A combined 28 MPG is respectable for the 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD 2.5L 4-cyl, placing it firmly in the “sensible” category when considering fuel consumption. This ES is not trying to break fuel economy records; rather, it prioritizes luxury, reliability, and all-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency is a factor, but it’s balanced with the desire for a comfortable, well-equipped sedan capable of handling bad weather easily. The ES 250 AWD achieves all of these goals, and its MPG reflects this.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the ES 250 AWD gets 25 MPG in the city. This is perfectly adequate for urban driving, where stop-and-go traffic usually lowers fuel efficiency. The 2.5L four-cylinder engine and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission work together to maximize each gallon, even on busy city streets.

On the highway, the ES 250 AWD excels, achieving an EPA-estimated 34 MPG. This demonstrates its comfortable cruising ability, making it relaxing and economical for long trips. The transmission’s overdrive gears allow the engine to run at low RPMs on the highway, reducing fuel consumption and increasing driver and passenger comfort. This makes it a good choice for frequent business travel.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD is $1,550. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Potential buyers can use this to easily estimate the ongoing cost of ownership. Remember that actual fuel costs can change depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the fuel type you use.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a helpful benchmark, but real-world MPG often varies. Expect figures close to the official ratings, especially with a mix of city and highway driving. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extreme weather can hurt fuel economy. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and correct tire inflation can help you match or exceed the EPA estimates. Lexus drivers seeking even greater efficiency should explore all Lexus fuel economy data and consider the hybrid ES 300h, and review the ES MPG across all years to make an informed decision.

How it compares

The ES 250 AWD competes with other luxury sedans, each with different fuel economy. The Acura TLX with its standard 2.0L turbo engine achieves 25 MPG combined with front-wheel drive (AWD lowers this number). The BMW 330i, a performance car, gets around 28 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz C300, another popular choice, also gets around 28 MPG combined. Some competitors might have slightly better or worse fuel economy in certain situations, but the ES 250 AWD strikes a nice balance, especially with its standard all-wheel drive. It’s a practical option for buyers who want a luxury car that’s also relatively fuel-efficient.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps to maximize fuel economy in the ES 250 AWD. Avoid quick starts and stops, and try to drive at a steady speed. The 2.5L engine responds well to a light touch on the accelerator, improving your MPG.
Watch the tachometer and avoid going over 3000 RPM when accelerating.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Even a small amount of underinflation can reduce your MPG by 1-2 MPG.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo in your trunk or backseat reduces fuel economy. Remove anything that isn’t needed, like sports equipment, tools, or other heavy items. Every pound matters, especially in a midsize sedan like the ES 250 AWD. It is important to keep a minimalist approach in the car rather than treating it like secondary storage.

Plan your trips efficiently to minimize cold starts by combining multiple errands into a single trip. Cold starts are fuel-intensive because the engine needs to warm up to its optimal operating temperature before achieving peak fuel efficiency. You can also save fuel by planning your route to avoid traffic.

To optimize fuel economy, use cruise control on the highway while maintaining a consistent speed. Cruise control prevents unintentional speed changes that waste fuel. Be aware of hills and downshift manually to avoid straining the engine, or let the car shift automatically.