The 2017 Lexus ES 350 achieves 24 MPG combined, a figure that won’t wow anyone, but is perfectly acceptable considering the car prioritizes quiet comfort, a smooth powertrain, and unwavering reliability. The ES 350 isn’t achieving ultimate efficiency; it’s winning the hearts of buyers who value a supremely comfortable and predictable driving experience.

City and highway performance

While the combined figure is a headline number, the city and highway MPG ratings provide a clearer picture of where this ES 350 performs best. In the city, it manages 21 MPG, which is reasonable for a V6-powered sedan of this size. Start stop is not available on this car, so it doesn’t benefit from any fuel savings when idling. The highway figure of 30 MPG is where the ES 350 is most efficient. This makes it a fantastic highway cruiser, ideal for long commutes and road trips where fuel consumption becomes a more significant concern. The smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission plays a critical role optimizing engine speed for efficiency at higher speeds.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Lexus ES 350 is $1,800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is a useful point of reference, but individual spending will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel costs, and the percentage of city versus highway driving.

Real-world expectations

Official EPA fuel economy estimates are a helpful starting point, but real-world MPG often varies. ES 350 owners report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, especially on the highway. However, aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and consistent use of air conditioning can negatively impact fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V6, while smooth and responsive, is not the most fuel-conscious engine when pushed hard. Expect to see numbers closer to the city estimate if your daily commute involves stop-and-go traffic.

How it compares

The 2017 ES 350 faces competition from a range of luxury sedans. The Acura TLX V6, for example, offers similar performance with combined MPG in the low 20s, making it a close match in fuel economy. The BMW 330i, with its turbocharged four-cylinder, boasts better fuel economy, around 28 MPG combined, but lacks the plushness and reliable nature of the ES. The Buick LaCrosse with its optional V6 and similar dimensions, mirrors the ES with an EPA rating of 25 MPG combined. These alternative cars might appeal to buyers with different priorities, but those drawn to the ES rarely find fuel economy to be a deciding factor. If you want similar fuel economy in the Lexus family, check out the ES MPG across all years, including the hybrid variants. For all Lexus fuel economy data, browse our website for more detailed information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The key to maximizing fuel efficiency in the 2017 ES 350 lies in smooth, deliberate driving. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed whenever possible. The ES 350’s smooth power delivery makes it easy to drive efficiently without sacrificing performance.

Regular maintenance is also critical. Ensure your tires are properly inflated, as low tire pressure increases rolling resistance and reduces fuel economy. Also consider using the recommended grade of fuel; although the ES 350 doesn’t require premium gasoline, using the correct fuel grade per the owner’s manual will enable peak engine operating efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Excess cargo adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need to carry daily.

Minimize idling time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. While the ES 350 lacks a start-stop system, manually turning off the engine in prolonged idling situations can save fuel, particularly in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can negatively impact fuel economy. Use cruise control on long highway stretches to optimize fuel consumption and reduce driver fatigue.