Against 422 other 4-cyl cars rated 2023–2025, the RC trails their 26.5 mpg average by 4.2 mpg, about $273 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2015, the 2L 4-cyl (2016–2025), does 25.1 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (2015–2025), 19: $491 a year apart.
Every Lexus RC 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 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 19.7 / 28 | 2015–2025 | $1,692 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 16 / 24.5 | 2015–2025 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Audi RS 5 gets 20.5 mpg, the Audi S3 26 mpg and the Toyota GR Corolla 24 mpg, next to 22.3 mpg for the 2025 RC.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2025) | $0.143 |
| Fuel per year | $1,722 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,610 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2023–2025 | +$273 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,519 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2025 Lexus RC gives up 8.7 mpg in town: 27.7 on the highway against 19 in the city, $635 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2025) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27.7 mpg | $1,386 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8.7 mpg (46%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the RC changed over the years
The RC peaked in 2018 at 22.7 mpg (19.3 city, 28.3 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2015 at 20.5 — 2.2 mpg apart, or $181 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2025 car does 22.3.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 19 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2024 | 19 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2023 | 19 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2022 | 19 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2021 | 19 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2020 | 19 / 27.3 | 3 | $1,745 | |
| 2019 | 19 / 27.7 | 3 | $1,745 | |
| 2018 | 19.3 / 28.3 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 2017 | 19 / 28.3 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2016 | 19 / 28.3 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 2015 | 17.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,873 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 32 EPA ratings of the Lexus RC — 3 engines across 2015–2025. 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 $3,519. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2025 Lexus RC get?
22.3 mpg combined, 19 city and 27.7 highway, per EPA; its 3 versions that year range from 19 to 25. Across every year since 2015 the RC has averaged 22.2 mpg.
Is the 2025 RC more efficient than the 2024?
About the same: 22.3 against 22.3 mpg combined.
Which RC year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 22.7 mpg combined (19.3 city, 28.3 highway).
Does the RC get better gas mileage than the Audi RS 5?
Yes: 22.3 mpg for the 2025 RC against 20.5 for the 2025 Audi RS 5, about $151 a year less to run.
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