A combined fuel economy of 23 MPG in the 2023 Lexus RC 350 isn’t the main reason to buy this stylish coupe. People buy this vehicle for its sharp design, comfortable interior, and refined driving experience, and the fuel economy reflects this. While not bad, it places the RC 350 in the middle for performance coupes.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the RC 350 are 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures reflect the nature of the car; the city number is what you’ll likely experience in stop-and-go traffic, while the highway MPG shows the potential for efficiency when cruising at a steady speed. The 3.5L V6 needs to work harder in urban environments, impacting the city fuel economy. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel consumption at higher speeds, contributing to the higher highway rating. This difference indicates the RC 350 is best suited for those who do a mix of city and highway driving, or those who value the driving experience more than fuel savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Lexus RC 350 will be about $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time of the calculation. Your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, location, and the price of gasoline. Think of the $2,500 figure as a comparison point, but individual experiences may vary.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized testing data, real-world fuel economy can be different. Aggressive driving, heavy acceleration, and frequent short trips can negatively impact your MPG. Careful driving habits, consistent highway speeds, and proper maintenance can help you achieve or exceed the EPA estimates. Owners who are mindful of their driving style can often see numbers closer to the 28 MPG highway figure, even with some city driving mixed in. The RC 350 encourages spirited driving, which isn’t good for fuel efficiency, yet its inherent smoothness allows for relaxed cruising when desired.

How it compares

The RC 350’s fuel economy puts it against a range of competitors. For example, the BMW 430i Coupe achieves a combined 28 MPG with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making it more fuel-efficient. But it lacks the RC 350’s V6 power. The Infiniti Q60, another V6-powered coupe, gets the same 22 MPG combined as the RC 350. This comparison highlights the tradeoff; buyers are choosing between the smoother, more responsive V6 of the Lexus and Infiniti, or the better fuel economy of the BMW’s turbo-four. If you’re committed to a six-cylinder engine and the Lexus brand, you might also be interested in reviewing all Lexus fuel economy data. For specific data related to this model, check out RC MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Lexus RC 350’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel efficiency if you let it. Avoid aggressive acceleration and use the engine’s torque to maintain speed. Let the transmission shift through the gears without forcing downshifts unless necessary. This will reduce fuel consumption during everyday driving.

Tire pressure is important for fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and maintain the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and extend tire life.

Reduce weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the overall weight, impacting fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, such as golf clubs, extra luggage, or heavy tools. A lighter car is a more efficient car.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic, especially during peak hours. Constant acceleration and braking consume more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid rush hour, or explore alternative routes that minimize congestion, especially after you fill up the tank. While premium fuel is recommended, it does not impact overall MPG.