Is the Lexus ES350 good on gas?
The ES350 is reasonably efficient for a midsize luxury sedan, but it isn’t the class leader in fuel economy. If you want the best mpg, the hybrid ES 300h offers noticeably higher efficiency, while the ES350 balances comfort and performance with solid highway mileage.
In this article, we break down official fuel-economy estimates, how the ES350 performs in real-world driving, how it compares with the hybrid and other Lexus options, and practical tips to maximize fuel economy.
EPA fuel-economy snapshot
Below are the latest EPA estimates for the ES 350 in common configurations used by buyers in recent model years.
- ES 350 FWD: EPA-estimated 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined.
- ES 350 AWD: EPA-estimated 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined.
Note: Real-world mileage varies with driving style, terrain, climate, tire choice, and maintenance. The numbers above reflect standard testing conditions and may differ from your daily use.
Hybrid option and comparison
For buyers prioritizing fuel economy, the ES 300h Hybrid offers a clear advantage. Here are the numbers for the hybrid and how it stacks up against the ES350.
- ES 300h Hybrid: EPA-estimated around 44 mpg combined (roughly 40–45 mpg in typical mixed driving, depending on year and conditions).
Conclusion: If maximizing mpg is a primary criterion, the ES 300h is the stronger choice within the Lexus ES line, while the ES350 delivers balanced efficiency with refined luxury and performance.
Real-world performance and factors that influence mpg
EPA estimates are a useful baseline, but real-world fuel economy depends on several factors. Here is what drivers and reviewers generally observe for the ES350 in daily use and typical conditions.
- City driving tends to yield lower mpg than highway cruising due to stop-and-go traffic and higher ventilation and accessory loads.
- Highway cruising at steady speeds can approach the EPA highway rating, especially with efficient driving habits and cruise control.
- All-wheel drive generally reduces mpg by a few miles per gallon compared with front-wheel drive, due to the extra drivetrain weight and drivetrain losses.
- Tire choice, maintenance, cold-weather conditions, and cargo load can noticeably affect real-world mileage.
Practical takeaway: The ES350 offers respectable efficiency for its size and luxury positioning, but if your goal is top-tier mpg, the hybrid variant is the smarter choice and everyday driving habits can modestly lift the numbers.
Bottom line: How it fits in the segment
Compared with other mid-size luxury sedans, the ES350’s fuel economy is solid, particularly on the highway. It lags behind true hybrids and some compact rivals when it comes to mpg, but it compensates with a refined ride, strong build quality, and Lexus reliability. For those in areas with snowy or rainy seasons, the AWD option adds confidence, though at a small mpg cost.
Summary
The Lexus ES350 delivers a balanced blend of comfort, performance, and reasonable fuel economy for a mid-size luxury sedan. Its gasoline efficiency is competitive for its class, especially on highways, but it isn’t as economical as the ES 300h hybrid. If maximizing miles per gallon is your top priority, the hybrid variant is the better option; otherwise, the ES350 provides a refined, capable daily driver with solid fuel economy for its segment. Real-world results will vary with driving style, conditions, and maintenance.
Is the Lexus ES350 good on gas?
Obviously, the non-hybrid ES350 is not going to get as good of gas mileage as the hybrid, but it's not bad. The ES350 is rated at 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 24 combined, but I managed to get 25.5 mpg in mixed, mostly city driving. And I wasn't light on the throttle, either.
Is Lexus IS 350 good on gas?
The available IS 350 F Sport features fuel efficiency of 20 city MPG, 28mpg on the highway, and 22 miles per gallon combined.
How many miles can a Lexus ES350 go on a full tank?
I average 28-29 miles/per gallon and roughly 331 miles per tank. Sometimes I get 31 miles/per gallon. I run premium non-ethanol or premium.
Does the Lexus ES350 consume fuel?
If you go for the 300h model, then your driving range can increase to an impressive 580 miles just on a single fuel tank. The 300h has an estimated 43 miles per gallon in the city and 44mpg on the highway. The 350 F Sport and base 350 trim levels get 22mpg city.
