What is the most fuel-efficient car in Lexus?

The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid currently leads Lexus in fuel efficiency, thanks to its electric-range capability and high MPGe. In non-plug-in form, the NX 350h is the most efficient option in the current Lexus lineup.

To understand why this matters for daily driving, we break down the lineup, explain how fuel-efficiency numbers are measured, and compare plug-in versus non-plug-in hybrids as of 2025.

Plug-in hybrid option: NX 450h+

Plug-in hybrids let you drive on electric power for many daily trips, which can dramatically reduce gasoline use when you regularly recharge. The NX 450h+ is Lexus’ flagship plug-in hybrid and represents the efficiency pinnacle of the brand’s current lineup.

• NX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid) — EPA-rated MPGe when charged, with an estimated electric range that allows many drivers to operate on electricity for short commutes. After the battery is depleted, it continues as a conventional hybrid with strong overall fuel economy.

In practice, this means most daily commutes can be completed with little to no gasoline use, provided you have access to a charger and plug in regularly.

Non-plug-in hybrids

For drivers who prefer not to plug in, Lexus offers efficient hybrids that do not require charging. The top performers in this category include the NX 350h and the UX 250h.

• NX 350h — A traditional hybrid with excellent city and highway efficiency; typically positioned in the high-30s mpg combined, depending on trim and driving conditions.


• UX 250h — A compact hybrid known for strong city efficiency and competitive blended mpg; commonly cited in the high-30s mpg combined range.

These non-plug-in options deliver impressive fuel economy without the need to plug in, though they don’t offer electric-only driving like the NX 450h+.

Other considerations and how to choose

Fuel-efficiency numbers vary by model year, trim, and driving patterns. EPA ratings provide a baseline, but real-world results depend on factors such as charging habits (for plug-ins), driving style, terrain, and climate. If your daily drive includes substantial electric miles and you have reliable charging access, the NX 450h+ can yield the greatest overall efficiency. If you rarely plug in, the NX 350h or UX 250h will maximize mileage with a conventional hybrid setup.

Summary

As of 2025, Lexus’ most fuel-efficient model is the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, thanks to its electric-range capability and MPGe efficiency. For those who don’t plug in, the NX 350h and UX 250h are the top non-plug-in choices, offering strong mileage and practical refinement. When choosing, weigh your daily driving distance, access to charging, and your willingness to plug in to maximize efficiency.

What Lexus gets the best gas mileage?

The Lexus model with the best gas mileage is the NX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid SUV, which achieves an EPA-estimated 84 MPGe. For a more traditional hybrid, the ES 300h sedan is the most efficient, with an EPA-estimated rating of 43 MPG city / 44 MPG highway. The UX 300h subcompact SUV is also a highly efficient option, with a front-wheel-drive model getting 45 MPG city / 41 MPG highway.
 
Highest overall fuel economy (MPGe)

• NX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid SUV: 84 MPGe (EPA-estimated)
  • This plug-in hybrid can run on electric power alone for up to 37 miles before the gasoline engine is used. 

Highest gas mileage (MPG) for traditional hybrids 

• ES 300h Sedan: 43 MPG city / 44 MPG highway 
  • A popular choice for its efficiency and luxury, this model combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. 
• UX 300h Subcompact SUV: 45 MPG city / 41 MPG highway (FWD models) 
  • This model offers a compact SUV body style with impressive fuel efficiency. 
• NX 350h Hybrid SUV: 41 MPG city / 37 MPG highway 
  • A more spacious hybrid SUV option that still delivers high MPG ratings. 

What Lexus gets 30 mpg?

Lexus RX 450h
Like all Lexus Hybrid models, the Lexus RX 450h boasts an efficient engine and high-torque electric motor that work in concert to deliver unmatched performance and earn up to 28 highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

Which car gets 70 mpg?

Several hybrid and diesel cars can achieve around 70 mpg, though it's often an official rating and can vary in real-world driving. Examples include the Vauxhall Corsa with a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, which can get up to 70.6 mpg, and various hybrid models, including some versions of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and Toyota Prius, which can reach this level under ideal conditions.
 
Examples of cars with around 70 mpg

• Vauxhall Corsa (1.5-litre turbo diesel): Can achieve up to 70.6 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient diesel cars available. 
• Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Early models were advertised with a claimed 70 mpg combined fuel economy. 
• Toyota Prius: Various models can get close to 70 mpg, especially older non-plug-in hybrids which are cheaper on the used market. Plug-in hybrid versions can also run on electric power for short distances. 
• Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid: Can achieve around 59 mpg combined. 

Important considerations

• Official vs. real-world MPG: The 70 mpg figure is often an official rating that is achieved under specific testing conditions, and your real-world mileage may be lower or higher depending on your driving habits, the vehicle's condition, and road conditions. 
• Hybrid vs. diesel: Both hybrid and diesel cars can achieve high MPG, but hybrids have the added benefit of electric-only driving for short distances, while some diesels can have higher upfront costs but offer impressive fuel economy on long-distance journeys. 
• Age and model: Some of the models with the highest MPG ratings are older, so be sure to research specific model years when shopping. 
• Type of driving: While hybrids and diesels can be very efficient, their fuel economy can vary significantly depending on whether you are driving in the city or on the highway. 

Which Lexus does not require premium gas?

Several Lexus models do not require premium gas, including the Lexus ES 350, RX 350 (older models), NX 250 (some model years), and hybrid models like the UX 250h and NX 350h/450h+ (where premium is recommended but not required). To confirm the correct fuel for a specific vehicle, always check the owner's manual or the vehicle's fuel-door label. 
Models that typically use regular unleaded (87 octane) 

• Lexus CT 200h
• Lexus ES 300h and ES 350
• Lexus HS 250h
• Lexus NX 250 (some model years)
• Lexus NX 300h (older models)
• Lexus RX 350 (models from approximately 2012-2022)
• Lexus UX 250h (some model years) 

Models where premium is recommended but not required 

• Some hybrid models, such as the NX 350h and NX 450h+, can use regular gas, but using premium is recommended for optimal performance and to prevent potential engine knocking. 

How to be certain

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source of information for your specific vehicle. 
• Look at the fuel door: The required fuel type is often listed inside the fuel-filler door.