How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Lexus GX 460 get?
The 2016 Lexus GX 460 typically gets about 17 miles per gallon combined (roughly 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway).
The GX 460 is a mid-size luxury SUV powered by a 4.6-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission, and its official fuel economy comes from EPA testing. Real-world results can vary widely based on driving conditions, load, and maintenance.
Official fuel economy ratings
The following EPA figures apply to the 2016 GX 460 in its standard AWD configuration.
- City: 15 mpg
- Highway: 19 mpg
- Combined: 17 mpg
Note: These numbers are estimates for typical driving under controlled conditions and may differ from your own experience.
What affects real-world mpg?
Several factors influence the actual fuel economy you’ll see beyond these EPA estimates.
- Driving style and speed: Aggressive acceleration and high speeds reduce efficiency.
- Terrain and climate: Hilly driving and extreme temperatures can lower mpg.
- Vehicle load and roof cargo: Heavier loads and roof racks increase drag and reduce efficiency.
- Tire type and inflation: Underinflated or high-rolling-resistance tires waste fuel.
- Maintenance and condition: Air filters, spark plugs, and oil quality affect engine efficiency.
- Accessory use: Air conditioning and other electrical loads can impact mpg, especially on hot days.
In practice, real-world mileage often falls near or slightly below the EPA combined rating, with variations based on how and where you drive.
Tips to improve fuel economy
Implementing a few straightforward habits can help maximize the GX 460’s efficiency in daily driving.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Limit weight and remove unnecessary roof racks or cargo when not in use.
- Drive with smooth acceleration and steady speeds; use eco/normal modes if available.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and combine errands where possible.
- Schedule regular maintenance (air filter, spark plugs, oil changes) to maintain engine efficiency.
- Use air conditioning judiciously and seek shade or garaged parking in hot weather when feasible.
Following these practices can yield modest improvements in real-world mpg, though gains will vary by conditions and behavior.
Summary
The 2016 Lexus GX 460 is EPA-rated at 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Real-world mileage depends on driving habits, terrain, load, and maintenance. With mindful driving and proper upkeep, you can approach the combined figure, while recognizing that actual results will vary.
How many miles per gallon does a GX 460 get?
The Lexus GX460 typically gets an EPA-rated 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, resulting in a 16 MPG combined fuel economy. Real-world mileage can vary based on driving conditions and individual driving habits, with some owners reporting slightly higher highway numbers, potentially around 20 MPG when conditions are ideal.
This video discusses the real-world fuel economy of a Lexus GX460 over 30,000 miles: 53sOn Down The Road ProductionsYouTube · May 29, 2025
- City: 15 MPG
- Highway: 19 MPG
- Combined: 16 MPG
- Real-world: Some owners report getting closer to 17-20 MPG on the highway depending on speed and conditions.
- Fuel: Premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance.
Do Lexus GX 460 require premium gas?
Yes, later model Lexus GX 460s (201720172017 and newer) require premium fuel, while earlier models (201620162016 and older) can use regular unleaded, though premium is recommended for best performance. The engine in the GX 460 is designed to run most efficiently on 91-octane premium fuel.
GX 460 fuel requirements by model year
- 201720172017 and newer: Require a minimum of 91-octane premium fuel.
- 201620162016 and older: Require a minimum of 87-octane regular unleaded gas. However, premium fuel is still recommended for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
What happens if you use regular gas in a newer model?
- Using regular gas in a newer model may cause a slight decrease in performance and fuel efficiency.
- Prolonged use of lower-octane fuel could potentially lead to engine knocking, and over time may cause carbon buildup.
What years to avoid GX 460?
The main Lexus GX 460 years to avoid are 2010–2013 due to potential issues like engine oil leaks (valley plate leak), as well as the 2010 model specifically, which had a temporary sales suspension after a rollover risk was identified during sharp turns. Later models, especially 2016 and 2017, may be more prone to oil leaks as well, though not as critically as the earlier years.
Years to be cautious about
- 2010–2013: These early models are more frequently cited for potential problems, such as the valley plate coolant leak, which can be expensive to repair.
- 2016 and 2017: These years have been noted by some owners as having a higher likelihood of oil leaks.
Model years generally considered more reliable
- 2014 and later: These models reportedly have a different, less leak-prone head gasket.
- 2021 and 2022: These years are specifically highlighted as being very reliable.
Other potential issues to consider with any model year
- Secondary Air Injection System: Problems with this system can be costly to repair.
- Suspension: Models with the optional AHC (Adjustable Height Control) or KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) can experience issues, though Lexus has issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) to address a leaning issue in some earlier KDSS vehicles.
- Rust: In areas where roads are salted, rust can be a concern, especially on models driven in the North.
- Maintenance: Regular and consistent fluid changes, especially transmission fluid, are crucial to the longevity of the vehicle.
How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Lexus GX460 get?
The 2016 Lexus GX 460 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. In real-world driving, many owners report similar or slightly lower figures, often in the range of 15-18 mpg, depending on driving conditions.
- Official EPA Estimates:
- City: 15 mpg
- Highway: 20 mpg
- Combined: 17 mpg
- Real-World Performance:
- Many owners report a combined average of around 16-18 mpg, with lower figures occurring during city driving or with modifications like all-terrain tires.
- Some users have reported figures as low as 10-12 mpg when towing or in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
- Other Considerations:
- The GX 460 requires premium unleaded fuel.
- Its fuel economy is considered low for its class due to the V8 engine and truck-based chassis.
