What is the mileage of Lexus LX470?
In typical driving, the Lexus LX470 averages about 15 miles per gallon combined, with roughly 14 mpg in city driving and 18 mpg on highways. Exact figures vary by year, drivetrain, maintenance, and driving conditions.
The LX470, produced from 1998 through 2007, uses a 4.7-liter V8 and is a large, rugged SUV. Its fuel economy lags behind modern mid-size crossovers, but the numbers below reflect common ranges reported by owners and EPA estimates across its production years. This article outlines expected mileage, year-to-year variations, and factors that influence real-world performance, plus tips to optimize efficiency.
Typical fuel economy ranges for the LX470
Before listing the numbers, keep in mind that EPA ratings and real-world results vary by year, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), tire size, and overall vehicle condition. The ranges below summarize common experiences across the LX470 lineup.
City, highway, and combined estimates
- City: about 12–14 mpg
- Highway: about 17–19 mpg
- Combined: about 14–16 mpg
Note: Real-world mileage often falls near or below these ranges, especially when the vehicle is heavily loaded, used off-road, or driven in extreme temperatures.
What influences real-world mileage
Several factors commonly affect actual fuel economy for the LX470. Understanding these can help you estimate real-world mileage and identify opportunities for improvement.
Major factors
- Drivetrain configuration: 4WD versions typically consume more fuel than 2WD.
- Vehicle weight and payload: heavier loads and extra equipment reduce efficiency.
- Tire size and condition: larger tires or under-inflated tires raise rolling resistance.
- Maintenance and engine health: worn spark plugs, dirty air filters, or dirty fuel injectors can lower mpg.
- Driving style and terrain: aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and hilly or off-road driving reduce mileage.
- Climate and altitude: extreme heat/cold and high altitude can affect engine efficiency.
Understanding these factors helps owners set realistic expectations and plan for fuel costs accordingly.
Tips to maximize LX470 fuel efficiency
To help squeeze more miles per gallon from the LX470, consider practical steps that address common efficiency drains.
Practical steps
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and rotate tires regularly.
- Reduce unnecessary weight—remove roof racks or cargo carriers when not in use and avoid carrying excess weight in the cabin and cargo area.
- Schedule regular maintenance: change air filters, spark plugs, and fluids as recommended; use quality fuel and engine oil suitable for the vehicle.
- Drive conservatively: smooth acceleration, steady speeds, and use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Avoid prolonged idling; plan trips to minimize repeated starts and stops.
- Keep the cooling system and radiator in good condition to prevent heat-related efficiency loss.
Implementing these practices can help bring real-world mileage closer to the typical ranges listed above.
Summary
The Lexus LX470, a heavy, older SUV, typically delivers around 14–16 mpg in combined driving, with about 12–14 mpg in urban conditions and 17–19 mpg on highways. These figures come from EPA estimates and owner reports across the 1998–2007 production years and can vary based on drivetrain, weight, maintenance, and driving conditions. By following maintenance guidelines and efficient driving habits, owners can maximize fuel economy for this capable but gas-guzzling vehicle.
