Lexus ES 300
21 MPG The 2003 Lexus ES 300 is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1992–2003 run it averages 19.7 MPG, improving by 2.5 MPG over 12 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2002 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2001 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 2000 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1999 | 19 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1998 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1995 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1994 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 1993 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 1992 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 23 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Lexus ES 300 ranks 164 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chrysler LeBaron (21.3), Chrysler Sebring Convertible (21.3), Ford Tempo (21.3), Mercury Topaz (21.3), BMW 525i (21.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 423 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lexus ES 300 get?
The 2003 Lexus ES 300 is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 27 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 19.7 MPG, ranging from 18 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lexus ES 300 cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $2950.
Has the Lexus ES 300 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18.5 MPG in 1992 to 21 in 2003 — an improvement of 2.5 MPG, or 14% across 12 model years.
Is the Lexus ES 300 efficient for its class?
It ranks 164 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 5.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.