Tank Ledger

Lexus LX 450 MPG by year — every rating on record

The Lexus LX 450 has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 2 model years, from 1996 to 1997. Across those years its best rated version returned 13 mpg (1996) and its thirstiest returned 13 mpg (1996). The EPA record holds 2 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Special Purpose Vehicles.

13best combined mpg (1996)
13worst combined mpg (1996)
13latest year best (1997)
2configurations on record

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Model yearConfigurationsBest combinedWorst combinedClass rank that yearDrivetrainsFuelEPA class
1996113 mpg13 mpg#44 of 46 (4th pct)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles
1997113 mpg13 mpg#47 of 48 (2th pct)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegularSpecial Purpose Vehicles

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The Lexus LX 450 placed highest in 1996 at #44 of 46, and lowest in 1997 at #47 of 48. It spent 0 of its 2 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 2 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

YearConfigurationEngine detailCityHighwayCombinedGallons/yrBarrels/yrEPA fuel cost/yrCO2 g/miGHG
19974.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)121413884.622.9$4,800683.6153846153846n/a
19964.5L 6-cyl 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive Automatic 4-spd Regular(FFS)121413884.622.9$4,800683.6153846153846n/a

What LX 450 fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 1997 Lexus LX 450 burns 885 to 885 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

Pump priceMost efficientThirstiestSpread
$3.00/gal$2,654$2,654$0
$3.50/gal$3,096$3,096$0
$4.00/gal$3,538$3,538$0

EPA’s own estimate for the 1997 model year is $4,800 to $4,800 a year in fuel, or $12,750 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Special Purpose Vehicles

Across the 113 nameplates EPA classifies as Special Purpose Vehicles, the median best combined rating is 21 mpg. At 13 mpg the Lexus LX 450 is 8 mpg below the median, which is worth about $1,179 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

Other Lexus nameplates

Every Lexus model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.