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Is the Lexus RX300 fuel-efficient?

The Lexus RX300 is a mid-size luxury SUV that was produced from 1998 to 2003. While the RX300 was not known for its exceptional fuel efficiency, it did offer reasonable gas mileage for its class and time period.


Fuel Economy of the Lexus RX300


According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2003 Lexus RX300 with front-wheel drive had an estimated fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel drive version of the 2003 RX300 had slightly lower fuel efficiency, at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. These numbers were about average for a mid-size luxury SUV of that era, but not particularly impressive by today's standards.


The RX300's fuel economy was largely due to its 3.0-liter V6 engine, which produced 220 horsepower. While this provided adequate power, the engine was not optimized for maximum fuel efficiency. Additionally, the RX300's weight and aerodynamics were not as refined as more modern SUV designs, which also contributed to its relatively average gas mileage.


Comparison to Competitors


When compared to other mid-size luxury SUVs of the early 2000s, the Lexus RX300's fuel economy was on par or slightly better than some competitors. For example, the 2003 BMW X5 3.0i had an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, while the 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320 achieved 16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.


However, more fuel-efficient options were available even in the early 2000s, such as the 2003 Acura MDX, which had an EPA rating of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. So while the RX300 was not a fuel-efficiency leader, it was reasonably competitive within its class at the time.


Conclusion


In summary, the Lexus RX300 was not considered a particularly fuel-efficient vehicle, but its gas mileage was about average for a mid-size luxury SUV of its era. While it offered reasonable efficiency compared to some competitors, more fuel-efficient options were available even when the RX300 was new. As fuel economy standards and SUV designs have improved over the years, the RX300's gas mileage would be considered subpar by today's standards.

Is it OK to put regular gas in a Lexus?


But, does Lexus require premium gas? If you want to continue to enjoy the outstanding power and high-level efficiency offered in new Lexus models, you'll want to utilize the recommended Lexus gas type. Some Lexus vehicles will require premium 91-octane fuel while others can use regular 87-octane fuel.



Does Lexus consume a lot of gas?


Not only are Lexus vehicles engineered to a higher standard - they're also among some of the most fuel-efficient in the industry.



Which Lexus gets the best gas mileage?


2022 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid
Which Lexus Has the Best Fuel Efficiency? The 2022 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient Lexus model available today thanks to its 84 MPGe rating. Of course, every Lexus for sale on our lot offers shoppers efficiency on par with the most competitive gas-saving models in their segment.



What happens if you accidentally put 87 instead of 91 in a Lexus?


Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than what is listed for your model year vehicle could potentially result in engine knocking. If the octane rating used is less than required, damage to the engine may occur and which could void the vehicle warranty.



How many miles will a Lexus 300 last?


250,000-300,000 miles
Typically, a car from Lexus will last 250,000-300,000 miles.



Is the Lexus IS 300 good on gas?


Fuel economy is not the IS 300's strong suit, with the all-wheel-drive version only EPA-estimated to return 19 miles per gallon in the city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Over the course of a few days, I'm averaging just over 21 mpg.



Is the Lexus RX good on gas?


2024 Lexus RX Gas Mileage by Configuration
Below, we've listed the 2024 Lexus RX gas mileage for each trim level: 2024 Lexus RX 350 FWD: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway. 2024 Lexus RX 350 AWD: 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. 2024 Lexus RX 350 Premium FWD: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway.



Is the Lexus RX 300 fuel efficient?


The mileage rating for the RX300 with FWD is 19 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway, and with AWD is 18 m.p.g. city/22 m.p.g. highway.



How long will a 2000 Lexus RX300 last?


You can expect a typical Lexus RX to last around 200,000-250,000 miles, with the high mileage point resting around 200,000 miles and good mileage sitting at 150,000 or more. The more work you put into your Lexus RX, the more years you will get out of the vehicle. We hope this information was helpful!



Does the Lexus RX300 need premium gas?


Fuel Recommendations
According to Lexus standards, you need to use unleaded gas with an octane rating of 87 or higher. That means the RX doesn't require premium gasoline, as the premium octane rating is 91.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.