What is the fuel consumption of Lexus is diesel?
There is no current Lexus IS diesel engine sold in most markets. Diesel variants of the IS were offered in earlier generations, primarily in Europe, with fuel economy that varied by year, transmission and test cycle. This article reviews those past figures and explains what you can expect from today’s IS lineup, which emphasizes hybrids and petrol engines instead of diesel.
Current Lexus IS lineup: fuel economy
The Lexus IS today largely centers on a hybrid and petrol mix, with no diesel option in the latest generations in many regions. The main current powertrain is the IS 300h hybrid, which combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency. Some markets also offer petrol-only variants, but diesel engines are not part of the contemporary lineup. Exact fuel economy numbers vary by market, model year, wheel size and chosen options.
Here is a quick overview of the engines you’re most likely to encounter in today’s IS models:
- IS 300h Hybrid (2.5-liter petrol with electric motor) — designed for high efficiency in the IS range; figures depend on testing cycle and equipment but are typically among the better offerings in the lineup.
- Petrol-only variants (where offered by market) — more performance-oriented and generally less fuel-efficient than the hybrid, with numbers varying by engine and transmission.
In short, for best fuel economy in the current IS lineup, the hybrid IS 300h is the recommended choice in most regions. Always refer to your local brochure or official Lexus site for the precise figures for your market and model year.
Past Lexus IS diesel models
During the late 2000s and early 2010s, Lexus offered diesel variants in several markets, notably in Europe. The main diesel options were the IS 200d and IS 220d, both built around 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engines. Fuel economy figures for these cars depended heavily on which test cycle was used (NEDC versus WLTP), the transmission chosen, and the specific trim and tires. They were not offered in the United States.
- IS 200d (2.2-liter diesel) — sold in multiple European markets; economy figures varied by year and test method, but the diesel was competitive within its class for its era.
- IS 220d (2.2-liter diesel) — similar availability and performance characteristics to the 200d, with variations based on transmission and model year.
Diesel IS variants were gradually phased out in many markets as Lexus shifted focus toward efficient hybrids and petrol engines. In the United States, Lexus did not offer a diesel IS at all.
How to verify fuel consumption for a specific car
To obtain exact fuel economy data for a specific Lexus IS, use official sources and the vehicle’s paperwork. Consider the following steps:
- Check the original brochure or the official Lexus regional site for the model year you’re interested in to see the official fuel economy figures.
- Review the car’s window sticker (or online equivalence) for that market and year, which lists the official consumption and CO2 data.
- Consult independent testing results and owner reports for real-world numbers, recognizing that actual consumption varies with driving style, road conditions, and options such as tires.
Real-world fuel economy often differs from official figures, with city driving typically lowering efficiency and highway driving increasing it, depending on conditions.
Summary
In today’s market, the Lexus IS does not offer a diesel engine in most regions. Diesel IS variants (notably IS 200d and IS 220d) were available in past generations, mainly in Europe, with fuel economy that depended on year, cycle, and configuration. The current IS lineup emphasizes the hybrid IS 300h for best efficiency, alongside petrol variants where offered by market. For precise numbers, consult the official brochure or the vehicle’s window sticker for the specific model year and market.
