19 MPG combined doesn’t define the 2017 Lexus RC F. The target buyer wants a naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V8-powered coupe and doesn’t expect Camry-like fuel consumption. This is a visceral, engaging performance machine designed to deliver raw driving thrills, and the fuel economy is the cost for each glorious, high-revving mile.

City and highway performance

The RC F’s EPA ratings are 16 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how stop-and-go traffic reduces efficiency from that big V8. The highway number, while more respectable, is lower than turbocharged rivals. A traditional automatic transmission and a large displacement engine need to work hard, even at cruising speeds, to overcome its internal friction and weight. Other performance coupes use turbocharging and fuel-saving technologies, but the RC F sticks to its naturally aspirated engine, prioritizing responsiveness and auditory drama over efficiency. To compare RC MPG across all years, you can observe the vehicle’s fuel efficiency evolution.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the 2017 Lexus RC F. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price. This number will change depending on your driving, the fuel you purchase, and local fuel prices. If you drive mostly in congested city environments, or frequently tap into the RC F’s horsepower, expect to exceed that $3,050 figure.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA sticker when you start enjoying the car. The RC F begs to be driven hard, and efficiency suffers. Expect numbers closer to the low teens in mixed driving if you frequently use high RPMs. On long highway cruises where you resist passing, you may approach the 25 MPG highway rating, but that needs restraint. Real-world fuel economy is driver-dependent. If you value performance, the fuel costs will be an acceptable tradeoff for the driving experience.

How it compares

The RC F’s fuel economy places it at the thirstier end compared to its competitors. The BMW M4, with its turbocharged inline-six, gets a combined 20 MPG (17 city/26 highway), while the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe, with a turbocharged V8, is rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city/24 highway). Even the Audi RS5, with its twin-turbo V6, achieves a better 21 MPG combined (18 city/27 highway). This is important to the RC F buyer to some extent. They will accept lower fuel economy, but they want to understand how the RC F compares and if competing vehicles have less weight or more developed technologies that yield better fuel efficiency. These drivers are very savvy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Restrain from burying the throttle. The RC F’s engine is responsive, and it’s tempting to unleash its full potential. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow to maintain momentum can improve your fuel efficiency. Treat the accelerator carefully and the RC F will reward you with fewer trips to the gas station.

Use the Drive Mode Select system. The RC F offers driving modes, including Eco. It won’t transform the car into a hybrid, but Eco mode softens the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for fuel efficiency. It’s useful for commutes where performance isn’t a priority, though some drivers will use Sport mode all the time.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels, which are on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.

Consider using premium fuel, especially on warmer days. While the RC F might not require premium fuel, using it can optimize engine performance, and possibly improve fuel economy slightly, though this is highly debatable. The cost of premium fuel will likely offset any MPG increase, but it may improve the engine performance.

Schedule regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. Follow the service intervals for oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements. These small investments can contribute to fuel savings and maintain the RC F’s performance. For all Lexus fuel economy data, FuelEconomyHub is a great source.