What is the fuel consumption of a 2008 Lexus RX 330?
The 2008 Lexus RX 330 generally delivers about 18 mpg in city driving, around 23–24 mpg on highways, and roughly 20 mpg when averaged across mixed driving. Actual results depend on drivetrain (front-wheel drive vs. all-wheel drive) and driving conditions.
Powered by a 3.3-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic, the RX 330 was Lexus’ mid-range SUV option for that year. While EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world mileage varies with factors such as terrain, maintenance, and driving style. This article breaks down the official figures, how real-world mileage can differ, and practical tips to maximize efficiency.
Official fuel economy figures
Where the numbers come from and how they apply to different configurations:
- City mpg: 18 mpg
- Highway mpg: 23–24 mpg
- Combined mpg: about 20 mpg
Note: All-wheel-drive versions often show slightly lower figures than 2WD, so check the specific window sticker for your exact configuration.
How real-world mileage tends to vary
EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world results depend on several practical factors. The following typical influences shape daily fuel economy:
- Drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. AWD)
- Driving style and traffic patterns (city versus highway)
- Vehicle maintenance (tire pressure, air filter, engine tune)
- Load and accessories (cargo, roof racks, and passengers)
In everyday use, owners may see figures ranging from the upper teens in city driving to the low-to-mid 20s on long highway trips, with mixed driving commonly landing around 19–22 mpg depending on conditions.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Implementing practical adjustments can help approach the EPA range and improve efficiency in daily use:
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Schedule regular maintenance (oil changes, air filter, spark plugs) and use the correct grade of fuel.
- Limit weight and remove roof racks when not in use.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, moderate speeds, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Plan trips to reduce stop-and-go driving and unnecessary idling.
These steps typically yield incremental gains, especially on older vehicles like the 2008 RX 330, where wear and tear can influence efficiency.
Bottom line
The 2008 Lexus RX 330’s fuel economy sits around 18 mpg city, 23–24 mpg highway, with a combined around 20 mpg, depending on drivetrain and conditions. For precise numbers, consult the vehicle’s window sticker or the EPA ratings for the exact configuration.
Summary: The RX 330’s fuel consumption in 2008 was typically in the 18 mpg city / 23–24 mpg highway range, about 20 mpg combined. Real-world mileage varies with drivetrain, maintenance, and driving habits, but following practical tips can help you come closer to the EPA estimates.
What are the disadvantages of the Lexus RX 330?
The RX330 has gotten good scores from Edmunds.com with reliability scores of 4.7 to 4.8 across three year models. Just like any other vehicle, the Lexus RX330 may develop issues as it racks up mileage. Problems include delayed shifting, faulty fuel pumps, worn window trims, cracked dashboards, and warped brake rotors.
How many miles per gallon does a 2008 Lexus RX 350 get?
The 2008 Lexus RX 350 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model and 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. The combined fuel economy is around 19 mpg for both configurations.
- FWD: 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- AWD: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
- Combined: Approximately 19 mpg
What year to stay away from Lexus RX 350?
Years to avoid for the Lexus RX 350 include 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2017 due to common problems like oil leaks, engine issues, brake failures, and faulty sensors. The 2010-2012 models are particularly prone to a ruptured oil cooler line that can cause engine failure, while the 2007-2009 models had issues with cracking dashboards and a faulty brake master cylinder. The 2016 and 2017 models saw recalls related to airbags and issues with rain sensors, notes CoPilot.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Lexus RX 350 and common problems in different generations: 1mThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 22, 2024
Years to avoid and why
- 2007–2009: These models are known for cracking dashboards and a faulty brake master cylinder that can lead to brake failure.
- 2010–2012: A common and severe problem with these years is the oil cooler line, which can rupture and lead to engine failure.
- 2016–2017: The 2016 model year had airbag recalls and was the first year of a new generation, which can lead to early bugs. The 2017 model had issues with the rain sensor and wipers, in addition to having its own airbag recalls.
What to look for instead
- 2011–2015: These models generally have fewer issues, with the 2013–2015 models in particular being noted as more reliable.
- 2018–2022: Models from these years are considered more reliable, especially those with the redesigned exterior.
- 2020–2022: These are considered among the most reliable years, with the 2020 model year being a good choice.
This video discusses the best Lexus RX 350 years to buy: 59sThe Miles DrivenYouTube · Dec 18, 2024
How many miles per gallon does a Lexus RX 330 get?
The Lexus RX330's EPA-estimated MPG varies by model year, but generally falls in the range of 16-20 MPG in the city and 22-26 MPG on the highway. For a specific model year, the 2004 gets an estimated 16 city/22 highway, the 2005 gets 16 city/22 highway, and the 2006 gets 17 city/23 highway.
| Model Year | City MPG | Highway MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 16 | 22 |
| 2005 | 16 | 22 |
| 2006 | 17 | 23 |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_kdUladSlHs3pi-gPsvDy2Qw_174';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
- Actual mileage will vary: The EPA estimates are for comparison and the actual mileage you get can depend on driving habits, maintenance, and conditions, notes Cars.com.
- Combined MPG: The combined city/highway MPG for these model years is approximately 19 MPG.
