How many miles per gallon does a 2011 Lexus ES 350 get?
The 2011 Lexus ES 350 typically achieves about 20 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and around 23 mpg combined. Real-world results can vary based on conditions and driving habits.
This article breaks down the official EPA estimates, what drivers often experience in everyday use, and practical tips to maximize fuel efficiency for this model.
Official fuel economy estimates
The following EPA figures apply to the 2011 ES 350 with front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission. These numbers are the standard window-sticker figures used by buyers and reviewers.
- City: 20 mpg
- Highway: 29 mpg
- Combined: 23 mpg
These EPA estimates provide a baseline for comparison and reflect typical driving under test conditions. Actual mileage may vary with driving style, terrain, and climate control usage.
Real-world performance
In everyday driving, actual fuel economy often falls near or slightly below the EPA combined figure, with variations depending on how you drive and where you drive.
- Typical combined range observed by drivers: roughly 22–25 mpg in mixed driving
- City driving often yields approximately 18–23 mpg, especially in heavy traffic
- Highway driving at steady speeds can approach the 28–32 mpg range when conditions are favorable
These ranges illustrate that real-world results depend on factors such as traffic, climate control use, tire pressure, and maintenance. Your numbers may fall outside this range based on your specific circumstances.
Tips to maximize mpg
Several practical habits and maintenance steps can help you squeeze more mileage from a 2011 ES 350 regardless of the EPA rating.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures for optimal rolling resistance
- Perform regular maintenance, use quality motor oil, and ensure the engine is running cleanly
- Avoid unnecessary weight and roof racks that increase drag
- Drive smoothly: accelerate gradually, maintain steady speeds, and anticipate stops
- Plan trips to minimize idling and unnecessary short trips
By adopting these practices, drivers can approach or maintain the EPA estimates under real-world conditions and improve overall fuel efficiency.
Summary
The 2011 Lexus ES 350 generally delivers about 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating around 23 mpg. Real-world results typically fall within the low-to-mid 20s, influenced by driving style, terrain, and maintenance. Practical tips—such as proper tire pressure, light loads, and smooth driving—can help maximize fuel economy within the vehicle’s design limits.
How many miles per gallon does a 2011 Lexus ES 350 get?
The 2011 Lexus ES 350 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. This fuel economy is based on using regular 87-octane gasoline, which became the recommended fuel for this model year.
- City: 19 mpg
- Highway: 27 mpg
- Combined: 22 mpg
Does a 2011 Lexus ES 350 require premium gas?
No need or benefit to higher octane gasoline only higher cost. If in doubt run a few tanks and decide for yourself. I use premium non ethanol in my 350 ES UL. It does say 87 can be used but premium is recommended by the shop (not just the local techs).
What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?
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.
