Is Lexus IS 250 good on fuel?
Yes — for a luxury sedan with a 2.5-liter V6, the IS 250 offers reasonably solid fuel economy by its era’s standards, typically in the low 20s in city driving and high 20s to around 30 mpg on the highway depending on year and drivetrain. This article breaks down what that means in practice, how it varies, and what options exist if fuel efficiency is a priority.
Fuel economy by model year and drivetrain
Below is a snapshot of typical EPA ranges for IS 250 variants in common configurations. Values vary by year and drivetrain, but the following ranges reflect what buyers commonly saw on official tests.
- First-generation IS 250 (roughly 2006–2009): rear-wheel drive (RWD) around 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway; all-wheel drive (AWD) about 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.
- Second-generation IS 250 (roughly 2010–2013): RWD around 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway; AWD around 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.
In general, these figures show that most IS 250 variants hover in the low 20s in city driving and the high 20s on the highway, with AWD versions typically a notch less efficient in urban conditions due to the added drivetrain components.
Real-world factors that influence mpg
Actual fuel economy depends on several variables beyond the sticker numbers. These include maintenance status, tire pressure, driving style, trip length, climate, and load (passengers, cargo, roof racks). Even with identical configurations, two drivers can see meaningful differences in mpg.
- Maintenance quality: clean air filters, fresh spark plugs, and proper engine tune can improve efficiency.
- Tire condition and inflation: underinflated tires waste fuel and reduce efficiency.
- Driving style: smooth acceleration and gentle braking typically yield better mpg than aggressive driving.
- Load and aerodynamics: extra weight or roof racks increase drag and lower efficiency.
- Climate control usage: frequent use of AC in hot or cold weather can impact mpg.
With attentive maintenance and conservative driving, many owners report real-world mpg in the low- to mid-20s in city conditions and toward the high-20s to around 30 mpg on highways.
Where the IS 250 sits in the modern Lexus lineup
Because the IS 250 was phased out in the United States after the 2013 model year, prospective buyers today look at newer IS models or alternative powertrains for efficiency. The current IS lineup emphasizes turbocharged and hybrid options, and in many markets there are hybrids with notably higher mpg. In the U.S., the newer IS 300 (turbo 2.0L) and IS 350 (3.5L) offer contemporary efficiency and performance, with hybrid variants available in certain markets.
- IS 300 (2.0L turbo): typically provides similar or better highway mpg compared with the IS 250, depending on configuration and driving conditions.
- Hybrid options (where offered): generally deliver higher mpg, especially in city driving, but availability varies by market and model year.
For shoppers prioritizing fuel economy, checking the exact EPA ratings for the specific year and configuration is essential, given the shifts in Lexus’ powertrain strategy over time.
Summary
The Lexus IS 250 offered competitive fuel economy for a mid-2000s luxury V6 sedan, with typical EPA ranges placing it in the low 20s city and high 20s to around 30 mpg on the highway. Since the IS 250 is no longer sold new in the U.S., those numbers apply to older models; modern Lexus options in the IS lineup generally aim for better efficiency through turbocharged engines or hybrid powertrains. If fuel economy is a primary concern today, consider newer IS models or hybrids, and always verify updated EPA figures for the exact configuration you’re evaluating.
