Lexus IS 250
24 MPG The 2015 Lexus IS 250 is EPA-rated at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 625 gallons, $2000 a year in fuel, or $0.133 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2006–2015 run it averages 23 MPG, improving by 1.5 MPG over 6 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 | $0.104 | $1042 | $1563 | $2083 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.146 | $1458 | $2188 | $2917 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 24 MPG | 21 | 30 | $3200 | 364 | 1 |
| 2014 | 24 MPG | 21 | 30 | $3200 | 364 | 1 |
| 2009 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 27.5 | $3425 | 397 | 2 |
| 2008 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 27.5 | $3425 | 397 | 2 |
| 2007 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 27.5 | $3425 | 397 | 2 |
| 2006 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 27.5 | $3425 | 397 | 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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Lexus IS 250 ranks 88 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda MX-3 (24.3), Ford Laser (24.5), Acura RSX (24.7), Audi A3 Cabriolet quattro (25), Audi A4 Cabriolet (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 364 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lexus IS 250 get?
The 2015 Lexus IS 250 is rated at 24 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 30 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 23 MPG, ranging from 21 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lexus IS 250 cost in fuel per year?
At 24 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 625 gallons — roughly $2000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.133 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2015 model is $3200.
Has the Lexus IS 250 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22.5 MPG in 2006 to 24 in 2015 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 7% across 6 model years.
Is the Lexus IS 250 efficient for its class?
It ranks 88 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 0.2 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.