The 2015 Lexus NX 200t AWD gets 24 MPG combined. It’s a compact luxury crossover that focuses on style, comfort, and a premium driving experience more than maximum efficiency. It’s designed for buyers who value a luxurious cabin and distinctive design more than saving gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 NX 200t AWD gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving with its frequent stops, where the turbocharged 2.0L engine works harder. Also, the all-wheel-drive system contributes to greater parasitic loss. The highway number, while better, still isn’t class-leading. Expect the best highway mileage when driving at steady speeds and using cruise control on relatively flat roads. This Lexus was designed to balance decent efficiency with the performance and security of the turbo engine and AWD system.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Lexus NX 200t AWD is $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes fuel prices reflecting a national average when it was calculated. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on local fuel prices, driving habits, and the amount of city versus highway driving. While $2,400 might seem high compared to more fuel-efficient vehicles, remember that this is the cost of fueling a luxury vehicle with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. These features add to the price at the pump.

Real-world expectations

Owners of the 2015 NX 200t AWD often report real-world MPG close to the EPA estimates, assuming typical driving. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and extensive air conditioning hurt fuel economy. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, watching traffic, and proper tire inflation can equal or beat the EPA numbers. The NX 200t is not the most efficient in its class, but getting close to the rated MPG is possible with careful driving. You can always review NX MPG across all years to compare to other Lexus models.

How it compares

In the compact luxury crossover segment, the 2015 NX 200t AWD’s fuel economy is in the middle. The Acura RDX (FWD), with its naturally aspirated V6, achieves a slightly better 23 MPG combined. The BMW X1 xDrive28i, another turbocharged AWD competitor, gets around 25 MPG combined. The Audi Q5 2.0T quattro also comes in around 23 MPG combined. These small MPG differences probably won’t change the minds of buyers who want a Lexus for its reliability, luxurious interiors, and smooth driving. People who buy this Lexus are shopping against Acura and Infiniti and realize they are making a style statement about Japanese vehicles. Don’t forget to explore all Lexus fuel economy data across the model range.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the NX 200t. The turbocharged engine delivers strong power, making it tempting to accelerate quickly. However, this increases fuel use. Gradually building speed, anticipating traffic, and avoiding sudden acceleration will help you save fuel.

Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level with information on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra cargo in your NX 200t increases its weight, which reduces fuel economy. Remove things from the trunk or rear seats that are not needed. The lighter the vehicle, the less fuel it will consume, and this also extends the life of your brakes.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for a long time, such as waiting in a parking lot, wastes fuel. If you expect to wait for more than a minute, it’s best to turn off the engine. Modern engines warm up quickly, so there’s no need to idle them before driving.

Use premium fuel as recommended. The 2.0L turbo is designed to run on premium fuel. While it will run on regular, you’ll see better performance and perhaps better fuel economy using the specified fuel. Using lower octane fuel than recommended can slightly reduce overall performance and long-term engine health.