How many miles per gallon does the LS500 get?
The gasoline-powered Lexus LS500 typically averages about 23 mpg combined in rear-wheel-drive form and around 21 mpg combined with all-wheel drive, with EPA-estimated splits near 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway for RWD and 18 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for AWD. Real-world results vary by year, trim, tires, and driving conditions.
EPA ratings by drivetrain
Below are typical EPA estimates reported for recent LS500 models. Exact numbers depend on the model year, wheel/tire package, and other options.
- LS500 RWD (rear-wheel drive): approximately 19 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.
- LS500 AWD (all-wheel drive): approximately 18 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined.
These figures illustrate how drivetrain choices impact efficiency. Depending on your exact year and configuration, numbers may shift slightly from the ranges above.
Variation by model year and conditions
Fuel economy can be influenced by engine tuning, transmission behavior, and whether you opt for larger wheels. Newer model years may see marginal changes, while heavier or lower-profile tires can reduce mpg.
Hybrids for context
For comparison, the LS 500h hybrid uses a different powertrain with separate efficiency figures. If you're weighing economy, note that the hybrid variant typically delivers higher combined mpg than the gasoline LS500, but it is a distinct model line (LS 500h) rather than the LS500.
Practical takeaways for buyers
In everyday driving, many owners report highway mpg in the high 20s for the RWD LS500, with lower figures in urban, stop-and-go traffic. Real-world results depend on driving style, maintenance, and conditions, in addition to the car’s drivetrain and wheel choice.
Summary
The LS500’s fuel economy sits in the low 20s combined for most configurations, with the RWD version tending to be the more efficient option and the AWD variant costing a couple of mpg in efficiency. Always check the EPA window sticker for the exact year, trim, and wheel package of the vehicle you’re considering, as numbers can vary.
