Against 258 other V8 cars rated 2018–2020, the GS beats their 17.4 mpg average by 3.6 mpg, about $378 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2007–2020), does 26.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4L 8-cyl (1998–2000), 18: $678 a year apart.
Every Lexus GS engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 24 / 30 | 2007–2020 | $1,455 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 22 / 32 | 2016–2019 | $1,477 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | 22 / 25 | 2007–2010 | $1,670 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 17 / 24 | 2008–2011 | $1,920 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 16 / 24 | 2016–2020 | $2,021 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16.5 / 22.7 | 1993–2006 | $2,032 | |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 16 / 22 | 2001–2007 | $2,098 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 15.7 / 21.7 | 1998–2000 | $2,133 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 37.1 mpg, the Honda Accord 40.5 mpg and the Toyota Prius 56 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2020 GS. The GS costs the most of them to run: $1,143 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V8 cars, 2018–2020 | −$378 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,706 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Lexus GS gives up 8 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 18 in the city, $656 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the GS changed over the years
The GS peaked in 2015 at 31 mpg (29 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 18 — 13 mpg apart, or $894 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2020 car does 21. The biggest single-year change came in 2016: 31 to 25.3 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2019 | 19.3 / 28 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2018 | 22.3 / 30 | 3 | $1,518 | |
| 2017 | 22.3 / 30 | 3 | $1,518 | |
| 2016 | 22.3 / 30 | 3 | $1,518 | |
| 2015 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2014 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2013 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2011 | 19.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 2010 | 19.3 / 25 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2009 | 19.3 / 25 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2008 | 19.3 / 25.3 | 3 | $1,770 | |
| 2007 | 19 / 24.7 | 3 | $1,803 | |
| 2006 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 22 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 16.5 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 22.5 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1998 | 16 / 22 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1997 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1996 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 54 EPA ratings of the Lexus GS — 8 engines across 1993–2020. 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 $3,706. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Lexus GS get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 19 to 23. Across every year since 1993 the GS has averaged 21.5 mpg.
Is the 2020 GS more efficient than the 2019?
No: 21 against 22.7 mpg combined, about $137 a year more to run.
Which GS year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 31 mpg combined (29 city, 34 highway).
Does the GS get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 21 mpg for the 2020 GS against 37.1 for the 2021 Toyota Camry, about $794 a year more to run.
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