The 2018 Lexus GS 300, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. This number reflects that it’s a mid-size luxury sedan that balances elegance and a degree of sporting character. It isn’t a Prius, and it’s not trying to be. The buyer interested in the GS 300 isn’t only chasing maximum efficiency. They want a comfortable, well-appointed, and reliable vehicle with a respectable MPG, though maybe not the best in its class.

City and highway performance

In detail, the GS 300’s fuel economy is 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects typical stop-and-go traffic. The small-displacement turbocharged engine works harder to move the GS’s weight under those conditions. The eight-speed automatic transmission’s lower gears certainly contribute to responsiveness, but that uses more fuel.

On the open road, the GS 300 shows its ability to cruise. The higher gears let the engine settle into a more efficient range, and its aerodynamics help it slip through the air. The 32 MPG highway figure makes long road trips easier because you don’t have to stop for gas as often. The fuel tank capacity, combined with this highway MPG, enables it to travel far between cities. Compare GS MPG across all years to see if this model year is right for you.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Lexus GS 300 at $2,250. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices. It’s a useful comparison point against other vehicles’ running costs. Of course, changes in gasoline prices will affect the actual cost, as will how you drive. However, this standardized estimate gives context for evaluating the overall cost of ownership.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures are a useful baseline, but your actual fuel economy will probably be different. Factors such as driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure can change your MPG a lot. Accelerating hard and braking frequently will decrease fuel efficiency, and so will idling for too long.

Keeping your tires inflated properly, avoiding too much cargo weight, and following speed limits can help you get closer to the advertised numbers. Most owners will find that 26 MPG combined is a reasonable average over time, but expect it to change depending on driving conditions.

How it compares

In the competitive mid-size luxury sedan group, the 2018 Lexus GS 300’s fuel economy is average. It’s not as efficient as a hybrid like the Lexus ES 300h (44 MPG combined), which focuses on fuel efficiency most of all. However, it’s similar to other turbocharged four-cylinder competitors.

For example, the BMW 530i from the same year has a similar combined rating of 27 MPG. The Mercedes-Benz E 300 also gets around 25 MPG combined. The Acura TLX with its base 2.4L engine gets around 27 MPG combined. The GS buyer knows that these alternatives offer similar fuel efficiency, so things like styling, features, and brand are more important factors in their decision. If you want a wider view, you can find all Lexus fuel economy data on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L turbocharged engine in the GS 300 reacts to driving style. Accelerating gently and gradually is important to minimize fuel consumption. Avoid starting quickly and try to predict traffic to avoid braking too much. The engine management system is well-designed, but you still need to drive efficiently.

Using the GS 300’s drive mode selector can also change fuel economy. The “Eco” mode softens how the throttle responds and changes when the transmission shifts to prioritize efficiency. It might make the car respond slightly slower, but it can improve MPG, especially in city driving. Try “Eco” mode during your daily drive to see the difference.

Regular vehicle maintenance is critical for good fuel economy. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Also, regular oil changes and air filter replacements will keep the engine running well.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Modern engines are made to restart quickly, so you don’t need to let the car idle for a long time, even in cold weather. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally better for fuel to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

Finally, remove extra weight from the vehicle. Extra cargo in the trunk or backseat increases the vehicle’s weight, which reduces fuel economy. Reducing the load, even a little, can help over time. Remove anything you don’t need to carry regularly to improve your MPG.