On this blog, we do a lot of research regarding specific questions about different cars. Today we’ll look at the Lexus ES and answer what kind of gas this car requires. To find the answer, we’ve gone through the owners’ manuals of the ES 250, 300h, and 350. Here’s a quick answer:
- Lexus ES 250 manufactured from 2021 onwards take premium gasoline with an octane rating of 87.
- Lexus ES 300h manufactured from 2012 onwards take premium gasoline with an octane rating of 87.
- Lexus ES 350 manufactured between 2006 – 2012 take premium gasoline with an octane rating of 91. Lexus ES 350 manufactured from 2013 onwards take regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ll dive into the details of what kind of gas this crossover takes. We’ll talk about reformulated gasoline, E-85, and gasoline with additives. Should or shouldn’t you use this for the Lexus ES? We’ll also talk about the fuel mileage of each generation as well as possible knocking noises and so much more. Read on!
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Does The Lexus ES Need Premium Gasoline?
As you can see in the introduction that we wrote above, many current generations of this car don’t require the use of premium gasoline. This is surprising to many consumers because they’re under the assumption that Lexus is a luxury brand and it should therefore use premium gasoline.
However, in most cases, 87 octane gasoline is needed in most Lexus ES models. However, can you still use premium gasoline, and isn’t that a better option overall?
Yes, you can use premium gasoline in all Lexus ES models. However, only the 2012 – 2016 ES 350 will be able to gain performance benefits from gasoline with an octane of 91 or higher. All other engines are designed for 87 octane, which means they aren’t capable of extracting any benefit (whether that be performance-wise or when looking at the lifespan of the fuel system).
This means that using 91 octane in an ES that only requires 87 octane will cost you more money and won’t benefit you. Therefore, it’s best to stick to the recommendations given in the owner’s manual.
Also read: How Many Miles Can A Lexus ES 350 Last? (Answered)
What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?
Furthermore, it’s essential to talk about the different kinds of gasoline and additives available on the market and whether or not these should be used in your model of the ES.
Reformulated Gasoline
Another important part we need to discuss is whether or not Lexus ES models are suitable for reformulated gasoline and whether this type of gasoline is preferred.
Reformulated gasoline is the gasoline that’s designed to burn cleaner and is, therefore, better for the environment compared to non-reformulated gasoline. In some parts of the United States, reformulated gasoline is mandatory, and there’s not even any other gasoline you have access to.
Therefore, it’s good to know that Lexus ES, like most cars in the United States, is compatible with reformulated gasoline. Furthermore, Lexus advises using reformulated gasoline whenever it’s available because it doesn’t diminish the performance or lifespan of the car while providing cleaner emissions.
Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85
Another form of gasoline we need to discuss is the use of so-called oxygenated blends of gasoline. These are types of gasoline that contain a certain percentage of ethanol. Ethanol is a biofuel mixed into many types of gasoline in the United States because it provides cleaner emissions compared to non-oxygenated gasoline.
The Lexus ES 250 manufactured from 2021 onwards can use gasoline mixed with a maximum percentage of 15% ethanol.
Almost all Lexus ES 300h can use gasoline mixed with a maximum percentage of 15% ethanol. However, the 2013 generation can only take gasoline with a maximum of 10% ethanol.
Almost all Lexus ES 350 can use gasoline mixed with a maximum percentage of 15% ethanol. However, the 2011 – 2013 generation can only take gasoline with a maximum of 10% ethanol.
Furthermore, it’s good to know that gasoline can also contain methanol. This is another type of oxygenated blend. However, Lexus strictly advises against using methanol in any form since this will undoubtedly damage the fuel system.
Gasoline With Added Materials
Many people wonder if adding materials to your fuel can be beneficial. This is a very standard question to have, given that there are many products on the market that are supposed to either improve the performance of your vehicle or its durability.
However, let it be clear that adding additives to your gasoline is strongly advised against by Lexus and all other carmakers. This is because some of these additives will contain silicon or forms of metal that won’t ‘help clean your engine’ but will damage the fuel system of your car.
Instead, it’s advised that you buy gasoline that already has all the proper additives mixed into it. This type of fuel is typically referred to as TOP TIER. Gasoline from TOP TIER retailers has more than the minimum amount of additives mixed into it.
Furthermore, these retailers are regulated by their organization, and research has shown that the engine does stay cleaner (and therefore performs better) when using fuel from these retailers. You can find a retailer in your area via toptiergas.com.
What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling?
There are multiple reasons why an ES can produce a knocking noise. However, if your car develops a knocking noise right after refueling, this most likely indicates a problem with the gasoline you’ve used.
First, let it be clear that a slight knocking noise is never a significant problem. Especially when driving uphill or when towing can, cars develop a faint knocking noise.
However, if you hear a loud knocking noise, and if it happens right after refueling, you’ve most likely used gasoline with a lower than recommended octane rating. If you hear a knocking noise right after refueling, it’s essential to stop the car immediately and call your garage or dealer.
Assuming you did fill up with the wrong kind of gasoline, your car will need to be towed to the garage, drained of its fuel, and then the fuel filter will also need to be replaced.
Also read:
Does the Lexus ES Have Good Gas Mileage?
It’s also important to know the car’s fuel economy you have and/or want. Below, we outlined the three different models of the ES we’ve discussed so far and divided them up for each available generation.
Lexus ES 250
Please note that the table below only includes the ES 250 sold from 2021 and onwards in the United States.
| Engine | Combined | City | Highway |
| 2.5 | 28 | 25 | 34 |
Lexus ES 300h
2012 – 2018
| Engine | Combined | City | Highway |
| 2.5 | 40 | 40 | 39 |
2019 – Present
| Engine | Combined | City | Highway |
| 2.5 | 44 | 43 | 44 |
Lexus ES 350
2006 – 2012
| Engine | Combined | City | Highway |
| 3.5 | 22 | 19 | 27 |
2013 – 2018
| Engine | Combined | City | Highway |
| 3.5 | 24 | 21 | 30 |
2019 – Present
| Engine | Combined | City | Highway |
| 3.5 | 26 | 22 | 32 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A Lexus ES?
Lexus ES 250 manufactured from 2021 onwards have a gas tank size of 16 gallons or 60.6L for the 2WD version. The AWD version has a gas tank size of 14.4 gallons or 54.5L.
Lexus 300h manufactured between 2012 – 2018 have a gas tank size of 17 gallons or 64.35L. 300h manufactured from 2019 onwards have a gas tank size of 13 gallons or 49.3L.
Lexus ES 350, manufactured between 2006 – 2012, have a gas tank size of 18.5 gallons or 70L. The 2012 – 2018 version has a gas tank size of 17 gallons or 64.35L. ES 350 manufactured from 2019 onwards have a gas tank size of 16 gallons or 60.6L.
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Lexus ES?
Below, we’ll give you a rough overview of what it costs to fill up different kinds of Lexus ES models. This is, of course, subject to the gasoline prices in your area. We’ll calculate this with an average price of $4 per gallon.
On average, it costs $64 to fill up a Lexus ES 250 with 2WD. Furthermore, it costs $57,60 to fill up a Lexus ES 250 with AWD.
On average, it costs $68 to fill up a Lexus ES 300h manufactured between 2012 – 2018. It costs $52 to fill up a Lexus ES 300h manufactured from 2019 onwards.
On average, it costs $74 to fill up a Lexus ES 350 manufactured between 2006 – 2012. It costs $68 to fill up a Lexus ES 350 manufactured between 2013 – 2018. Finally, it costs $64 to fill up an ES 350 manufactured from 2019 onwards.
Sources
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!