Yes it does, though Lexus recommends 91-octane premium gas for “optimum performance.” Cars.com lists the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations in its research reports (under the Snapshot heading at the top), but there is some flexibility.
Lexus says the RX 350 will retard ignition timing to compensate for lower-octane gas to prevent engine knock (or “ping”), resulting in a small loss of horsepower. Lexus adds, “Drivers usually won’t notice the loss in horsepower unless they have a heavy foot on the accelerator and ask the vehicle for maximum performance.” Premium gas could also make a difference when the vehicle is fully loaded, pulling a trailer or driving through mountains.
Our advice: Try a few tanks of regular and then a few tanks of premium, and see if you notice any difference.
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