What is the gas mileage on a 2016 Lexus GX 460?

The 2016 Lexus GX 460, equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 and all-wheel drive, shows EPA-estimated fuel economy of about 15 mpg in city driving, 19 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined.

Beyond the official numbers, real-world mileage varies with driving style, load, and road conditions. This article breaks down the official estimates, typical ranges from owners, and practical tips to squeeze more efficiency from the GX 460.

Official fuel economy figures

EPA estimates for the all-wheel-drive GX 460 are based on standardized testing and help buyers compare fuel economy across SUVs.

• City: 15 mpg


• Highway: 19 mpg


• Combined: 17 mpg

Note that these figures reflect the 2016 EPA estimates for the AWD GX 460 and may vary with options and driving conditions. Real-world mileage is typically lower in city driving and can vary widely based on terrain, load, and driving habits.

Real-world performance and variability

What drivers actually experience on the road often differs from the EPA numbers. Reported ranges tend to reflect factors like speed, acceleration, cargo weight, and weather.

• City driving typically yields about 12–16 mpg


• Highway driving often yields about 18–22 mpg


• Combined driving about 15–19 mpg

In practice, most GX 460 owners find mileage to be lower in urban conditions and more favorable on steady highway cruises, with results influenced by maintenance, driving style, and climate.

Tips to maximize fuel economy

Several everyday practices can help improve efficiency, even with a V8 SUV like the GX 460.

• Maintain proper maintenance: keep tires inflated to specification, replace air filters, and service the engine as recommended


• Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and reduced idling


• Minimize extra weight and aero drag: remove unnecessary cargo and avoid roof racks when not needed


• Use the right fuel and avoid aggressive driving: choose the recommended octane and plan trips to minimize stop-and-go driving

These steps won’t turn the GX 460 into a fuel-sipping economy car, but they can help close the gap toward EPA figures and improve real-world mileage.

Summary

The 2016 Lexus GX 460's EPA ratings, for AWD models, are 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. Real-world mileage varies, with urban driving typically lower and highway cruising offering better efficiency. Drivers should weigh the GX 460's strong capability and comfort against its fuel economy and apply practical driving and maintenance habits to maximize efficiency.

How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Lexus GX 460 get?

The 2016 Lexus GX 460 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. In real-world driving, many owners report similar or slightly lower figures, often in the range of 15-18 mpg, depending on driving conditions.
 

• Official EPA Estimates:
  • City: 15 mpg 
  • Highway: 20 mpg 
  • Combined: 17 mpg 
• Real-World Performance:
  • Many owners report a combined average of around 16-18 mpg, with lower figures occurring during city driving or with modifications like all-terrain tires. 
  • Some users have reported figures as low as 10-12 mpg when towing or in heavy stop-and-go traffic. 
• Other Considerations:
  • The GX 460 requires premium unleaded fuel. 
  • Its fuel economy is considered low for its class due to the V8 engine and truck-based chassis. 

What years to avoid GX 460?

The main Lexus GX 460 years to avoid are 2010–2013 due to potential issues like engine oil leaks (valley plate leak), as well as the 2010 model specifically, which had a temporary sales suspension after a rollover risk was identified during sharp turns. Later models, especially 2016 and 2017, may be more prone to oil leaks as well, though not as critically as the earlier years. 
Years to be cautious about

• 2010–2013: These early models are more frequently cited for potential problems, such as the valley plate coolant leak, which can be expensive to repair. 
• 2016 and 2017: These years have been noted by some owners as having a higher likelihood of oil leaks. 

Model years generally considered more reliable 

• 2014 and later: These models reportedly have a different, less leak-prone head gasket. 
• 2021 and 2022: These years are specifically highlighted as being very reliable. 

Other potential issues to consider with any model year

• Secondary Air Injection System: Problems with this system can be costly to repair. 
• Suspension: Models with the optional AHC (Adjustable Height Control) or KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) can experience issues, though Lexus has issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) to address a leaning issue in some earlier KDSS vehicles. 
• Rust: In areas where roads are salted, rust can be a concern, especially on models driven in the North. 
• Maintenance: Regular and consistent fluid changes, especially transmission fluid, are crucial to the longevity of the vehicle. 

How many miles per gallon does a GX 460 get?

The Lexus GX460 typically gets an EPA-rated 15 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, resulting in a 16 MPG combined fuel economy. Real-world mileage can vary based on driving conditions and individual driving habits, with some owners reporting slightly higher highway numbers, potentially around 20 MPG when conditions are ideal. 
This video discusses the real-world fuel economy of a Lexus GX460 over 30,000 miles: 53sOn Down The Road ProductionsYouTube · May 29, 2025

• City: 15 MPG
• Highway: 19 MPG
• Combined: 16 MPG
• Real-world: Some owners report getting closer to 17-20 MPG on the highway depending on speed and conditions.
• Fuel: Premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance. 

Do Lexus GX 460 have transmission problems?

The transmission in the GX 460 is an excellent AISIN unit (A760F). They typically do NOT have mechanical failures, but do have some other issues: if you get a new battery, it can cause shift shock and hesitation--the car needs to re-learn driving habits and a fluid service helps with this.