Does the Lexus ES 350 have good gas mileage?
Yes, for a non-hybrid luxury sedan, the ES 350 offers competitive fuel efficiency around the mid-20s in city driving and low-to-mid-30s on the highway, with a typical combined figure in the mid-20s depending on year and drivetrain.
The ES 350 blends comfort and quiet, giving up some efficiency to deliver smooth acceleration and refined highway cruising. This article examines official fuel-economy figures, real-world performance, and how it compares with hybrid options and rivals in the segment.
Fuel economy basics for the ES 350
Understanding how the ES 350 performs at the pump starts with EPA estimates and drivetrain differences.
EPA estimates for the ES 350 typically show:
- Front-wheel-drive (most common): about 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined
- All-wheel-drive: approximately 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Note: Figures vary by model year, tire choice, and driving conditions. In recent years, Lexus has kept the ES 350’s gasoline engine largely consistent while refining aerodynamics and tire choices, resulting in only modest year-to-year changes.
Real-world performance and comparisons
In everyday driving, real-world fuel economy can differ from EPA estimates based on traffic, terrain, and driving style. Some drivers report slightly above EPA numbers on long highway trips, while city congestion often yields results closer to the lower end of the range. The ES 350’s refinement—its 3.5-liter V6 and smooth eight-speed automatic—helps maintain efficient highway fuel economy when conditions permit.
How does it stack up against alternatives?
- Hybrid option: The ES 300h, a comparable model with a hybrid powertrain, delivers about 44 mpg combined, significantly improving efficiency for buyers prioritizing fuel economy, typically at a higher initial price and with different driving characteristics.
- Rivals: Many midsize luxury sedans with V6 power or efficient four-cylinder setups offer similar combined figures in the mid-20s to low-30s. Some non-hybrids are slightly more efficient on the highway, while others push higher city numbers depending on tuning and gearing.
For buyers who want a balance of comfort, quiet refinement and strong highway efficiency, the ES 350’s mileage holds up well within its segment.
Maximizing fuel economy in the ES 350
Here are practical steps owners can take to stretch a tank in the ES 350:
- Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment to reduce rolling resistance.
- Keep the engine well-tuned and use the recommended gasoline grade; regular maintenance helps efficiency.
- Avoid aggressive driving; smooth acceleration and steady speeds improve mpg.
- Use any eco-driving modes if available and minimize heavy loads or roof racks on highway trips.
Even with these tips, the ES 350 remains a luxury sedan prioritizing comfort and performance, so mileage gains may be more modest than in economy-focused cars.
Model-year and drivetrain notes
Fuel economy can shift slightly with model-year updates and drivetrain configurations. Most ES 350s sold in recent years came with rear- or all-wheel drive and Lexus’ refined eight-speed automatic. The ES 350 is not a hybrid, so its fuel economy will generally be lower than the hybrid ES 300h, but it may offer more immediate power and a quieter cabin at highway speeds compared with some rivals.
When evaluating a used ES 350, check the EPA window sticker for the exact numbers for the specific trim and drivetrain, and consider the impact of optional features like larger wheels, which can affect mpg.
Summary
In the current Lexus lineup, the ES 350 offers respectable gas mileage for a luxury sedan with a V6 engine. While it isn’t as fuel-efficient as the ES 300h hybrid or some rivals with smaller engines, it balances refinement, comfort and efficiency effectively. For buyers prioritizing maximum fuel economy, the hybrid or a more efficiency-focused sedan in the segment may be worth considering; for those who value a serene ride and steady highway mileage, the ES 350 remains a solid choice.
What year to stay away from Lexus ES350?
You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common.
- 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures.
- 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks.
- 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years.
Years that are generally considered more reliable
- 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy.
- 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features.
- 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models.
Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?
No, the Lexus ES is not a Camry, but they share the same platform and some mechanical components because Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. The ES is a more premium version, featuring a more luxurious interior, better materials, a quieter ride, and a more powerful standard engine.
- Platform and powertrain: The ES and Camry have historically shared the same platform, and many modern versions use a similar platform and powertrains. For example, the Lexus ES 350 and many Toyota Camry models use a similar 3.5L V6 engine.
- Luxury and features: The ES is designed to be a luxury sedan, with a more premium and quiet interior, higher-quality materials, and a softer ride compared to the sportier or more mainstream focus of the Camry.
- Positioning: The Camry is a mass-market sedan, while the ES is a luxury vehicle. This means the ES comes standard with more luxury features and has a higher price point to reflect its premium positioning.
Is the Lexus ES350 good on gas?
Obviously, the non-hybrid ES350 is not going to get as good of gas mileage as the hybrid, but it's not bad. The ES350 is rated at 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 24 combined, but I managed to get 25.5 mpg in mixed, mostly city driving. And I wasn't light on the throttle, either.
What is the most fuel-efficient Lexus ES?
The 2024 ES 300h stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans available, delivering an impressive 43 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.
