25 MPG combined isn’t the Lexus NX 300’s strongest feature. Buyers are often drawn to the NX’s sharp styling, well-made cabin, and reputation for dependability, so fuel efficiency may not be their first concern. They’re paying for luxury, reliability, and a certain aesthetic; the NX 300 is a statement, and most accept that with an understanding of its gas mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures come from standardized tests designed to simulate typical driving. The city cycle includes starts and stops, idling, and low-speed cruising, while the highway cycle involves more consistent speeds and fewer interruptions. For a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine powering an all-wheel-drive luxury crossover, these numbers are reasonable.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates that the 2018 Lexus NX 300 will cost about $2,300 per year in fuel. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, using the national average fuel price, and assumes a specific ratio of city to highway driving. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used, but this provides a good point for comparison.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world MPG figures often differ. The NX 300’s turbocharged engine, while responsive, can be sensitive to aggressive driving. Frequent bursts of acceleration and high-speed cruising will impact fuel economy. Stop-and-go traffic, especially in congested city areas, will lower the average MPG. Owners reporting significantly lower numbers often mention these issues. However, drivers who accelerate smoothly and maintain consistent speeds on the highway can often meet or even slightly exceed the EPA’s estimates. Understanding these driving habits is important to know what to expect.

How it compares

Among compact luxury crossovers, the NX 300’s fuel economy is average. The Acura RDX, another popular choice, gets a similar 23 MPG combined with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. A BMW X3 xDrive30i with its 2.0-liter turbo gets slightly better mileage, averaging 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 gets 23 MPG combined, like the Acura. These differences, while statistically significant, are often secondary for buyers in this category. A buyer considering NX MPG across all years is focused on other aspects of owning the vehicle. The availability of a hybrid powertrain in some similar vehicles would give them much better MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The NX 300’s turbocharger provides plenty of power, but frequently using the boost will reduce fuel economy. Instead, drive smoothly and gradually, anticipating traffic to minimize unnecessary speed changes.

Keep the tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, so the engine works harder and uses more fuel. Check tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. You can usually find the recommended pressures on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb. This also affects the handling and how long your tires last.

Don’t idle the engine for too long. Letting the engine run while stopped consumes fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. Newer vehicles like the NX 300 are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, which reduces possible wear.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a constant speed avoids unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which helps fuel economy. Cruise control works well on long, flat stretches of highway. Watch for changing traffic and turn off cruise control when needed.

Use the ECO drive mode, if the vehicle has it. The ECO mode usually changes how the throttle responds and when the transmission shifts gears to save fuel. While it may slightly reduce performance, it can improve overall MPG, especially during regular commuting. Review all Lexus fuel economy data to see trends across their model range.