23 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling awards, but it’s perfectly acceptable for the 2019 Lexus RC 350: a stylish, comfortable, and refined coupe for buyers who prioritize a smooth driving experience and distinctive design over outright efficiency. This isn’t a car bought for maximizing fuel savings; it’s chosen for making a statement, enjoying a relaxed cruise, and relishing the Lexus ownership experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 RC 350 will achieve 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the 3.5L V6 engine works harder and the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts more frequently.

The highway rating showcases the engine’s ability to settle into a more efficient cruising mode at consistent speeds. The RC 350 is at its best on long open roads, where it provides a comfortable and quiet driving experience, though buyers should drive with a light foot to consistently achieve 28 MPG.

The combination of these two figures reflects the vehicle’s balance between everyday usability and grand touring capability.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Lexus RC 350 at $2,500. This estimate is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs can vary significantly depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (more city versus highway), and the price of fuel in your area.

Drivers logging significantly more than 15,000 miles annually, or those with particularly heavy feet, should expect to exceed this $2,500 figure, which is important to determining if the RC 350 will fit their automotive budget.

Real-world expectations

The EPA’s figures provide a useful benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs due to individual driving styles and conditions. RC 350 drivers who prioritize performance and enjoy the engine’s responsiveness are likely to see numbers closer to the city MPG figure.

Drivers who adopt a more relaxed driving style and spend a significant amount of time on the highway may achieve figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the 28 MPG estimate. Factors such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even the use of air conditioning can also influence fuel consumption, so managing these elements will help drivers achieve better fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2019 Lexus RC 350’s fuel economy sits firmly in the middle. The BMW 440i coupe delivers comparable performance and luxury, but achieves a similar EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined with its turbocharged inline-six engine. The Infiniti Q60 offers similar styling and performance, but its fuel economy is slightly lower, at around 22 MPG combined with its V6 engine. A similarly equipped Audi A5 manages 27 MPG combined with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing a more fuel-efficient option at the cost of engine displacement.

Understanding these comparisons is useful for those weighing all their vehicle options and placing efficiency higher on their list of priorities. This data, and all Lexus fuel economy data, can help buyers find the right vehicle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are critical for optimizing fuel economy in the RC 350. The V6 engine responds readily to throttle input, so avoid aggressive acceleration that burns unnecessary fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and brake smoothly to minimize wasted energy to limit unneeded acceleration and deceleration from the RC 350.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is another simple way to improve fuel economy. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels as indicated on the driver’s side door jamb. Proper tire inflation on the RC 350 will improve the rolling resistance.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without moving the car. Idling the RC 350 can quickly decrease the fuel economy, especially in stop and go traffic.

Use cruise control when appropriate, especially on long highway drives. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy compared to fluctuating speeds. Using cruise control can improve the average MPG on the RC 350.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other maintenance tasks ensure that the engine is running efficiently. Following the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual can help prevent performance issues that can negatively impact fuel economy. Keeping the fluids and filters in the RC 350 clean will allow for the optimal fuel economy.