EPA Fuel Economy: 21 MPG Combined

The 2018 Lexus RX 350 L AWD delivers an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon combined, making it a solid performer in the small sport utility vehicle class. This three-row luxury SUV features a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing the power and refinement Lexus owners expect while maintaining reasonable efficiency for its size and capability. Running on regular gasoline, your fuel costs will average $2,100 per year based on EPA estimates for 15,000 annual miles, which is manageable for a full-size luxury SUV with all-wheel drive capability.

Annual Fuel Cost and Savings

At $2,100 annually, you’re looking at $5,250 in fuel costs over three years of typical driving, or $10,500 over five years. These estimates assume consistent $15,000-mile annual mileage and average fuel prices at the time of EPA testing. Understanding this baseline helps you budget for vehicle ownership and compare it against competing luxury SUVs. If your driving patterns lean toward highway commuting, you could see slightly better efficiency and reduced annual fuel expenses.

City vs Highway Performance

The 2018 Lexus RX 350 L AWD achieves 18 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. This 7-MPG spread is typical for SUVs with this engine displacement and all-wheel drive system. City driving involves frequent acceleration, idling, and lower-speed maneuvers that demand more fuel, while highway cruising at steady speeds allows the transmission to operate in higher gears with reduced engine load. If your commute is primarily highway-based, you’ll experience better real-world efficiency closer to that 25-MPG figure.

EPA Environmental Scores

The 2018 Lexus RX 350 L AWD carries an EPA Energy Score of 4 out of 10 and an EPA Greenhouse Gas Score of 4 out of 10. These scores reflect this SUV’s above-average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 432 grams per mile compared to smaller, more efficient vehicles. For context, these ratings are typical for luxury SUVs with V6 engines and standard all-wheel drive, though they indicate this vehicle produces more emissions than fuel-efficient sedans or hybrid alternatives.

Fuel Economy Tips for the 2018 Lexus RX 350 L AWD 3.5L 6-cyl

To maximize your RX 350 L’s efficiency, keep your tires properly inflated—underinflation increases rolling resistance and reduces MPG by up to 3 percent. Second, avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain steady speeds, especially on highways where you’ll capitalize on that 25-MPG rating. Third, minimize excess weight by removing cargo and roof racks when not in use, since the RX 350 L’s substantial mass means additional weight significantly impacts fuel consumption. Finally, regular maintenance including clean fuel injectors and proper oil viscosity helps your V6 engine operate at peak efficiency.

Towing and Payload Considerations

For Lexus RX 350 L AWD 3.5L 6-cyl owners who tow, be sure to check the towing capacity and payload ratings before hitching up a trailer. Fuel economy will decrease when towing — typically 20-30% for light loads and up to 50% when near maximum tow rating. Factor this into your real-world efficiency expectations if you plan to tow regularly.