Lexus and Regular Gas: A Shifting Landscape
Lexus, known for its blend of luxury, comfort, and style, has become a favorite among drivers. However, a common question for potential buyers is about fuel type. Many Lexus models require premium gasoline (91 octane), leading to higher costs at the pump. Fortunately, Lexus has offered models that run on regular (87 octane) gas throughout its history. This article will explore the Lexus vehicles designed for regular fuel, from the 1990s to today.
The Early Days: The 1990s
Lexus launched in 1989. The 1990s saw Lexus shift its focus toward premium fuel models, but it didn’t immediately abandon the regular gas option. In 1992, the LS 400, SC 300, and SC 400 were all designed to use 87-octane gasoline. However, this changed the following year.
In 1993, the ES 300 became the primary regular gas model, and it carried the flag for this fuel type for several years. From 1993 to 1998, it was the only Lexus that could smoothly operate on regular gas. Then, with the dawn of the new millennium, a change came.
The 2000s: A Lean Decade for Regular Gas
The ES 300 was joined by the RX 300 in 2000, then the LX 470 in 2002. In 2003 the GX 470 arrived. The ES 330 replaced the ES 300 in 2004, and the same year the RX 330 replaced the RX 300. Unfortunately, the story for regular gas models after this point became less promising.
In 2006, Lexus dramatically cut down its regular gas vehicle offerings, offering only the LX 470. The subsequent model year saw the complete elimination of these options. The regular gas models had been upgraded and became premium models. The LX 470 became premium fuel in 2007, with the ES 330 doing the same in 2006 and the RX 330 in 2006.
The 2010s: A Regular Gas Revival
Though the mid-2000s seemed to signify the end for regular-gas Lexus models, the 2010s saw a comeback. In 2010, the Lexus HS 250h was introduced, and the CT 200h and ES 350 joined it in 2011 as 87 octane vehicles. This trend continued.
The RX 350 rejoined the regular gas lineup in 2012. These models included the NX 300h in 2015 to make five regular-gas Lexus options.
In 2018, the CT 200h was discontinued, and the RX 350L was introduced. In 2019, the UX 200 and UX 250h were added, creating one of the most robust lineups of 87-octane vehicles in the brand’s history. Lexus offered the ES 300h, ES 350, NX 300h, RX 350, RX 350L, UX 200, and UX 250h to drivers who preferred to skip the premium fuel. The 2010s were a good time to buy a regular-gas Lexus.
The 2020s: The Current State
The 2020s have seen some changes in the Lexus regular gas lineup. The 2020 lineup was unchanged from 2019. In 2021, the RX 350L was removed in favor of the ES 250, a model that was short-lived.
The ES 250, along with other 87-octane Lexus models, made it to the 2022 model year. However, in 2023, Lexus reduced its regular gas models again and the current lineup is a mixed bag.
Currently, the NX 250, ES, ESh, and UXh are the regular gas options for Lexus in 2024. It’s anyone’s guess which way Lexus will go with its 2025 model year vehicles. The brand’s history shows considerable shifts in offerings.
Why Does Gas Type Matter?
Despite their similarities, regular and premium gasoline have key differences. The most significant is the octane level, which affects fuel stabilization during combustion. Higher-octane fuel is more stable, which is crucial for engines with high compression ratios.
