24 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2016 Lexus NX 200t AWD, it’s an acceptable trade-off for the premium experience and all-weather confidence buyers want. This isn’t a vehicle purchased primarily for maximizing MPGs. It’s for those who prioritize luxury, reliability, and a distinctive design, and are willing to accept middle-of-the-road fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Lexus NX 200t AWD, with its 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, reflect urban and highway driving. The city MPG of 22 reflects stop-and-go commuting, where the NX 200t’s turbo engine can sometimes feel a bit sluggish off the line, inviting a heavier foot. On the open road, the 28 MPG highway rating shows the engine’s efficiency at consistent speeds, but aggressive passing or sustained high-speed driving will quickly diminish those numbers. The all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction, and contributes to a slight dip in fuel economy compared to front-wheel-drive variants. See NX MPG across all years to get perspective where this model year fits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Lexus NX 200t AWD will be $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. It’s a standardized metric designed to allow easy comparisons between different vehicles. However, your actual fuel costs may vary significantly depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of driving you do most often. Those who primarily drive in congested city environments will likely exceed this estimate, while drivers with long highway commutes may find their annual fuel cost to be lower.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a useful baseline, however, real-world fuel economy can often deviate. Drivers of the 2016 Lexus NX 200t AWD report figures that align closely with the EPA estimates, but individual experiences can vary. Factors like driving style, tire pressure, and even using accessories like air conditioning can impact overall fuel consumption. Expect to see numbers generally within the EPA range if you drive moderately. Quick acceleration and hard braking will drag the MPG down closer to 20.

How it compares

The 2016 Lexus NX 200t AWD’s fuel economy is in the middle of the compact luxury SUV segment. The Acura RDX, with its V6 engine, offers around 22 MPG combined, prioritizing power over efficiency. The BMW X3 xDrive28i achieves about 24 MPG combined with its turbo four-cylinder as well. The Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic offers around 24 MPG combined. The NX’s positioning reflects Lexus’s focus. Luxury buyers value fuel economy to some degree, but it is not the highest priority. Lexus does offer an NX 300h hybrid model for those who want both luxury and significantly better fuel consumption. You can explore all Lexus fuel economy data to see a spread of what the brand offers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2016 Lexus NX 200t’s turbocharged engine responds well to smooth acceleration. Avoid aggressive starts and unnecessary bursts of speed to conserve fuel. Gentle throttle inputs will allow the engine to operate in its most efficient range, particularly in city driving.

Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Consult the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your NX 200t.

Minimize the use of accessories like air conditioning and heated seats when they aren’t necessary. These systems place an additional load on the engine, reducing fuel efficiency. Opening the windows at lower speeds can be a fuel-saving alternative to air conditioning.

Consider the drive mode selector. The NX 200t features different drive modes which can alter engine and transmission mapping for fuel efficiency. Using “Eco” mode can restrain throttle response and upshift sooner to prioritize fuel savings, especially in city driving.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying around extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight and reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need to lighten the load and improve your MPG performance.