The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport 3.5L gets 25 MPG combined, reflecting a balance between luxury and fuel efficiency. It’s not a hybrid designed for maximum MPG, nor a performance car indifferent to gas prices. Instead, it aligns with the ES’s goal: offering a comfortable, reliable, and stylish ride with some sporty feel, without being too expensive to fuel. This car appeals to drivers who value refinement and performance and understand that a naturally aspirated V6 uses a certain amount of gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the ES 350 F Sport gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city MPG, while not the best in its class, reflects city driving and the engine size. The smooth 8-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel , but moving a car this size requires fuel. On the highway, the ES 350 performs well. The 31 MPG highway rating is good and achievable, making it a comfortable and reasonably economical car for long trips. The engine’s power allows for easy merging and passing, while maintaining a relaxed driving experience and good fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport is $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using average fuel prices. This is an estimate, and your actual fuel costs will vary based on your driving, the fuel you use, and local gas prices. However, it provides a useful benchmark for comparing the ES 350 F Sport to other vehicles in its class. You can explore all Lexus fuel economy data to compare against other Lexus models.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standard, but real-world MPG can differ. Drivers who often drive aggressively, drive in heavy city traffic, or don’t maintain their car may see lower MPG. In contrast, drivers who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and follow maintenance schedules may exceed the EPA estimates, especially on highway trips. The ES 350 F Sport responds to driving style, so mindful habits can affect fuel consumption.

You can also explore ES MPG across all years.

How it compares

The ES 350 F Sport’s fuel economy compares well in the mid-size luxury sedan class. The Acura TLX, with its 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder, gets 25 MPG combined, matching the ES 350, but lacks the V6’s smooth power. The BMW 530i, with a turbocharged inline-4, gets 28 MPG combined, but may not be as reliable as the Lexus. The BMW 540i with its inline-6 gets 25 MPG combined, lower than the ES. The Genesis G80 2.5T RWD gets 26 MPG combined, slightly better, but some buyers prefer the Lexus brand recognition and reputation. The ES 350’s fuel economy is a strategic choice, balancing performance and efficiency, meeting its target market’s needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The ES 350 delivers smooth power, so avoid hard acceleration and braking. Gentle inputs help the engine and transmission operate better, saving fuel without affecting driving enjoyment. Watching traffic and keeping a steady speed can increase your MPG, especially on the highway.

Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s levels, usually on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Remove extra weight. Items in your trunk or backseat add weight, decreasing fuel efficiency. Remove anything unnecessary to lighten the vehicle and improve your MPG, it adds up.

Follow the maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance keep the engine running well, increasing fuel efficiency and preventing issues. An unmaintained engine won’t run as efficiently, reducing MPG and potentially causing expensive repairs.