What type of fuel should be used for a Lexus ES?
3 Answers
Lexus ES requires 92-octane fuel. Below is some relevant information about the Lexus ES: 1. The Lexus ES is one of the most successful and best-selling models in the history of LEXUS. It is the only front-wheel-drive series in the Lexus lineup. The overall driving performance is average, with a light steering wheel, vague road feedback, and relatively soft suspension. However, it offers strong ride comfort, making it feel like riding on an air cushion when driving over bumpy roads. 2. The interior design of the Lexus ES is business-oriented and luxurious, featuring rich configurations, exquisite craftsmanship, and comfortable seats. The panoramic sunroof design and navigation system add both prestige and practicality. 3. The new-generation ES achieves outstanding comfort and safety performance while also utilizing advanced technology to achieve low energy consumption and low emissions, perfectly balancing luxury quality and environmental friendliness. The new-generation ES adopts a lightweight body design, using high-strength steel to reduce the weight of the body frame structure, resulting in lower vehicle weight and energy consumption.
I'm a maintenance technician at a Lexus 4S dealership, and I often encounter owners asking this question. The official manual clearly states that all ES models require 91 octane or higher unleaded gasoline, which corresponds to 95 octane or higher in China. Specifically for the ES300h hybrid, the engine's unique working principle means that long-term use of 92 octane fuel can easily lead to increased carbon buildup and reduced power. Just last week, I repaired an ES260 where the owner had been using 92 octane fuel for six months to save money, and the engine ended up triggering a fault light. Although the older ES250 has a slightly lower compression ratio, the manufacturer still recommends 95 octane. A strong reminder: 98 octane fuel is actually more suitable for the ES, especially for owners who frequently drive on highways. It offers better anti-knock performance and improves throttle response. The cost per kilometer only increases by a few cents, but it helps protect the engine. The 'Recommended 95/92' label on the fuel cap indicates that 92 octane can be used temporarily in extreme situations, but it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for long-term use.
A veteran Lexus driver with 13 years of experience shares some insights. My ES350 has been running on 95-octane fuel since it was new, and the engine has never had any issues over 210,000 kilometers. Although the new ES200 has a smaller displacement, its turbocharged engine has a high compression ratio of 10.3:1, making it prone to knocking with lower-octane fuel. There's a misconception to clarify: using higher-octane fuel isn't necessarily more expensive. Practical tests show that 95-octane fuel burns more efficiently than 92-octane, especially on highways, where it can extend the range by about 50 kilometers. During summer traffic jams with the AC on, using 98-octane fuel noticeably makes the engine quieter. If you find yourself in a remote area with only 92-octane fuel available, don't panic—using it for a short period or twice won't cause major issues, but remember to add a fuel system cleaner like "fuel treasure" once you're back in the city.
