How many miles will a Lexus ES 350 go?
On a full tank, a Lexus ES 350 typically covers about 370–540 miles, depending on model year, drivetrain and driving style.
What follows is a closer look at how far this gasoline-powered sedan can go, the factors that influence range, and typical numbers for recent models.
What affects the ES 350’s range?
The distance you can travel from a full tank is shaped by several factors, including efficiency, tank size, and how you drive. The main considerations are listed below.
- Fuel economy (miles per gallon, or mpg): Higher mpg means more miles per gallon and more miles per tank.
- Fuel tank capacity: A larger tank holds more fuel and extends range; ES 350 models typically have a mid-teens to low-20s gallon capacity.
- Driving conditions: Highway driving generally yields far better mpg than city stop-and-go driving.
- Speed and acceleration: Higher speeds and rapid acceleration decrease mpg and reduce range.
- Payload and aerodynamics: Extra weight and less favorable aerodynamics reduce efficiency.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) vs all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations can affect mpg slightly, impacting range.
Because these factors vary, the real-world range can differ significantly from ideal estimates.
Estimated range values for a full tank
To give a practical sense of the numbers, here are typical ranges using EPA fuel-economy figures and a conventional 17-gallon tank. These illustrate best-case correlations between mpg and miles per tank.
- City driving (about 22 mpg): ~374 miles per tank
- Highway driving (about 32 mpg): ~544 miles per tank
- Combined driving (about 26 mpg): ~442 miles per tank
Note that real-world range will vary with how you drive, traffic, weather, tire maintenance, and vehicle load. If you opt for an all-wheel-drive version, expect a small reduction in mpg and a correspondingly shorter per-tank range on average.
Model-year and drivetrain variations
Range estimates are broadly similar across recent ES 350 versions, but there can be small differences by year and drivetrain. The gasoline ES 350 generally reports EPA ratings around the low- to mid-20s for city mpg and low- to low-30s for highway mpg, with a combined figure in the mid-20s. AWD versions typically show a modest dip in efficiency compared with their FWD counterparts, which translates to a correspondingly lower per-tank range.
- FWD ES 350: EPA ratings commonly around 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined, yielding roughly 370–540 miles per 17-gallon-equivalent tank depending on driving conditions.
- AWD ES 350: EPA ratings typically a bit lower than FWD, leading to a slightly shorter range per tank under similar conditions.
For context, enthusiasts sometimes compare these figures to the ES 300h hybrid, which achieves higher mpg and tends to stretch per-tank range further on average, though that model uses a different powertrain.
Summary
In practice, expect about 370–540 miles per full tank in a Lexus ES 350, with highway driving offering the best range and city driving reducing it notably. Always consider your own driving habits, terrain, and weather when estimating how far you can go on a single tank. This range is most accurate for current-generation ES 350 models with standard FWD configuration and typical maintenance.
What is the high mileage for a Lexus ES 350?
On average, a Lexus ES 350 can last between 220,000 and 250,000 miles.
Can Lexus last 300,000 miles?
In general, cars from this luxury brand can easily last 250,000 to 300,000 miles. While cars from other brands can last for around 150,000 miles, a Lexus can double that estimation and allows drivers to push the absolute limit of the vehicle's longevity before a replacement is necessary.
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.
Are Lexus reliable after 100k miles?
Yes, Lexus vehicles are generally very reliable after 100,000 miles, often lasting well over 200,000 to 300,000 miles, especially with proper and regular maintenance. Because they are built on Toyota's reputation for dependability, they maintain high performance and longevity, though owners should anticipate potential repairs like timing belt replacements or sensor issues as the car ages.
Factors contributing to Lexus reliability past 100k miles
- Strong engineering: Lexus cars benefit from high-quality engineering and rigorous testing, contributing to their long lifespan.
- Toyota heritage: As a luxury division of Toyota, Lexus inherits the brand's reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles.
- Owner reports: Many owners report that their Lexus vehicles continue to drive smoothly and quietly even after passing the 100,000-mile mark.
- Maintenance is key: Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity. Consistent oil changes, filter replacements, and other checks are essential to keep the car running well past 100,000 miles.
What to expect with high-mileage Lexus vehicles
- Potential for repairs: While reliable, high-mileage Lexus models may eventually require more significant and potentially costly repairs, such as replacing a timing belt or certain sensors.
- Varying model durability: The reliability can vary by model. For example, specific older models like the LS 430 and the LX/GX SUVs are often cited as particularly long-lasting, says this YouTube video.
- High cost of ownership: The average annual repair cost for a Lexus is slightly above average compared to other brands, so plan for higher ownership costs as the vehicle accumulates miles.
