What is the fuel efficiency of the Lexus is300h?
The Lexus IS 300h typically achieves about 4.4–5.0 L/100 km combined (roughly 53–64 mpg in US/UK terms), depending on market and year.
The IS 300h is a hybrid sedan that combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor. Because fuel economy is tested under different cycles (such as WLTP in Europe or EPA in the United States) and varies by year, trim, wheel size, and driving conditions, the exact figure you see on a window sticker can differ. This article surveys the typical ranges and what drives them.
How the IS 300h achieves efficiency
The model uses a hybrid system pairing a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with an electric motor, managed by an automatic CVT and regenerative braking. This setup allows smoother, more efficient operation by switching between petrol, electric, or a blend of both depending on speed, load, and battery state of charge. Real-world efficiency benefits come most in urban and mixed driving when the system can rely on electric drive and frequent deceleration energy recovery.
Regional fuel-economy snapshots
Representative figures by market help illustrate how the IS 300h performs in standard tests. The following bullet points summarize typical outcomes, noting that exact numbers vary by year and specification.
Below are representative fuel-efficiency figures for the IS 300h, illustrating how performance varies by market and testing standard.
- Europe/Global (WLTP): Combined consumption typically around 4.4–5.0 L/100 km, with CO2 emissions in the vicinity of 99–118 g/km. In practice, this translates to roughly 53–64 mpg (US) or about 64–56 mpg (UK imperial) depending on the exact figure used within the range.
- United Kingdom: Central WLTP-based figures often cluster near 4.5–4.8 L/100 km with CO2 around 105–110 g/km. This generally corresponds to mid-50s to low-60s mpg (UK imperial) for a mixed cycle.
- United States: The IS 300h has not been sold as a new model in the US, so there is no official EPA rating from Lexus for this variant. If imported or compared via WLTP-derived equivalents, the range would align with the aforementioned global figures, but US-test results would depend on the measuring cycle used by any independent tests.
Concluding paragraph: Across its markets, the IS 300h’s efficiency profile is typical for a mid-size premium hybrid—strong urban efficiency and solid overall economy for a sedan of its size—while highway efficiency typically pressures the combined figure higher due to sustained higher speeds and aero load.
Factors that influence real-world fuel economy
In practice, real-world results depend on driving speed, acceleration habits, ambient temperature, battery state of charge, tyre pressure, and even roof racks or other aerodynamic drag. To maximize efficiency, drivers should keep tyres properly inflated, use smooth acceleration, anticipate traffic to minimize braking, and take advantage of Eco/Hybrid drive modes that optimize the balance between petrol and electric propulsion.
Maximizing efficiency: practical tips
Before applying the tips, remember that efficiency for a hybrid like the IS 300h is a balance between engine and electric motor performance, battery state, and driving style.
- Drive smoothly: Avoid aggressive starts and rapid accelerations; incremental acceleration improves efficiency in hybrids.
- Use regenerative braking: Allow the car to brake gradually to maximize energy recovery when possible.
- Maintain proper tyre pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and reduce economy.
- Plan routes to avoid frequent stops: Longer stretches with steady speed yield better numbers than frequent stop-and-go driving.
Concluding paragraph: Practical driving habits can noticeably influence real-world fuel economy, sometimes more than minor changes in trim or optional equipment.
Summary
The Lexus IS 300h offers competitive hybrid efficiency for a mid-size luxury sedan. Typical combined fuel-economy figures fall in the 4.4–5.0 L/100 km range (about 53–64 mpg US/UK depending on the testing cycle and market), with exact numbers varying by year, market, tyre size, and driving conditions. This reflects the car’s design as a hybrid that leverages electric drive for efficiency in city and light-traffic scenarios while balancing performance on highway journeys.
