How many miles per gallon does a 2002 Lexus RX300 get?
In brief, the 2002 Lexus RX300 typically achieves about 19 miles per gallon in city driving and about 23 miles per gallon on the highway with front-wheel drive; all-wheel-drive models usually run around 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Real-world mileage varies based on conditions and maintenance.
Fuel economy by drivetrain
The following figures reflect EPA estimates commonly cited for the 2002 RX300, with differences based on whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
- Front-wheel drive (FWD): 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway; combined roughly 21 mpg.
- All-wheel drive (AWD): 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway; combined roughly 19 mpg.
Real-world mileage can vary from these estimates due to driving style, maintenance, tire condition and size, terrain, and climate. Always consider driving habits and local conditions when estimating typical fuel use.
Context and considerations
The RX300’s fuel economy reflects its 3.0-liter V6 paired with a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission and the weight of a mid-size SUV from the early 2000s. EPA testing cycles used at the time separated city and highway driving, and real-world results often sit between the two figures depending on your daily routes.
For owners evaluating used vehicles, variations such as tire choice (grippy tires can reduce mileage), maintenance history (spark plugs, air filters, and transmission fluid), and load (passengers and cargo) can influence actual MPG. Ensuring tires are correctly inflated and the vehicle is well-maintained helps align real-world numbers with EPA estimates.
Summary
The 2002 Lexus RX300 returns roughly 19 mpg city / 23 mpg highway with FWD and about 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway with AWD, with combined figures near 21 mpg for FWD and 19 mpg for AWD. Real-world mileage depends on driving conditions and upkeep, so owners may see results above or below these benchmarks.
