The 2019 Lexus RC 300 with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder achieves 24 MPG combined. This isn’t record-breaking fuel economy and probably isn’t the main reason someone chooses this sporty coupe. People buy the RC 300 for its unique style, comfortable ride, and Lexus reputation, accepting the fuel economy as a tradeoff for the overall experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for the 2019 RC 300 2.0L. The city figure reflects the frequent stops and starts in urban driving, where the engine’s turbocharger may work harder and the automatic transmission shifts frequently. The 30 MPG highway rating is more achievable on the open road, especially with careful driving aimed at keeping the engine in its most efficient range. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps highway fuel economy by allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs at cruising speeds. Aggressive acceleration will quickly reduce those highway savings.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Lexus RC 300 2.0L at $2,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Remember that individual fuel costs will change based on driving habits, location, and current gas prices. Someone who drives mainly in the city and accelerates quickly will likely exceed this estimate, while someone with a longer highway commute and more conservative driving style might spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, actual fuel economy can change quite a bit. Drivers who enjoy the RC 300’s sporty character and frequently tap into the available horsepower will likely see numbers closer to the lower end of the EPA range. The turbocharger makes spirited driving tempting, and resisting that urge is key to maximizing efficiency. On the other hand, those who prioritize fuel economy and drive more moderately can potentially get close to or even slightly better than the EPA estimates. Properly inflated tires and avoiding excessive idling can also lead to better real-world MPG.

How it compares

The 2019 RC 300 2.0L is in a competitive market of small luxury coupes, where fuel economy isn’t the highest priority for most buyers. For example, the BMW 430i coupe, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, has similar performance but slightly better EPA numbers, around 24 MPG city and 34 MPG highway. The Audi A5 coupe, another direct competitor, also has a 2.0L turbo and achieves roughly 24 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. A V6-powered Infiniti Q60 will have significantly lower fuel economy, with estimates around 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. These comparisons show that the RC 300’s MPG is typical for this class, but other choices may get slightly better mileage. Before buying, browse RC MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The RC 300’s eight-speed automatic transmission is set up to get the best fuel economy, so let it do its job. Avoid accelerating too fast and braking hard, since these actions make the transmission downshift and the engine work harder, using more fuel. Instead, accelerate smoothly and gradually, and watch the road ahead to avoid braking more than needed.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. See the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your RC 300. Keeping the correct pressure can improve MPG noticeably.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel. This is especially true in city driving, where you stop often.

Strategically select drive modes. If your RC 300 has different drive modes (like Eco, Normal, and Sport), select Eco mode when fuel economy matters most. Eco mode changes the engine and transmission settings to prioritize efficiency over performance. Keep in mind that all Lexus fuel economy data can be found here.

Plan your trips carefully to avoid detours. Running multiple errands at once can reduce the number of cold starts, which use more fuel than driving with a warmed-up engine. Careful planning can really help over time.