How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Lexus LS500 get?

For the 2021 LS500, EPA estimates are 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined for rear-wheel drive, and 18 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined for all-wheel drive. Real-world results will vary based on driving conditions and style.

The 2021 Lexus LS500 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy depends on drivetrain (RWD vs. AWD) and operating conditions. This article breaks down the official numbers and other factors that influence efficiency in daily driving.

EPA fuel economy by drivetrain

These are the official EPA estimates for 2021 LS500 models, which differ between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.


• All-wheel drive (AWD): 18 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined.

EPA figures provide a baseline for expected efficiency in mixed driving, but individual results will vary with driving style and conditions.

What affects mpg on the LS500

Real-world fuel economy is influenced by several factors. The following list highlights the most impactful ones.

• Driving style: speed, acceleration, and braking habits strongly influence mpg.


• Terrain and traffic: hilly routes and stop-and-go urban driving reduce efficiency.


• Tire condition and pressure: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and hurt mpg.


• Climate control usage: air conditioning and climate settings can lower mpg, especially in extreme weather.


• Load and aerodynamics: heavy luggage, roof racks, or added accessories raise drag and reduce mpg.


• Maintenance and fuel quality: regular maintenance and using the recommended fuel help maintain efficiency.

In practice, many LS500 owners report real-world mpg in the low 20s to upper 20s, depending on driving style and conditions.

Tips to maximize fuel efficiency

Simple habits can help you get closer to the EPA numbers in daily driving.

• Maintain steady speeds and anticipate traffic to minimize stops.


• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.


• Use ECO or similar driving mode when cruising on highways.


• Minimize roof load and avoid unnecessary roof racks when not needed.


• Schedule regular maintenance and use high-quality fuel as recommended by Lexus.

Summary: The 2021 Lexus LS500 delivers EPA-estimated mpg of 23 combined for RWD and 22 combined for AWD (19/30/23 and 18/28/22, respectively). Real-world results vary with conditions, but thoughtful driving and maintenance can help you approach these figures.

Is the Lexus LS 500 fuel efficient?

The LS500h hybrid's 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway ratings are better but are offset by its significantly higher price. In our real-world testing, an all-wheel-drive LS500h managed a 31-mpg result on our 200-mile highway fuel economy test. An all-wheel-drive LS500 F Sport managed 28 mpg.

Does the Lexus LS 500 require premium gas?

Most Lexus vehicles, particularly those with turbocharged or performance-focused engines, require premium gas. If you're driving any of these models, be sure to fill up with 91-octane or higher: Lexus IS (IS 300, IS 350, IS 500) Lexus LS (LS 500, LS 500h)

How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Lexus LS 500 get?

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Whereas the rear-wheel-drive LS500 claims 30/19 mpg highway/city, the rear-wheel-drive LS500h earns 33/25 mpg ratings from the EPA.

Is Lexus discontinuing the LS 500?

Yes, the Lexus LS 500 is being discontinued after the 2026 model year, and Lexus is marking the end of the line with a limited-edition 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition. This special model will be limited to just 250 units in the United States as a final tribute to the flagship sedan that launched the brand.
 
This video shows the exterior and interior of the 2026 Lexus LS 500 Heritage Edition: 59sAntique TAGSYouTube · Sep 29, 2025

• Final Edition: The 2026 Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition serves as a special farewell model. 
• Limited Production: Only 250 units of the Heritage Edition will be produced for the U.S. market. 
• Tribute to the Brand: This edition honors the LS model's 36-year history as the brand's flagship sedan, which first debuted in 1989. 
• Distinctive Features: The Heritage Edition includes unique design elements like Ninety Noir exterior paint and a Rioja Red interior. 
• Engine: It will be powered by the same 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine found in previous LS 500 models. 

This video discusses the end of the Lexus LS model: 59sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Sep 26, 2025