The 2016 Lexus ES 300h has a combined fuel economy rating of 40 MPG, which defines its purpose. It’s not a sport sedan pretending to be a hybrid. It’s a comfortable, quiet, and very fuel-efficient luxury car designed for drivers who value tranquility and low running costs. For buyers less interested in performance and more focused on a refined, economical driving experience, the ES 300h delivers.

City and highway performance

The ES 300h’s EPA ratings are consistent across different driving conditions. It achieves 40 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. This consistency comes from the electric motor’s ability to handle much of the low-speed driving in urban environments, while the Atkinson-cycle 2.5L four-cylinder engine takes over at higher speeds for efficient highway cruising. The carefully calibrated automatic (AV-S6) transmission optimizes fuel consumption regardless of where you’re driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Lexus ES 300h at $1,100. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. For drivers covering even more miles, or those facing higher fuel costs in their region, the savings offered by the ES 300h become more significant. This low annual fuel bill helps minimize the car’s operating expenses.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can vary based on driving habits, traffic conditions, and even weather. Owners of the 2016 ES 300h often report figures close to the EPA estimates, which is uncommon. The ES 300h thrives in mixed driving conditions, delivering consistent efficiency, unlike some hybrids that are greatly affected by heavy highway use. If you drive with a light foot and use the regenerative braking system, achieving or exceeding the EPA figures is possible. All all Lexus fuel economy data suggests that Toyota’s luxury brand generally delivers on its MPG promises.

How it compares

The 2016 Lexus ES 300h stands out in its class for fuel efficiency. The Acura TLX 2.4L, for example, achieves around 28 MPG combined, which is much less than the ES 300h’s 40 MPG. Even the BMW 328d, known for its diesel efficiency, only achieves around 36 MPG combined in real-world driving. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, while comparable on paper, often falls short of the ES 300h in terms of real-world consistency and refinement. The Lexus’s fuel savings more than compensate for what it lacks in performance and driving dynamics. These economy figures also differentiate it from the non-hybrid ES models. Check the ES MPG across all years before assuming all ES models have similar costs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration helps maximize fuel efficiency in the ES 300h. The electric motor provides ample torque at low speeds, so avoid aggressive starts that force the gasoline engine to activate. Use the Eco driving mode, which adjusts throttle response and climate control settings to prioritize fuel economy. The difference can be subtle, but it adds up over time.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Remove any items from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need, as extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. Even small amounts of extra weight can have an impact over time.

Plan your trips strategically to avoid stop-and-go traffic as much as possible. Constant acceleration and braking consume more fuel. The ES 300h’s regenerative braking system helps recapture energy during deceleration, but maintaining a steady speed is more efficient.

Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed and avoid fluctuations in fuel consumption. Cruise control helps minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can improve fuel efficiency, especially on long drives.