Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the GX trails their 21 mpg average by 4 mpg, about $430 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2003, the 3.4L 6-cyl (2024–2026), does 17 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.7L 8-cyl (2003–2009), 15: $301 a year apart.
Every Lexus GX engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 15 / 21 | 2024–2026 | $2,259 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 15 / 19.3 | 2010–2023 | $2,327 | |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 14 / 17.7 | 2003–2009 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Highlander gets 29.8 mpg, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 22.6 mpg and the Ford Explorer 22.5 mpg, next to 17 mpg for the 2026 GX. The GX costs the most of them to run: $970 a year more than the Toyota Highlander.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | +$430 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,673 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Lexus GX gives up 6 mpg in town: 21 on the highway against 15 in the city, $731 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (40%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the GX changed over the years
The GX peaked in 2026 at 17 mpg (15 city, 21 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2009 at 15 — 2 mpg apart, or $301 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2025 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2024 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2023 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2022 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2021 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2020 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2019 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2018 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2017 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2016 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2015 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2014 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2013 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2012 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2011 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2010 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2009 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2008 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2007 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2006 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2005 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2004 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 2003 | 14 / 17 | 1 | $2,560 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 24 EPA ratings of the Lexus GX — 3 engines across 2003–2026. 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 $4,673. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Lexus GX get?
17 mpg combined, 15 city and 21 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2003 the GX has averaged 16.1 mpg.
Is the 2026 GX more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 17 against 17 mpg combined.
Which GX year has the best gas mileage?
The 2026, at 17 mpg combined (15 city, 21 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the GX get better gas mileage than the Toyota Highlander?
No: 17 mpg for the 2026 GX against 29.8 for the 2026 Toyota Highlander, about $970 a year more to run.
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