The 2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD achieves 22 MPG combined. Fuel efficiency isn’t the primary focus of this car, it prioritizes blending sporty driving, all-weather capability, and Lexus refinement. Fuel economy is a less important consideration for buyers who value the RC 350’s unique coupe shape and stable handling over maximum efficiency.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the RC 350 AWD are 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects frequent stops and starts, where the 3.5L V6 and six-speed automatic transmission are less efficient due to constant acceleration and deceleration. The highway MPG is better and shows steady cruising; the RC 350 can achieve reasonable fuel economy on longer trips. These numbers are possible with moderate driving. More aggressive or consistent driving will lead to lower fuel economy.

Annual fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lexus RC 350 AWD at $2,650. This assumes 15,000 miles driven per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This number is a useful guide, but individual costs will change depending on driving habits, location (because fuel prices vary), and gasoline grade used. The RC 350 doesn’t require premium fuel, but some owners choose it believing it improves performance, an added cost for those wanting maximum responsiveness.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a starting point, but real-world MPG for the RC 350 AWD often varies. Drivers who frequently use Sport mode or drive in hilly areas will likely see numbers below 22 MPG. Those who drive with smooth acceleration and consistent highway speeds might get close to, or even slightly above, the EPA highway estimate. How you drive greatly affects this sporty coupe’s fuel consumption. If you want to learn more, check out RC MPG across all years to see trends from other owners.

How it compares

The RC 350 AWD’s fuel economy is average for its class. The BMW 430i xDrive coupe, for example, gets a slightly better 26 MPG combined because it has a four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger. However, some drivers think the Lexus V6 is more refined. The Audi A5 2.0T quattro also offers better fuel economy at 27 MPG combined. The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 has more power but uses more fuel, with a combined rating near 22 MPG for rear-wheel drive models and lower for all-wheel drive. The RC 350 driver accepts this tradeoff for the Lexus’ luxury, reliability, and the character of its V6 engine. For a broader view, review all Lexus fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration. The RC 350’s V6 responds quickly, making it tempting to use its power, but frequent hard acceleration quickly lowers fuel economy. Slow, steady acceleration lowers fuel use and extends each tank’s range.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Regularly check tire pressures and inflate them to the recommended levels on the driver’s side door jamb.

Reduce extra weight. Excess cargo adds weight, which reduces fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk and passenger area to reduce the engine’s load.

Reduce idling. Modern engines restart easily, so long idling wastes fuel. If you expect to stop for more than a minute, turn off the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway with cruise control minimizes speed changes, for smoother acceleration and better fuel economy. This works best on flat roads where the car doesn’t need to speed up to maintain speed on hills.