22 MPG combined isn’t the main reason someone buys a 2016 Lexus GS 350 AWD with the 3.5L V6. It’s a comfortable, capable, and relatively understated all-weather luxury sedan, not a Prius for performance driving. Owners want a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and the assured grip of all-wheel drive, accepting the fuel cost as the price for those features.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2016 GS 350 AWD at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the V6 engine consumes more fuel, despite its fuel management. The highway number is better, as the six-speed automatic transmission lets the engine cruise at lower RPMs, improving efficiency on longer trips. Aggressive acceleration or sustained high speeds will lower that 26 MPG figure quickly.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Lexus GS 350 AWD at $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG rating, and projecting national average fuel prices. Gas prices and driving habits can change this number. Someone driving mainly in the city or with a heavy foot will likely spend more, while someone who mainly drives long highway runs and drives conservatively could spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a useful benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. GS 350 AWD owners often report achieving figures close to the EPA’s combined rating in mixed driving. Following speed limits and avoiding aggressive acceleration can improve fuel economy. Frequent driving using the car’s powerful V6 engine and time spent in traffic will negatively impact efficiency. Expect somewhere between 19 and 24 MPG, depending on driving style and conditions.

How it compares

The 2016 GS 350 AWD’s fuel economy is normal for its class. A comparable 2016 BMW 535i xDrive, with its turbocharged inline-six and all-wheel drive, achieves an EPA-rated 23 MPG combined. An Audi A6 3.0T quattro, with its supercharged V6, is also rated at 22 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, equipped with a naturally aspirated V6, earns a similar 20 MPG combined rating. The Acura TLX SH-AWD, with its V6 engine, comes in slightly better at 25 MPG combined. For buyers prioritizing GS MPG across all years above all else, there are more efficient choices than this generation, but then they sacrifice the driving experience this car offers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The GS 350’s V6 is responsive, but hard acceleration lowers fuel economy. Drive smoothly and progressively, allowing the automatic transmission to shift early and keep the engine in its most efficient operating range. This will save fuel and reduce wear on drivetrain components.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly, using a reliable gauge, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. Correct tire pressure also improves handling and extends tire life. This is one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern starters are designed to handle frequent starts and stops, and the fuel saved will offset any minimal wear on the starter motor.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. By minimizing variations in speed, the engine operates more efficiently. Using cruise control on hilly roads may result in lower fuel economy as the car struggles to maintain the set speed, particularly if the transmission downshifts.

Keep the car properly maintained. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, ensures that the engine runs as expected. A poorly maintained engine will lose efficiency and consume more fuel. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. When buying parts, check out all Lexus fuel economy data for the components recommended for the vehicle.