Does the Lexus RX 350 have good gas mileage?
The Lexus RX 350 delivers respectable fuel economy for a midsize luxury SUV, but it isn’t the strongest in its class. In recent models, you’ll typically see mpg in the upper 20s on average, with highway figures often closer to 30 mpg, depending on drivetrain and year.
Fuel economy basics for the RX 350
Official EPA estimates vary by year and drivetrain, but the RX 350’s efficiency tends to be solid for its size. Front‑wheel drive (FWD) versions usually post higher numbers than all‑wheel drive (AWD) versions because of the lighter drivetrain, while newer updates can nudge efficiency upward slightly. Here are typical ranges you might encounter for recent model years:
- RX 350 with front‑wheel drive (FWD): roughly 25–28 mpg combined, with city mpg often in the mid‑20s and highway mpg around 30+ on newer models.
- RX 350 with all‑wheel drive (AWD): roughly 23–26 mpg combined, with city mpg a bit lower and highway efficiency similar to or slightly above the FWD version on certain years.
These numbers reflect EPA estimates and real‑world results can vary based on driving style, terrain, and equipment such as tires and roof racks.
Real‑world performance and factors that affect mpg
Actual fuel economy depends on several factors beyond the drivetrain. Buyers should consider how they typically drive and where they drive. The most influential variables include:
- Driving style (aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce mpg).
- Terrain and climate (hilly roads and cold weather can lower mpg).
- Tire type and tire pressure (low-rolling-resistance tires and proper inflation help economy).
- Payload and roof racks (added weight and aero drag reduce highway mileage).
- Maintenance and overall vehicle condition (upkeep supports optimal efficiency).
In practice, many owners report mpg close to the EPA estimates, with real-world figures trending slightly lower in mixed city/highway use or higher on highways with steady speeds.
Options for higher efficiency
If maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, consider Lexus’s hybrid options. Hybrid versions typically deliver notably higher mpg and can substantially reduce fuel costs over time. Specific variants and their numbers vary by model year and market, but the hybrid family generally offers a meaningful boost over the RX 350’s non-hybrid configuration:
- Hybrid RX options (such as RX 350h or RX 450h in various markets) usually achieve significantly higher mpg, often in the low to upper 30s combined, depending on year and drivetrain.
- Compared with the non-hybrid RX 350, hybrids trade some upfront cost and complexity for better economy and often smoother city driving performance.
For buyers focused on fuel efficiency, a test drive with both a gasoline RX 350 and a hybrid variant is advised to weigh performance, feel, and real-world mileage.
Summary
In summary, the Lexus RX 350 offers solid, respectable gas mileage for its class, typically in the upper 20s mpg combined for FWD and slightly lower for AWD. If maximum fuel efficiency is a top priority, stepping up to a hybrid version of the RX is usually the best path, as hybrids commonly deliver substantially better mpg in everyday driving.
Overall takeaway: the RX 350 strikes a balance between comfort, performance, and efficiency for a midsize luxury SUV; for the best mpg, consider a hybrid variant and optimize driving habits and maintenance.
Is the Lexus RX 350 fuel efficient?
Drivers in the 2022 Lexus RX 350 will get an estimated 27 miles per gallon when driving on the highway and 20 miles per gallon around the town to make a combined 23mpg.
Is the Lexus RX 350 a woman's car?
Even though women love this SUV, it's a good buy for men as well, assuming they can put aside their macho tendencies.
Which Lexus RX has the best gas mileage?
Lexus Hybrid & Electric MPG Comparison
| Lexus Model | City | Combined (MPG / MPGe) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid | Up to 37 MPG | Up to 36 MPG |
| 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid | Up to 83 Combined MPGe | Up to 83 Combined MPGe |
| 2025 Lexus RZ | Up to 114 MPGe | Up to 105 MPGe |
| 2025 Lexus TX Hybrid | Up to 27 MPG | Up to 27 MPG |
What are the disadvantages of a Lexus RX 350?
Early Lexus RX 350 releases experienced steering issues, notably power steering fluid leaks from the rack and pinion system. Not only is this a massive safety hazard – it can also be costly to repair. Unfortunately, the problem is hard to predict and can also affect vehicles with fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock.
