Is the Lexus IS 300 good on gas?
Yes. The Lexus IS 300 offers competitive fuel economy for a luxury sport sedan, especially in rear‑wheel‑drive form with the 2.0-liter turbo engine. EPA estimates put it in the mid-20s mpg combined, with highway efficiency helping at speed.
This article examines current IS 300 efficiency figures, how they break down by drivetrain, what real‑world results look like, and practical tips to maximize mpg. It also places the model in context against key rivals in its class.
EPA figures by drivetrain
Before listing, here is an overview of official estimates for recent IS 300 configurations:
- Rear-wheel-drive IS 300 (2.0-liter turbo, 8-speed automatic): EPA-estimated 21 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined.
- All-wheel-drive IS 300 (2.0-liter turbo, 8-speed automatic): EPA-estimated 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined.
Note: Real-world mileage varies with driving style, terrain, tire choice, and load. Highway cruising typically yields better mpg than city driving, while spirited driving lowers it.
What affects fuel economy
A variety of factors influence actual mpg in the IS 300 beyond drivetrain configuration:
- Driving style: Gentle acceleration and steady speeds boost efficiency; aggressive driving and frequent braking reduce it.
- Tire selection: Low rolling resistance tires can improve mpg slightly, while sticky performance tires may reduce it.
- Vehicle load: Passengers, cargo, and roof racks increase weight and drag, lowering efficiency.
- Maintenance and aerodynamics: Proper tire inflation, clean air filters, and well-maintained systems help, while poor alignment or drag from accessories can hurt economy.
Compared with some rivals, the IS 300’s efficiency is competitive for a non-hybrid luxury sedan, though certain four-cylinder rivals may edge ahead in highway mpg depending on setup.
Real-world performance and comparisons
In typical daily use, many owners report mid-20s mpg combined, with highway trips often reaching the upper end of the EPA highway estimate. The turbocharged engine provides strong performance, and the IS 300 tends to deliver a satisfactory balance between pace and efficiency. When stacked up against rivals like the BMW 330i, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-Class with similar four-cylinder powertrains, the IS 300 generally holds up well on highway fuel economy, though results can vary by model year, tires, and driving habits.
Powertrain alternatives and efficiency context
For buyers considering engine options, the IS family includes higher-power choices such as the IS 350 and the performance-focused IS 500. Those models deliver greater acceleration but trade efficiency for speed, making them noticeably less fuel-efficient than the IS 300 in most real-world driving scenarios.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
To extract the best possible mpg from your IS 300, consider adopting these practices:
- Drive smoothly: Lift off the throttle gradually and anticipate stops to minimize aggressive accelerations and braking.
- Maintain tire pressure and weight: Keep tires inflated to the recommended level and remove unnecessary cargo to reduce drag and weight.
- Use cruise control on highway trips: Maintaining a steady speed can improve efficiency on flat stretches.
- Plan routes to avoid frequent stop-and-go: Where possible, choose longer, smoother routes to minimize idling and acceleration events.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Timely oil changes, air filter maintenance, and engine tune-ups help sustain optimal efficiency.
Following these tips can help you approach the IS 300’s EPA estimates, though actual results will depend on your driving style and conditions.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300 is a solid, non-hybrid choice for those seeking a luxury sport sedan that isn’t overly thirsty. With EPA estimates typically in the mid-20s mpg combined for both RWD and AWD configurations, it offers competitive highway efficiency and respectable city performance. Real-world results will vary, particularly with aggressive driving or heavy loads, but the model remains a reasonable option in its class when fuel economy is a consideration.
