Is the Lexus IS350 fuel efficient?
No — the IS350 is not considered highly fuel-efficient among modern luxury sedans. It typically delivers mpg in the low- to mid-20s combined, with better numbers on the highway and lower figures in city driving depending on year and drivetrain.
Understanding the IS350’s engine and efficiency targets
The Lexus IS350 is driven by a 3.5-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In most generations, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The V6 provides strong performance, but that power comes at the cost of fuel efficiency relative to four-cylinder rivals and hybrid options.
Powertrain basics
Across its generations, the IS350 emphasizes performance with a high-revving V6 rather than pure efficiency. The availability of AWD adds weight and slightly reduces fuel economy compared with RWD configurations. As a result, fuel economy figures vary more by drivetrain than by year alone.
Fuel economy by drivetrain and model year
EPA ratings and real-world mileage for the IS350 have generally clustered in the low- to mid-20s combined. Exact numbers depend on model year, drivetrain, tires, and driving style. The following ranges reflect typical configurations seen in common markets.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) IS350: roughly 20–21 mpg in city driving and about 27–29 mpg on the highway; combined around 23–25 mpg.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) IS350: roughly 19–20 mpg in city driving and about 26–28 mpg on the highway; combined around 22–24 mpg.
Result: in everyday use, most IS350 owners report combined fuel economy in the low-to-mid 20s mpg range, with highway trips delivering the best efficiency and city commuting showing the lowest.
Reality on the road and alternatives
For buyers prioritizing fuel economy, the IS350’s V6 setup will naturally lag behind four-cylinder rivals or hybrid variants. Lexus did offer a hybrid model in various markets under the IS 300h name, which delivers substantially higher fuel economy than the IS350. Availability varies by region, and it’s not always offered in the U.S. lineup.
Is there a more efficient alternative within Lexus?
Yes. In markets where it’s available, the IS 300h (hybrid) provides significantly better combined mileage thanks to its hybrid powertrain, which blends a gasoline engine with electric propulsion. If fuel efficiency is the primary criterion, the hybrid variant or a newer, smaller-engine Lexus model may be a better fit.
Note: Real-world results depend on factors like traffic, driving style, tire choice, and maintenance. Tires sized for higher performance, aggressive driving, or heavy loads can reduce real-world fuel economy compared with EPA estimates.
Tips to maximize IS350 fuel efficiency
Implementing a few practical habits can help you squeeze more miles per gallon from an IS350 without sacrificing daily usability.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and use the recommended tire specification for better rolling resistance.
- Drive with smooth acceleration and anticipation of traffic flow to minimize abrupt stops and starts.
- Avoid unnecessary weight and roof cargo that can increase aerodynamic drag.
- Use eco or normal driving modes when appropriate, and disable sport-focused settings if not needed for everyday driving.
By following these practices, you can improve real-world efficiency modestly, though the gains will be less dramatic than those found in smaller, four-cylinder or hybrid vehicles.
Summary
The Lexus IS350 sits in the mid-20s mpg range in combined driving for most configurations, with slight differences between RWD and AWD models. It prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency, so it won’t be as economical as smaller four-cylinder sedans or hybrids. If fuel economy is a major concern, consider the hybrid IS 300h where available, or compare with other models in the luxury segment that offer higher efficiency ratings. Overall, the IS350 offers a balanced blend of performance and reasonable fuel economy, suitable for buyers who value power alongside everyday practicality.
Is the Lexus 350 good on gas?
Drivers in the 2022 Lexus RX 350 will get an estimated 27 miles per gallon when driving on the highway and 20 miles per gallon around the town to make a combined 23mpg.
Is 350 lexus fuel consumption?
The Lexus IS 350 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for rear-wheel drive models, resulting in a combined 23 mpg. All-wheel drive versions are slightly less efficient, with an estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, for a combined 21 mpg. Real-world mileage can vary based on driving conditions.
You can watch this video to learn more about the real-world fuel economy of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 AWD: 54sDaily MotorYouTube · Oct 1, 2020
EPA Estimated MPG
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
Real-World MPG
- Real-world driving can result in different figures than the EPA estimates.
- Some drivers report averaging around 23 mpg in mixed driving.
- Aggressive driving, such as in Sport mode, will likely lower fuel economy.
- Using premium fuel is recommended and can help maintain expected fuel efficiency.
Is the Lexus IS350 good on gas?
With an estimated fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, the 2021 Lexus IS makes a great everyday driver for those who have long commutes. And the all-wheel-drive is a huge plus on wet roadways or in colder climates where ice and snow are regular issues to contend with.
Does Lexus IS 350 require premium gas?
Yes, the Lexus IS 350 requires premium unleaded gasoline, specifically 91 octane or higher. Using a lower octane fuel can lead to underperformance, and while a single tank of regular gas won't necessarily cause damage, repeated use of lower octane fuel can negatively impact the engine over time.
- Recommended fuel: Premium unleaded, 91 octane.
- Why it's important: The engine is designed for premium fuel to perform as intended. Using regular gas can lead to reduced power and efficiency.
- What happens with lower octane: While the car's computer can adjust for lower octane fuel, using regular gas consistently can lead to long-term performance issues.
- If you can't find premium: The owner's manual states that if 91 octane is unavailable, you can use a lower-octane fuel, but you should return to using premium as soon as possible to avoid potential engine issues.
