19 MPG combined for the 2025 Lexus RC F 5.0L 8-cyl. This car is not designed for economy runs, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, 19 MPG is the highly respectable, if not entirely frugal, price of admission for one of the last naturally aspirated V8 muscle cars in a luxury coupe wrapper. It appeals to a buyer who prioritizes visceral performance, a symphonic exhaust note, and Lexus’s renowned build quality over maximizing trips to the gas station. It’s for the enthusiast who understands that true character often comes with a certain thirst, and frankly, wouldn’t have it any other way.

City and highway performance

Breaking down that combined figure, the RC F delivers 16 MPG in city driving conditions and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure, 16 MPG, is expected given the vehicle’s mission. The 5.0-liter V8, with its 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, is a high-revving masterpiece designed for rapid acceleration and an engaging driving experience, not for stop-and-go traffic efficiency. Keeping nearly 4,000 pounds of performance coupe moving through urban sprawl consumes more fuel. However, the highway rating of 24 MPG is impressive for a large displacement, high-performance engine of this caliber. Lexus’s engineers have clearly tuned the 8-speed automatic transmission to make the most of highway cruising, allowing the big V8 to settle into lower RPMs, where it can operate with surprising docility and relative efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $3,050 for the 2025 Lexus RC F 5.0L 8-cyl. This figure is calculated based on an average driving distance of 15,000 miles per year, split between 45% highway and 55% city driving, and using national average fuel prices, which for a premium vehicle like this typically implies premium unleaded gasoline. For the performance enthusiast who buys an RC F, this annual expenditure is simply part of the cost of ownership, a predictable line item for enjoying a vehicle with a direct link to a bygone era of internal combustion glory. It’s an investment in a driving experience unmatched by hybridized or turbocharged rivals.

Real-world expectations

In real-world driving, owners of the 2025 RC F can expect to hover around the EPA’s 19 MPG combined rating, perhaps a touch lower if their driving style frequently exploits the V8’s upper rev range, which is a major part of the RC F’s appeal. Sustained aggressive driving will naturally dip the city figures further, likely into the low teens. Conversely, disciplined highway cruising with extensive use of adaptive cruise control could see averages push closer to, or even slightly exceed, the 24 MPG highway rating. The car’s character encourages spirited driving, so expect most owners to prioritize the engine’s song over outright fuel frugality. It is a car that thrives on being driven enthusiastically, and its fuel consumption will reflect that inherent predisposition. FuelEconomyHub.com offers all Lexus fuel economy data for more context.

How it compares

The 2025 Lexus RC F walks a unique path, and its fuel economy reflects that. Consider rivals like the BMW M4 Competition Coupe, which, with its twin-turbo inline-six, achieves 19 MPG combined (16 city/23 highway). While the M4’s numbers are very similar, its character is distinct, relying on forced induction for its prodigious power. Mercedes-AMG’s C 63 Coupe, in its potent S form with a twin-turbo V8, typically lands around 18 MPG combined (16 city/22 highway). This shows a remarkable parity, even with vastly different engine philosophies. The fact that the naturally aspirated V8 RC F can match or closely trail these boosted European heavyweights in efficiency speaks volumes about Lexus’s engineering prowess. A look at the RC MPG across all years reveals consistent performance for this platform. For buyers, the choice often comes down to the auditory experience and linear power delivery of the RC F’s atmospheric V8 versus the immediate torque surge of its turbocharged competitors, with fuel economy serving as less of a differentiator than one might assume.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright efficiency isn’t the primary goal of the RC F, there are still ways to optimize your fuel consumption when the mood for a more relaxed drive strikes. Using the car’s “Eco” drive mode, if available, will soften throttle response and optimize transmission shift points for better economy, albeit considerably dampening the exhilarating character that defines the RC F.

Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway, ideally within the speed limit, allows the 5.0L V8 to operate in its most efficient RPM range. Engaging cruise control on open roads can prevent unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, smoothing out your drive and conserving fuel.

Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes, air filter replacements, and proper tire inflation, plays a critical role in overall vehicle efficiency. A well-maintained engine runs smoother and encounters less resistance, directly impacting fuel consumption.

Anticipating traffic flow and avoiding hard braking and rapid acceleration in city driving can significantly improve your 16 MPG city figure. Gentle stops and starts allow the transmission to better manage the V8’s power, reducing wasted energy.

Finally, shedding unnecessary weight from the trunk can also contribute to marginal improvements in fuel economy. Every pound the engine has to move requires energy, and while small, consistent practices add up against your annual fuel cost.