Against 344 other Hybrid cars rated 2024–2026, the ES beats their 28 mpg average by 18 mpg, about $536 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2013–2026), does 42.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1990–1991), 19: $1,115 a year apart.
Every Lexus ES engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 42.1 / 41.9 | 2013–2026 | $906 | |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 24.8 / 33.8 | 2021–2025 | $1,371 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 20.7 / 30 | 2007–2025 | $1,593 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 18 / 27 | 2004–2006 | $1,829 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.2 / 24.6 | 1992–2003 | $1,939 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 16.5 / 23 | 1990–1991 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 51 mpg, the Honda Accord 40 mpg and the Toyota Prius 55.3 mpg, next to 46 mpg for the 2026 ES.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.070 |
| Fuel per year | $835 |
| Fuel over five years | $4,175 |
| Against other Hybrid cars, 2024–2026 | −$536 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,512 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Lexus ES does better in town than out of it: 48 in the city against 44 on the highway, $73 a year in favor of city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 48 mpg | $800 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 44 mpg | $873 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | -4 mpg (-8%) | Reversed — it does better in town than on the open road |
How the ES changed over the years
The ES peaked in 2026 at 46 mpg (48 city, 44 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 18 — 28 mpg apart, or $1,298 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 model gains 13.7 mpg against 32.3 for the 2025, with 1 version instead of 3.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 48 / 44 | 1 | $835 | |
| 2025 | 29.7 / 36.3 | 3 | $1,189 | |
| 2024 | 30 / 36.7 | 3 | $1,174 | |
| 2023 | 30 / 36.7 | 3 | $1,174 | |
| 2022 | 30 / 36.7 | 3 | $1,174 | |
| 2021 | 30 / 36.7 | 3 | $1,174 | |
| 2020 | 32.5 / 38 | 2 | $1,097 | |
| 2019 | 32.5 / 39 | 2 | $1,097 | |
| 2018 | 30.5 / 34.5 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2017 | 30.5 / 34.5 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2016 | 30.5 / 35 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2015 | 30.5 / 35 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2014 | 30.5 / 34.5 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2013 | 30.5 / 35 | 2 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2011 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2010 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2008 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2007 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 55 EPA ratings of the Lexus ES — 6 engines across 1990–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,512. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Lexus ES get?
46 mpg combined, 48 city and 44 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1990 the ES has averaged 27.8 mpg.
Is the 2026 ES more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 46 against 32.3 mpg combined, about $354 a year less to run.
Which ES year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 46 mpg combined (48 city, 44 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the ES get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 46 mpg for the 2026 ES against 51 for the 2026 Toyota Camry, about $82 a year more to run.
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