What is the most fuel efficient Lexus?

In today’s Lexus lineup, efficiency comes in several forms: traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models. If you’re looking for the best gasoline-based efficiency, the ES 300h leads among non-plug-ins. If you regularly plug in to maximize efficiency, the NX 450h+ offers the strongest overall figures, and Lexus’s dedicated electric model, the RZ 450e, represents the efficiency of a pure EV in the brand line-up.

This article breaks down the current options by drivetrain, cites EPA figures where available, and explains what those numbers mean for real-world driving. We’ll also note charging considerations, driving style, and how different models suit different needs.

Non-plug-in hybrids: the best gasoline mileage among Lexus hybrids

The following Lexus hybrids do not offer plug-in charging. They rely on an internal combustion engine paired with an electric motor and battery, but you cannot charge the battery from an outside source.

• ES 300h — Historically the most efficient Lexus hybrid in terms of gasoline MPG, with EPA estimates typically in the low-to-mid 40s mpg combined.


• UX 250h — A compact crossover hybrid with strong efficiency, usually around 39 mpg combined.


• NX 350h — A larger hybrid option offering efficiency in the mid-to-high 30s mpg combined, depending on year and drivetrain specifics.

For buyers prioritizing gasoline efficiency without plugging in, the ES 300h remains the benchmark within Lexus’s hybrid family, offering a balance of comfort and mileage.

Plug-in hybrids: maximizing efficiency with electric assistance

Plug-in hybrids add a high-voltage battery you can charge from the wall, enabling electric-only driving for part of your commute and improving overall efficiency when you use electric power.

• NX 450h+ — The primary Lexus plug-in hybrid, rated at up to about 84 MPGe combined (gasoline + electricity) with roughly 36–37 miles of electric range when charged.

When you regularly plug in and use the battery for city trips, the NX 450h+ delivers the best overall energy efficiency in the current Lexus lineup, though real-world results depend on charging habits and trip length.

Fully electric option: Lexus RZ 450e

Beyond hybrids, Lexus offers a dedicated battery-electric model that operates without a gasoline engine. The RZ 450e prioritizes electric efficiency, delivering a high MPGe rating and real-world EV range depending on configuration and driving conditions.

• RZ 450e — Lexus’s first purpose-built EV, with an energy-efficiency rating in the upper end of MPGe figures and a practical EPA-estimated range that varies by trim and battery pack.

For buyers who can maximize charging at home or work and want to minimize gasoline use altogether, the RZ 450e represents the pinnacle of Lexus efficiency in energy terms, albeit with the caveat that EV range and charging availability influence daily practicality.

How to choose based on your driving and charging needs

Charging access and daily trips

If you have reliable access to charging and predominantly drive short distances, a plug-in hybrid like the NX 450h+ or a full EV like the RZ 450e can offer the best efficiency in practice. If you rarely plug in, a non-plug-in hybrid such as the ES 300h remains a strong, efficient choice.

Real-world factors to consider

EPA numbers are benchmarks, but real-world efficiency depends on factors such as driving style, climate control use, terrain, and outside temperature. Regular maintenance and tire choice also influence mpg or MPGe performance over time.

Summary

In Lexus’s current lineup, the ES 300h stands out as the most efficient non-plug-in hybrid in terms of gasoline mpg. For maximum overall efficiency with external charging, the NX 450h+ is the best plug-in hybrid option, delivering high MPGe and meaningful electric range. If you want the highest energy efficiency in a modern Lexus without blending gasoline at all, the RZ 450e—the brand’s dedicated electric model—offers the strongest efficiency on electricity alone. Your best choice depends on how you drive, how often you can plug in, and whether you prioritize gasoline MPG, MPGe, or pure EV operation.

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. 

What is the most reliable Lexus to buy?

The most reliable Lexus models include the ES, RX, IS, and GX, which consistently receive high marks for dependability in various surveys and reports. The Lexus ES is a highly reliable midsize sedan, while the RX is a standout in the luxury SUV category, with specific generations praised for their long-term durability. The IS is a top-rated executive sedan, and the GX is often cited as one of Lexus's most reliable and longest-lasting SUVs, especially older models like the GX 460.
 
Sedans

• Lexus ES: Consistently ranks at the top for reliability due to minimal owner-reported issues, Rallye Lexus. 
• Lexus IS: Recognized as a top-tier reliable sedan, often comparable to the ES, with high quality and reliability scores. 

SUVs

• Lexus RX: Often called one of the most reliable luxury SUVs ever, with specific generations earning perfect scores for reliability. The 2022 model, in particular, is highlighted for its durable V6 engine and transmission. 
• Lexus GX: Another highly reliable SUV, with the GX 460 being a frequently mentioned model for its longevity. 
• Lexus LX: Also stands out as a dependable and robust luxury SUV, with recent models also expected to maintain a solid reputation. 

Other models

• Lexus NX: Praised for its reliability, with some sources calling it the most reliable crossover due to its capable and robust powertrain, including its hybrid options. 
• Lexus LS: Has a history of extreme reliability, especially older generations like the LS 430 and LS 400, with documented cases of exceeding one million miles. 

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.

What is the most fuel-efficient Lexus model?

The 2022 Lexus NX Plug-In Hybrid mpg ratings are the best among the current Lexus lineup, followed by the new Lexus ES Hybrid, which offers up to 44 highway mpg.