The 2015 Lexus NX 200t AWD F Sport gets 24 MPG combined. It’s no Prius. The NX 200t F Sport doesn’t try to be an economy car; it’s a stylish, sporty compact SUV for urban professionals who value aesthetics, technology, and a bit of performance over ultimate fuel savings. They accept the mileage because it delivers the premium Lexus experience in a fashionable package.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates for the NX 200t F Sport are 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go nature, where the turbocharged 2.0L engine relies more on boost, impacting fuel burn. The highway number, while not exceptional, is respectable for an all-wheel-drive vehicle with sporting aspirations. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, but its relatively limited number of gears compared to some competitors means it works the engine harder at higher cruising speeds. The Lexus is also heavier than some of its competitors, which impacts the MPG numbers. Anyone looking at all Lexus fuel economy data will see how the 200t engine compares across the lineup.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Lexus NX 200t AWD F Sport at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. Remember that real-world fuel costs will vary based on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles annually, you can adjust fuel costs up or down proportionally, however the $2,400 is a good starting point for budgeting.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing figures, but real-world fuel economy often deviates based on individual driving styles and conditions. Drivers who accelerate quickly or frequently encounter heavy traffic should expect numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range, or even slightly below. However, those with a gentler driving style and more consistent highway commutes might achieve figures closer to, or slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. The NX 200t F Sport also has selectable drive modes, and Eco mode can noticeably improve fuel efficiency if you don’t mind reduced throttle response. Monitor fuel consumption to manage expectations; it typically will not match the sticker.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2015 Lexus NX 200t AWD F Sport is competitive but not class-leading. The Acura RDX, with its V6 engine, delivers similar MPG to the NX 200t F Sport, around 22 MPG combined. But other competitors offer better fuel efficiency. The BMW X1 xDrive28i, for example, gets a combined MPG of 25, while the Audi Q3 can achieve up to 23 MPG combined with all-wheel drive. For the NX 200t F Sport buyer, factors beyond pure fuel economy matter more. They might prioritize the Lexus’s reputation for reliability, its distinctive styling, or the cachet of the F Sport trim, an appealing alternative to the sportier German rivals. Checking the NX MPG across all years relative to other similar models is definitely recommended.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Eco drive mode in everyday driving. The NX 200t F Sport includes selectable drive modes, and Eco prioritizes fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle response and climate control settings. It might make performance slightly less peppy, but the MPG gains can be significant, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Check tire pressures regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy. Keeping your tires properly inflated improves gas mileage and extends tire life. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine idle for long periods wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, shut off the engine. Restarting a modern engine consumes less fuel than idling for an extended period.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway minimizes unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which helps improve fuel efficiency. Engage cruise control on long stretches of open road to get better MPG.

Minimize cargo weight. Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or rear seats that you don’t need to maximize MPG. Every extra 100 pounds reduces MPG.