Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the IS beats their 21 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $84 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2001, the 2L 4-cyl (2016–2025), does 25.1 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (2001–2005), 18.2: $580 a year apart.
Every Lexus IS engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.3 / 31.1 | 2016–2025 | $1,530 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 21 / 29.2 | 2006–2015 | $1,600 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 19.7 / 27.9 | 2016–2026 | $1,692 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 16.4 / 23.7 | 2008–2025 | $2,053 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16 / 22.2 | 2001–2005 | $2,110 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 42.5 mpg, the Acura TLX 23 mpg and the Subaru WRX 22 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2026 IS.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | −$84 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,549 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Lexus IS gives up 8 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 19 in the city, $599 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (42%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the IS changed over the years
The IS peaked in 2018 at 24.5 mpg (21 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 18 — 6.5 mpg apart, or $566 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 22. The biggest single-year change came in 2015: 21 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2025 | 19.3 / 28 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2024 | 19.3 / 28 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2023 | 19.3 / 28 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2022 | 19.3 / 28 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2021 | 20.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2020 | 20.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2019 | 20.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2018 | 21 / 30 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2017 | 20.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2016 | 20.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2015 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2014 | 18.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2013 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2012 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18.5 / 26 | 2 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2006 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2001 | 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 47 EPA ratings of the Lexus IS — 5 engines across 2001–2026. 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 $3,549. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Lexus IS get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the IS has averaged 22.1 mpg.
Is the 2026 IS more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 22 against 22.7 mpg combined.
Which IS year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 24.5 mpg combined (21 city, 30 highway).
Does the IS get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 22 mpg for the 2026 IS against 42.5 for the 2026 Toyota Corolla, about $841 a year more to run.
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