28 MPG combined is perfectly acceptable for the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD, a car that prioritizes smooth operation, competent all-weather traction, and traditional Lexus luxury over outright efficiency. This isn’t a hybrid pushing for 50 MPG, nor is it a performance sedan laser-focused on track times, it’s a comfortable, well-built machine for drivers who value reliability and a refined driving experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the ES 250 AWD will achieve 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. These numbers reflect its well-tuned 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. The city MPG figure is reasonable given the car’s weight and the inherent inefficiencies of stop-and-go driving. The highway number, however, is particularly strong, suggesting the ES 250 AWD is an efficient long-distance cruiser, ideally suited for road trips or commutes with extended highway stretches. This is where all-wheel-drive systems tend to lose efficiency, so 34 MPG is actually impressive on this kind of vehicle.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD is estimated at $1,550. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the current national average fuel price. This figure allows potential buyers to understand the long-term running costs of the vehicle and compare them against other models. It’s a fairly modest cost for a luxury sedan with all-wheel drive, certainly less than many SUVs or high-performance vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a helpful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary based on several factors. Driving style, road conditions, and weather all play a role. More aggressive driving, with frequent hard acceleration and braking, will negatively impact fuel economy. Likewise, driving in hilly terrain or in heavy traffic will reduce MPG. Colder temperatures can also have a detrimental effect, as engines are less efficient when cold and winter tires often have higher rolling resistance. Owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and adopt more conservative driving habits can likely meet or even exceed the EPA estimates. You can check ES MPG across all years to see if certain model years have better ratings.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD holds its own in terms of fuel economy. The Acura TLX 2.0T SH-AWD, for example, is rated at 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, putting it behind the ES 250 AWD in both metrics. The BMW 330i xDrive achieves 25 MPG city and 34 MPG highway, matching the Lexus on the highway but falling slightly behind in city driving. The Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC is rated at 23 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, also lagging behind the ES in both categories. For buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency in a luxury sedan with all-wheel drive, the Lexus ES 250 AWD is a good option. All of these cars require premium fuel, but Lexus buyers may cross-shop a model like the ES 300h Hybrid, rated for 44 MPG combined. Owners can compare all Lexus fuel economy data to make the right choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are critical for maximizing fuel economy. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and anticipate traffic flow to minimize hard braking. This is especially important with the ES 250 AWD, as its relatively small engine can be strained under heavy acceleration, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Maintaining proper tire inflation is another simple yet effective way to boost fuel economy. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying around heavy items in the trunk or backseat adds to the car’s overall weight, which reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need, such as golf clubs, extra luggage, or rarely used tools.

Minimize idling whenever possible. Idling consumes fuel without moving the car, so avoid letting the engine run unnecessarily. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The ES 250 doesn’t have an aggressive start/stop system to help with this.

Use cruise control on the highway whenever feasible. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which minimizes variations in fuel consumption. This is especially beneficial on long highway drives, where speed fluctuations can significantly impact fuel economy.