Lexus GX 470
15 MPG The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is EPA-rated at 15 MPG combined (14 city / 18 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1000 gallons, $3200 a year in fuel, or $0.213 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2009 run it averages 15 MPG, essentially flat across 7 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 | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.213 | $2133 | $3200 | $4267 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.233 | $2333 | $3500 | $4667 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.300 | $3000 | $4500 | $6000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2008 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2007 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2006 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2005 | 15 MPG | 14 | 18 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2004 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
| 2003 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 1 |
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 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Lexus GX 470 ranks 76 on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Jeep Commander 4WD (15.5), Mercury Mountaineer 4WD (15.5), Nissan Xterra V6 4WD (15.7), BMW X5 (16), Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4WD (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 592 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lexus GX 470 get?
The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is rated at 15 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 18 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 15 MPG, ranging from 15 to 15 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lexus GX 470 cost in fuel per year?
At 15 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1000 gallons — roughly $3200 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.213 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $5150.
Has the Lexus GX 470 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 15 MPG today against 15 in 2003 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Lexus GX 470 efficient for its class?
It ranks 76 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG. That is 3.5 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.