How many miles per gallon does a Lexus LS V8 get?
A Lexus LS with a V8 typically returns about 18–19 miles per gallon combined, with city driving around 16 mpg and highway running near 24 mpg, depending on the year and drivetrain. This figure reflects the era when big V8s powered the LS 460/LS 460 L and related variants.
The question is nuanced because the LS lineup has evolved significantly over time. While early LS 460 models used a 4.6-liter V8, later versions included hybrid setups and, in recent years, Lexus shifted toward a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid options. As a result, exact mpg depends on model year, drivetrain (RWD vs. AWD), and whether the car is a pure V8, a hybrid, or a modern V6-based LS.
The V8 Era: How MPG looked
Below are typical EPA figures for the main V8 LS models when they were in production.
Core V8 LS models
- LS 460 (4.6L V8, rear-wheel drive): about 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway; roughly 19 mpg combined.
- LS 460 L (long-wheelbase, usually RWD): about 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway; roughly 18–19 mpg combined.
- LS 600h L (hybrid V8, early hybrid model): typically in the low 20s mpg combined, with values varying by year and drive mode.
These figures illustrate how a heavy luxury sedan with a large V8 balanced performance with fuel economy, and how hybrid technology offered modest gains in efficiency for the higher-end variants.
The current lineup: no V8 in new cars
Today’s LS models rely on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with optional hybrid power, and there is no current U.S. LS sold with a conventional V8. MPG figures now hinge on whether you choose the V6, the AWD option, or a hybrid configuration.
V6 and hybrid options
- LS 500 (3.5L twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive): EPA estimates place the combined fuel economy in the mid-20s to low-30s mpg, depending on year and drivetrain; highway numbers are generally strong for a full-size luxury sedan.
- LS 500 AWD: Similar overall efficiency to the RWD version, with a slight drag on highway numbers due to all-wheel drive.
- LS 500h (hybrid): Hybrid variant typically yields higher combined efficiency than the non-hybrid V6, often in the upper 20s to low 30s mpg depending on conditions and drive mode.
In real-world use, the modern LS’s V6 and hybrid setups tend to offer better highway economy and respectable city efficiency, but exact numbers vary by model year, trim, and driving style.
Where to verify exact figures
For precise EPA numbers by model year and configuration, consult fueleconomy.gov or the official window sticker for the exact car you’re considering.
Summary
The Lexus LS powered by a conventional V8 typically delivered around 18–19 mpg combined in its heyday, with variations by drivetrain. In recent years, the LS shifted away from V8 power in favor of a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and hybrid options, which generally provide better highway efficiency and competitive overall fuel economy. If you’re shopping today, the most reliable way to gauge mpg is to check the EPA ratings for the specific year and configuration you have in mind.
Is the Lexus LS 460 fuel efficient?
The latest Lexus LS 460 is powered by a formidable and efficient V8 engine that delivers robust performance and impressive fuel efficiency.
How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Lexus LS 460 get?
19 MPG
Is the Lexus LS fuel efficient?
The base LS500 receives EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 mpg city and 29 mpg highway and the AWD version checks in at 17 and 27 mpg, respectively.
What is the gas mileage on a 2015 Lexus LS 460?
The EPA's estimated fuel economy for all rear-drive LS 460 sedans is 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway); AWD versions rate 18 mpg combined (16/23).
