How many MPG does an LS400 get?
The LS400 typically returns about 17–18 mpg in city driving and around 23–26 mpg on the highway, depending on year and condition.
Beyond the headline numbers, the LS400's fuel economy depends on model year, maintenance, and driving style. The luxury sedan—launched by Toyota's Lexus division in the late 1980s with a 4.0-liter V8—was designed for smooth performance and comfort as much as efficiency. This article provides a concise guide to official EPA estimates, typical owner experiences, and practical tips for maximizing mpg.
EPA fuel economy by model year
EPA ratings for the LS400 in the U.S. varied slightly by year, but generally fell within the low-to-mid teens city and low-to-mid twenties highway.
Notes on year-to-year variation
EPA cycles changed over the LS400’s production years, and the car’s wear, tire fitment, and climate control usage can tilt observed mpg from the official estimates.
- 1990–1992 LS400: about 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.
- 1993–1994 LS400: about 17 mpg city / 23–24 mpg highway.
Keep in mind that EPA numbers reflect a lab test and may differ from real-world results, which tend to be lower in city conditions and higher on steady highway runs.
Real-world fuel economy
In everyday driving, many LS400 owners report different figures depending on use, speed, and maintenance.
- City driving: roughly 14–18 mpg.
- Highway driving: roughly 23–28 mpg.
- Combined driving: typically around 17–22 mpg.
Actual results vary widely; city commutes with frequent idling and acceleration will reduce efficiency, while steady highway cruising at modest speeds yields the best mpg.
Factors that affect MPG
Several variables influence the LS400's fuel economy, from mechanical condition to driving habits.
- Engine maintenance: fresh spark plugs, clean fuel injectors, proper oxygen sensors, and an intact catalytic converter help preserve efficiency.
- Tire condition and pressure: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mpg.
- Driving style: rapid acceleration, high speeds, and aggressive braking lower mpg.
- Vehicle weight and equipment: heavy loads or roof racks raise aerodynamic drag.
- Climate and accessories: use of A/C and heater can affect mpg, especially in extreme temperatures.
- Fuel quality and octane: the LS400 generally requires premium fuel for optimal performance and efficiency.
In short, keeping the car well-maintained and driving with a light foot can keep mileage closer to the EPA estimates.
Tips to maximize MPG
Practical steps owners can take to squeeze more mpg from the LS400 include:
- Keep tires inflated to the factory-recommended pressure and use a wheel alignment if worn or pulling.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and avoid heavy traffic where possible; use cruise control on highways to maintain steady speeds.
- Perform regular maintenance: oil changes with the correct grade, air filter, and spark plugs; inspect oxygen sensors and fuel system.
- Lighten loads and remove roof racks when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Use climate control judiciously; at highway speeds, A/C use typically lowers mpg by a small amount, depending on the vehicle and conditions.
Following these practices won't turn a big V8 into a small sedan, but they can help you approach the upper end of the LS400's efficiency range.
Summary
The Lexus LS400's fuel economy sits in the low- to mid-teens for city driving and the low- to mid-twenties on the highway. Real-world results vary with year, maintenance, and driving style, but with proper care and mindful driving, combined mpg commonly lands in the high teens to low twenties. This information reflects classic LS400 models produced in the 1990s for the U.S. market, and numbers can shift slightly for different regions and wheel/tire setups.
How big is the ls400 full tank range?
380.8/537.6 mi. 22.4 gal.
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 Lexus gets 30 MPG?
Lexus RX 450h
Like all Lexus Hybrid models, the Lexus RX 450h boasts an efficient engine and high-torque electric motor that work in concert to deliver unmatched performance and earn up to 28 highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.
Which car gets 70 MPG?
Several hybrid and diesel cars can achieve around 70 mpg, though it's often an official rating and can vary in real-world driving. Examples include the Vauxhall Corsa with a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which can get up to 70.6 mpg, and various hybrid models, including some versions of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Prius, which can reach this level under ideal conditions.
Examples of cars with around 70 mpg
- Vauxhall Corsa (1.5-litre turbo diesel): Can achieve up to 70.6 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient diesel cars available.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Early models were advertised with a claimed 70 mpg combined fuel economy.
- Toyota Prius: Various models can get close to 70 mpg, especially older non-plug-in hybrids which are cheaper on the used market. Plug-in hybrid versions can also run on electric power for short distances.
- Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Can achieve around 59 mpg combined.
Important considerations
- Official vs. real-world MPG: The 70 mpg figure is often an official rating that is achieved under specific testing conditions, and your real-world mileage may be lower or higher depending on your driving habits, the vehicle's condition, and road conditions.
- Hybrid vs. diesel: Both hybrid and diesel cars can achieve high MPG, but hybrids have the added benefit of electric-only driving for short distances, while some diesels can have higher upfront costs but offer impressive fuel economy on long-distance journeys.
- Age and model: Some of the models with the highest MPG ratings are older, so be sure to research specific model years when shopping.
- Type of driving: While hybrids and diesels can be very efficient, their fuel economy can vary significantly depending on whether you are driving in the city or on the highway.
