19 MPG combined is what you get with the 2019 Lexus GS F, a naturally aspirated V8 in a segment that is seeing more and more turbocharged six-cylinder engines. This isn’t a car for the hyper-miler or those worried about using less gas. The GS F exists for the driver who wants a visceral, old-school performance sedan experience, one that delivers immediate throttle response and a banshee wail from its high-revving engine. Fuel economy is accepted as a trade-off for the unfiltered joy this Lexus provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GS F will achieve 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst when navigating stop-and-go traffic; its 5.0-liter V8 prefers to stretch its legs. The highway number is more reasonable, and achievable if you don’t exploit the engine’s power on every on-ramp. These figures highlight the GS F’s character: a car that tolerates daily driving but truly shines when unleashed on an open road or a racetrack. The automatic (S8) transmission features 8 gears, which helps highway fuel economy because it can cruise at lower RPMs.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Lexus GS F at $3,050. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s assumed national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits and prevailing fuel prices in your area. Because the GS F needs premium fuel, expect to spend more at the pump compared to vehicles that run on regular unleaded. Understanding the factors behind this $3,050 figure helps to put the GS F’s running costs into perspective.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world fuel economy often varies. Expect to see numbers slightly lower than the official figures if you frequently drive hard. The GS F’s intoxicating exhaust note and razor-sharp throttle response are hard to resist, and frequent trips to the upper reaches of the tachometer will impact your MPG. However, consistent highway cruising at legal speeds should allow you to approach, or even surpass, the EPA’s 24 MPG estimate.

How it compares

The GS F exists in a shrinking niche of high-performance sedans, many of which offer better fuel economy figures thanks to smaller, turbocharged engines. For example, a BMW M5 with its twin-turbo V8 achieves a combined 17 MPG (2022 model), and the Mercedes-AMG E63 S manages 18 MPG combined (2021 model) with its twin-turbo V8. Even the Cadillac CTS-V, with its supercharged V8, posts a similar MPG, but it’s no longer in production. These competitors offer comparable performance figures, often with superior fuel efficiency. But they lack the GS F’s naturally aspirated character, a key differentiator for its target buyer. Performance focused buyers may also care about GS MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Resist burying your foot in it. The GS F’s engine is happiest when revved hard, but each pull to redline extracts a toll on fuel economy. Smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Use the “ECO” drive mode in steady-state cruising conditions on the highway. While it won’t transform the GS F into a Prius, it will subtly remap the throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency without neutering performance when you need it.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain the recommended PSI for optimal efficiency.

Minimize excessive idling. Letting the engine run unnecessarily wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the ignition. The GS F’s engine restarts quickly and smoothly.

Plan your routes strategically. Avoid congested areas and prioritize routes with fewer stop-and-go situations. Navigating around traffic jams will save you time and fuel. Beyond the GS, get all Lexus fuel economy data here.