Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the LS sits right on their 21 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1990, the 3.5L 6-cyl (2018), does 28 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4L 8-cyl (1990–2000), 18.5: $705 a year apart.
Every Lexus LS 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 | 25 / 33 | 2018–2018 | $1,371 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl Hybrid | 23.3 / 30.7 | 2019–2025 | $1,460 | |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 18.1 / 29 | 2019–2026 | $1,738 | |
| 5L 8-cyl Hybrid | 20 / 22 | 2008–2009 | $1,829 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 19.1 / 22.9 | 2010–2016 | $1,910 | |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 16.3 / 24.3 | 2007–2017 | $1,990 | |
| 4.3L 8-cyl | 16.2 / 23 | 2001–2006 | $2,053 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 16.4 / 22.5 | 1990–2000 | $2,076 |
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 21 mpg for the 2026 LS. The LS costs the most of them to run: $1,135 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | about the same |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,743 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Lexus LS gives up 10 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 17 in the city, $837 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (59%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the LS changed over the years
The LS peaked in 2018 at 28 mpg (25 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2005 at 18 — 10 mpg apart, or $762 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 21. The 2026 model loses 2.5 mpg against 23.5 for the 2025, with 1 version instead of 2. The biggest single-year change came in 2018: 19 to 28 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2025 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2024 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2023 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2022 | 20 / 29 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 2021 | 21.5 / 31 | 2 | $1,536 | |
| 2020 | 22 / 31.5 | 2 | $1,506 | |
| 2019 | 22 / 31.5 | 2 | $1,506 | |
| 2018 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2017 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2016 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2015 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2014 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2013 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2012 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2011 | 19 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 22 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 23 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 23 | 2 | $1,920 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2006 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2005 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2004 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2000 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1999 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1997 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 46 EPA ratings of the Lexus LS — 8 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 $3,743. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Lexus LS get?
21 mpg combined, 17 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1990 the LS has averaged 21 mpg.
Is the 2026 LS more efficient than the 2025?
No: 21 against 23.5 mpg combined, about $195 a year more to run.
Which LS year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 28 mpg combined (25 city, 33 highway).
Does the LS get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 21 mpg for the 2026 LS against 51 for the 2026 Toyota Camry, about $1,076 a year more to run.
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