The 2021 Lexus ES 350’s 3.5L V6 gets 26 MPG combined. This won’t break any records, but it’s an acceptable number for a car that focuses on delivering smooth power and a supremely comfortable ride, not maximizing fuel savings. This isn’t a hyper-efficient hybrid; it’s a traditional luxury sedan focused on refinement, something the typical ES buyer understands.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the ES 350 gets 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects the engine’s need to work harder in stop-and-go traffic. The highway figure benefits from the efficient eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine’s ability to cruise comfortably at lower RPMs.

Drivers primarily in urban environments might see mileage at the lower end of that spectrum. Those who do more long-distance driving can reasonably expect to approach, or even slightly exceed, that 32 MPG highway rating. Of course, aggressive driving will always negatively impact fuel economy regardless of where you drive.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lexus ES 350 is $1,700. This is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual costs will vary with driving habits and local fuel prices, but this number gives a baseline for comparing the ES 350 to other vehicles.

Changing gas prices will alter this number, but the EPA figure provides a consistent basis from which to evaluate the ES 350’s operating expenses. If you are interested in learning more, you can explore all Lexus fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can change based on different things. Driving style is important; frequent hard acceleration and braking will lower MPG, and a smoother approach will improve it. Terrain also matters, because mountainous areas need more power than flat highways.

The ES 350, with its naturally aspirated V6, is more sensitive to driving style than some turbocharged engines that deliver more consistent power at lower RPMs. Therefore, managing driving behavior is important for getting the best possible fuel economy in real-world use, especially if you consult the ES MPG across all years.

How it compares

The ES 350’s fuel economy is about average for its class. The Acura TLX with its 2.0L turbo engine gets a combined 25 MPG, while the Genesis G80 2.5T manages 26 MPG combined, the same as the ES 350. The BMW 530i, with its turbocharged four-cylinder, gets slightly better mileage at 28 MPG combined. The Cadillac CT5 with the 2.0L turbo gets 25 MPG combined.

However, the ES 350’s main draw isn’t fuel efficiency; it’s its reputation for reliability, luxurious ride quality, and strong V6 engine. This offsets the slight fuel economy penalty for many buyers. Those who prioritize fuel efficiency may find the ES 300h hybrid a better choice, as it gets an EPA-estimated 44 MPG combined.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintain consistent tire pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which helps fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, at least once a month, and make sure it matches the specifications on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines are designed to be efficient when running, but idling uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine, especially in cities where traffic delays are common.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed can improve fuel economy on long trips. Cruise control helps minimize changes in speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration that wastes fuel. Be aware of traffic conditions and turn off cruise control when you need to for safety.

Lighten the load. Carrying extra weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items that aren’t essential, like sports equipment or tools, from the trunk or backseat. The less weight the engine has to move, the more efficiently it will operate.

Anticipate traffic flow. By looking ahead and anticipating changes in traffic speed, you can avoid sudden braking and acceleration. This allows you to keep a more consistent speed, which reduces fuel consumption. Smooth driving is the key to getting the best fuel efficiency in any vehicle.