Which Lexus gets the best gas mileage?
The best gas mileage among Lexus models today is found in the brand’s hybrids, led by the ES 300h with EPA estimates around 44 mpg combined.
This article compares current Lexus options, explains how EPA numbers are measured, and shows how factors like drivetrain and plug-in capability affect real-world mileage.
Top contenders for best fuel economy
Here are the current Lexus models with the best EPA-rated fuel efficiency, ranked by combined mpg for 2025 models.
- Lexus ES 300h — approximately 44 mpg combined (hybrid).
- Lexus UX 250h — around 39 mpg combined (hybrid).
- Lexus NX 350h — about 37 mpg combined (hybrid).
- Lexus RX 450h — roughly 30 mpg combined (hybrid).
Taken together, the hybrid sedans lead the lineup in efficiency, while larger SUVs typically fall toward lower mpg figures.
What influences fuel economy across Lexus models
Several factors determine real-world mileage, beyond the headline EPA figures. The following list highlights the main influences you’ll encounter when comparing Lexus models.
- Powertrain: Hybrid systems (HEV) generally deliver higher mpg than conventional gasoline engines, with the ES 300h historically at the top of the efficiency chart within the Lexus lineup.
- Drivetrain configuration: Front-wheel drive vs all-wheel drive; adding AWD usually reduces mpg slightly due to extra weight and drivetrain losses.
- Vehicle size and weight: Sedans are typically more fuel-efficient than crossovers and SUVs of similar power, due to lower weight and better aerodynamics.
- Terrain and driving style: Stop-and-go city driving, hills, and cold weather lower mpg, while steady highway cruising tends to improve it.
- Tire choice and maintenance: Low rolling-resistance tires, proper inflation, and regular maintenance help maximize efficiency.
These factors help explain why the ES 300h can outperform other models in the same year and why real-world mileage often differs from EPA estimates.
Plug-in options and MPGe considerations
For buyers who can plug in, Lexus offers plug-in hybrids such as the NX 450h+ that deliver higher MPGe when charged from the grid. In gasoline-only operation, however, their mpg figures differ from non-plug-in hybrids, so it helps to understand the distinction between MPGe and mpg when evaluating total fuel costs.
Summary
In brief, the Lexus ES 300h currently offers the best gas mileage among Lexus cars, with an EPA estimate around 44 mpg combined. The UX 250h and NX 350h follow in the high-30s, while larger models like the RX 450h sit around the low 30s. If you can take advantage of plug-in charging, NX 450h+ and similar models can deliver higher MPGe ratings, but their gasoline mpg is separate from the hybrid’s overall efficiency. Always verify the exact EPA rating for the model year you’re considering, as updates can shift figures.
