics — and the right fuel is one of them.

At Lexus of Concord, we proudly serve drivers throughout the Bay Area including San Jose, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, Berkeley, Redwood City, Fairfield, Sacramento, Roseville, Monterey Peninsula, and the greater San Francisco and East Bay region.

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