19 MPG combined. That’s what you get with the 2016 Lexus RC F. You’re not buying this car to save gas, you’re buying it for the joy of a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 powering the rear wheels. Fuel economy is simply part of owning this high-performance car. The RC F appeals to drivers who want visceral experiences and a raw connection to the road more than saving money at the pump. They appreciate the unique character of a naturally aspirated engine when most cars are turbocharged, and accept the fuel consumption as a trade-off for that distinctive performance.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Lexus RC F are 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the engine’s thirst in stop-and-go traffic, where its power is less efficiently used. The highway MPG is better, suggesting that longer cruises at a steady speed can achieve a more reasonable return. But if you drive the RC F hard, the real-world MPG will match the EPA numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Lexus RC F is about $3,050. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of the EPA tests. Your actual annual cost may be higher or lower as fuel prices change and driving habits vary. The $3,050 EPA number gives a baseline for comparison.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are not always what you get in real life, as MPG can change a lot based on driving style and conditions. The RC F has an eight-speed automatic transmission, tuned for both performance and efficiency. Using the paddle shifters a lot and accelerating fast will lower the MPG. Short trips around town, especially in cold weather, will also cause lower fuel economy as the engine spends more time warming up. On the other hand, careful drivers who drive more on the highway might get numbers closer to, or even above, the EPA’s 25 MPG estimate.

How it compares

The RC F’s fuel economy is what you’d expect for its class. The BMW M4, with its turbocharged inline-six, gets a combined EPA rating of 20 MPG. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S with its twin-turbo V8, gets 19 MPG combined, just like the RC F. Even though the M4 gets slightly better MPG in city driving, most buyers in this segment care more about engine sound, handling, and the overall driving experience than saving a little on their fuel bill. That’s what the Lexus is going for. For better gas mileage in a similar class, see RC MPG across all years. Comparing all Lexus fuel economy data will give buyers more context about the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to how you use the gas pedal. The RC F drives best with smooth acceleration and gentle cruising. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and hard braking, which use more fuel. Seeing traffic ahead and keeping a steady speed will help improve MPG.

Use “Normal” drive mode for everyday driving. The RC F has different drive modes for engine and transmission settings. Sport modes make the car more responsive but use more fuel. Choose “Normal” mode for commuting and general cruising to save gas.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check and keep the recommended tire pressure on the door jamb.

Don’t idle too long. Idling wastes fuel and causes emissions. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine, especially in traffic or when waiting. The RC F restarts quickly so you can drive without delay.