25 MPG combined won’t break any fuel economy records, but that’s what you can expect from the 2021 Lexus RC 300 with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. This car emphasizes style, a comfortable ride, and the Lexus brand. RC 300 buyers prioritize a refined driving experience over pure efficiency, knowing that this coupe is a mix of luxury and sporty looks. They accept average fuel economy for the design and features they want, and they aren’t likely considering hybrids or economy cars.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the RC 300 2.0L at 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how responsive the engine is in stop-and-go traffic, but it also shows the fuel wasted with frequent acceleration and braking. The S8 automatic transmission tries to keep the engine in its best power range, but the turbocharger needs fuel to operate. On the highway, the RC 300 cruises more easily, helping the engine run better. The 31 MPG highway rating is possible, especially on long, flat roads, but expect it to drop if you pass often or drive on hills. The coupe’s aerodynamic design helps improve the highway number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Lexus RC 300 2.0L to be $2,300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using average fuel prices. Remember this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving, the roads you drive on, and the price of gas in your area. Driving more than 15,000 miles per year, or paying higher fuel prices, will increase your costs above $2,300 annually. Driving fewer miles or finding cheaper gas will lower them. You can find all Lexus fuel economy data right here.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful starting point, but expect your actual MPG to differ from the official numbers. The RC 300’s turbocharged engine is sensitive to how you drive. Hard acceleration and frequent speed bursts will lower your fuel economy. Heavy traffic, hills, and using the air conditioning can also reduce MPG. Drive smoothly and consistently, especially in city traffic, to get closer to the EPA estimate. Drivers report numbers around 23-27 MPG in mixed driving, which reflects the balance between enjoying the car’s performance and maximizing efficiency.

How it compares

The RC 300’s fuel economy is about average for its class. The BMW 430i Coupe, with a similar 2.0L turbocharged engine, gets an EPA-rated 28 MPG combined, a clear advantage. The Audi A5 Coupe with its 2.0L turbo gets around 27 MPG combined. The Infiniti Q60, with its 3.0L twin-turbo V6, is closer to 22 MPG combined, making the Lexus a slightly better choice for fuel efficiency. Recognizing these differences is important. RC 300 buyers know they aren’t getting the best MPG, but they are not sacrificing as much as they would with a more powerful, less efficient engine. See RC MPG across all years for more comparison data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The RC 300’s 2.0L turbo responds well to gentle acceleration. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. Anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed when you can. This reduces the need for sudden power, improving fuel efficiency in the city.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder which uses more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Remove unnecessary weight. Extra weight in the trunk or rear seats decreases fuel economy. Remove items you don’t need for daily driving, since a lighter car uses less fuel.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control keeps a constant speed, preventing changes in acceleration that can waste fuel. This is effective on long, flat stretches of highway with light traffic. However, turn off cruise control on hills to avoid unnecessary downshifts.