21 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards, but for the 2020 Lexus GS 350 AWD, it’s a calculated compromise. This isn’t a vehicle designed for hypermilers; it’s for the driver who prioritizes a smooth, powerful V6 engine, all-weather confidence with all-wheel drive, and the meticulously crafted interior that Lexus is known for. The GS 350 AWD buyer understands there’s a tradeoff between outright efficiency and the driving experience they crave, and they’re willing to accept it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GS 350 AWD at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are important for understanding how they translate to real-world behavior. City driving, with its stop-and-go traffic, will likely result in fuel economy closer to the lower end of that 19 MPG estimate, especially if you enjoy the responsive acceleration the V6 provides. Highway cruising, with consistent speeds, will bring you closer to the 26 MPG mark, making it a comfortable and relatively efficient long-distance cruiser.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Lexus GS 350 AWD at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of gasoline you choose. Lexus recommends premium fuel for optimal performance, and it’s not strictly required.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a good baseline, and real-world fuel economy will always vary based on driving style, traffic conditions, and even tire pressure. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and neglecting regular maintenance will all negatively impact fuel economy. Smooth driving techniques and ensuring proper tire inflation can help you achieve figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. Pay attention to the car’s eco-driving indicator in the instrument cluster, which can guide you to drive more efficiently.

How it compares

The GS 350 AWD occupies a niche within the mid-size luxury sedan segment. A direct competitor is the BMW 540i xDrive, which offers similar performance and all-wheel drive, but achieves a slightly better EPA combined rating of 25 MPG. This difference may be significant to some buyers concerned about fuel costs. The Acura TLX SH-AWD with the V6 engine is another potential alternative; it achieves around 23 MPG combined, although it’s positioned slightly below the GS in terms of luxury and refinement. The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC, with its turbocharged inline-6 engine, also boasts a higher MPG of 26 Combined in real-world testing. Buyers in this segment consider both performance and running costs, and often cross-shop between these brands. Exploring GS MPG across all years provides additional context.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The GS 350 AWD’s V6 engine is wonderfully responsive, but heavy acceleration consumes a significant amount of fuel. Drive smoothly, anticipating traffic conditions and using gentle acceleration to maintain momentum. Treat the gas pedal with a light touch.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Proper tire inflation contributes to both fuel efficiency and tire longevity.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, so there’s no need to idle for extended periods unless you are preempting something like restarting in extreme weather.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed and reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which improves fuel economy. Engage cruise control on long highway drives to achieve more consistent fuel consumption. Don’t use it in rainy conditions where micro-aquaplining may occur with cruise on. Instead, use radar cruise, or drive without cruise.

Consider your driving mode. The GS 350 AWD typically offers multiple driving modes, including an “Eco” mode. This mode adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. It may slightly reduce performance, but it can make a noticeable difference in fuel economy when commuting or cruising on the highway. You can find all Lexus fuel economy data on our site.