The 2024 Lexus LS 500 AWD gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 21 MPG combined, a figure that won’t excite those seeking Prius-like efficiency. However, it’s an acceptable trade-off for buyers seeking quiet comfort, all-weather traction, and the subtle confidence that comes from driving a Lexus flagship sedan. The LS 500 isn’t trying to set fuel economy records; it’s about delivering a supremely refined driving experience, and its gas consumption reflects that priority.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the LS 500 AWD’s fuel economy at 17 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. This difference is typical for a vehicle of this type, showing the impact of stop-and-go traffic on fuel consumption. The turbocharged engine works harder when accelerating from a standstill or navigating urban congestion. On the open road, the 10-speed automatic transmission can settle into higher gears, allowing the engine to cruise at lower RPMs, resulting in improved efficiency. The highway rating is the more appealing of the two: drivers who frequently travel long distances will likely see a fuel bill closer to that implied by the 27 MPG figure.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Lexus LS 500 AWD at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Remember that fuel costs vary considerably depending on location and driving habits. Drivers who primarily operate the vehicle in the city, or who accelerate quickly, can expect to exceed this amount. On the other hand, those who predominantly drive on the highway and practice efficient driving techniques may find their actual fuel costs are lower. Knowing how the EPA calculates the estimate provides a consistent benchmark for comparisons across different vehicles.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, real-world fuel economy varies. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, weather, and even tire pressure can affect how efficiently the LS 500 uses fuel. Expect that your actual MPG might differ from the official ratings, particularly when you first buy the car as you learn its characteristics and refine your driving. Owner reports can give a more specific understanding of what to expect in everyday use. You can also check LS MPG across all years for additional owner-submitted information.

How it compares

The Lexus LS 500 AWD is in a competitive market, and comparing its fuel economy to rivals provides useful information. The BMW 740i xDrive, for instance, gets a slightly better 25 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC isn’t much different, at around 24 MPG combined. These differences, while seemingly small, can add up over time. For the LS buyer, however, fuel economy is often lower on the list of priorities than factors like reliability, ride quality, and the Lexus ownership experience. Buyers can view all Lexus fuel economy data for more context. The Genesis G90, similarly equipped, returns about the same mileage, but its lower price might sway some buyers who care about value. It’s a question of whether a few MPG outweigh the brand prestige and reputation for long-term dependability that Lexus has earned.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is critical. The LS 500’s twin-turbo V6 delivers strong power, so there’s no need to aggressively stomp on the gas pedal. Gentle acceleration will significantly reduce fuel consumption, especially in city driving: this also suits the vehicle’s luxurious character.

Keep your tire pressure correct. Check your tire pressure regularly, and inflate the tires to the recommended levels found on the doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel economy. Proper tire inflation also helps with better handling and tire wear.

Don’t idle unnecessarily. Excessive idling wastes fuel, especially in modern vehicles. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, it’s more efficient to turn off the engine. The LS 500’s systems will quickly restart the engine when needed, without excessive wear.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy during long highway drives. By avoiding unnecessary speed changes, you reduce the engine’s workload and save gas. Be sure to turn off cruise control when driving in hilly areas or in stop-and-go traffic.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying too much weight in the vehicle requires more effort from the engine, which hurts fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk to lighten the load and improve your gas mileage.