Is Lexus IS350 good on gas?
Not particularly standout for fuel economy among luxury sedans. In typical mixed driving, the IS350’s 3.5L V6 returns roughly mid-20s mpg combined, with highway mileage usually higher and city mileage lower. Exact numbers vary by model year, drivetrain (rear- or all-wheel drive), and trim.
To understand how the IS350 performs in real-world use, it helps to know how its efficiency has evolved across generations, what factors affect its MPG, and how it stacks up against alternatives in Lexus’s lineup and in the broader luxury segment. The following breakdown covers generations, practical tips to maximize efficiency, and a quick comparison to related models.
Fuel economy by generation and drivetrain
The figures below reflect common configurations and EPA-style ranges for the IS350, which has typically used a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8- or 10-speed automatic and offered in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD). Actual mileage depends on year, tires, maintenance, and driving style.
First-generation IS350 (2006–2013)
In this era, the IS350 delivered relatively solid highway efficiency for a larger V6, with city mileage typically in the upper teens to low 20s and highway mileage closer to the upper 20s. Estimated ranges:
- RWD: approximately 19 mpg city / 27–28 mpg highway; combined about 23–24 mpg.
- AWD: approximately 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway; combined about 21–23 mpg.
These figures reflect the heavier, early-generation chassis and the then-standard 3.5L V6 paired with older transmissions.
Mid-generation refresh (2014–2017)
Updates improved refinement and efficiency modestly, but the IS350 remained a performance-focused luxury sedan with modest gains in highway economy. Estimated ranges:
- RWD: about 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway; combined around 23–24 mpg.
- AWD: about 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway; combined around 22–23 mpg.
Weight and suspension tweaks, plus transmission improvements, helped highway efficiency without sacrificing acceleration.
Recent IS350 (2018–present)
In the latest iterations, efficiency generally sits in the mid-20s combined, with highway figures typically in the upper 20s. Estimated ranges:
- RWD: around 20 mpg city / 28–29 mpg highway; combined about 24–25 mpg.
- AWD: around 19 mpg city / 27–28 mpg highway; combined about 22–24 mpg.
Recent models benefited from updated transmissions and refinements, but the overall numbers still favor the highway over the city and remain well short of hybrid rivals.
Ways to maximize fuel economy in the IS350
Simple, everyday practices can help you squeeze more miles out of every tank without sacrificing the driving experience the IS350 is known for. The following tips are commonly effective across generations:
- Maintain proper tire pressure at the recommended levels; underinflation lowers efficiency and can increase wear.
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance: spark plugs, air filters, fuel system cleanliness, and using the right grade of synthetic oil.
- Driving habits matter: gradual acceleration, steady speed, and avoiding aggressive throttle inputs help economy.
- Use eco/normal modes if your IS350 supports them, and cruise control on longer highway stretches where appropriate.
- Minimize extra weight and wind resistance (roof racks when not in use, heavy cargo, etc.).
- Plan trips to reduce idling and combine errands to keep the engine in its efficient operating range.
In practice, thoughtful maintenance and moderate driving can yield modest but meaningful improvements, especially on newer models with tighter tolerances and more efficient transmissions.
IS350 vs. rivals: where does it stand?
In the luxury-sedan segment, the IS350’s fuel economy is generally competitive but not class-leading. Many rivals with turbocharged four-cylinder engines or hybrid powertrains offer higher real-world MPG, particularly for city driving. For buyers who prioritize the combination of performance, refinement, and efficiency, Lexus also offers alternatives such as hybrids and more efficient turbocharged models within the brand’s lineup, though direct equivalents to the IS350’s V6 setup may not match every fuel-economy target.
Notes for prospective buyers
If maximizing mpg is a top priority, consider whether a hybrid option (where available) or a model with a smaller, lighter powertrain better fits your needs. The IS350 remains appealing for its balance of power, driving dynamics, and luxury feel, but its fuel economy reflects its performance-oriented DNA rather than a strong emphasis on efficiency.
Summary
The Lexus IS350 offers solid luxury and capable performance, but it isn’t a standout for fuel economy in its class. Expect roughly mid-20s mpg combined across recent models, with better highway efficiency than city mileage and variation between RWD and AWD configurations. For drivers who want sharper economy, Lexus’s hybrid options or lighter-turbo models within the brand may provide better real-world efficiency. Regular maintenance and conservative driving habits can help maximize what you get from each tank.
