Lexus SC 300/SC 400
19 MPG The 1998 Lexus SC 300/SC 400 is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1992–1998 run it averages 18.2 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $4050 | 468 | 2 |
| 1997 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 21.7 | $4217 | 485 | 3 |
| 1996 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 22 | $4217 | 485 | 3 |
| 1995 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.3 | $4300 | 494 | 3 |
| 1994 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.7 | $4300 | 494 | 3 |
| 1993 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.3 | $4300 | 494 | 3 |
| 1992 | 18 MPG | 16 | 20.3 | $4300 | 494 | 3 |
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 SC 300/SC 400 ranks 173 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW M4 Convertible (19.5), Infiniti G37 Convertible (19.5), Pontiac Firebird/Formula (19.5), Saab 900 Convertible (19.8), Audi RS 5 (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Lexus SC 300/SC 400 get?
The 1998 Lexus SC 300/SC 400 is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 22.5 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 18.2 MPG, ranging from 18 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Lexus SC 300/SC 400 cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $4050.
Has the Lexus SC 300/SC 400 become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18 MPG in 1992 to 19 in 1998 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 6% across 7 model years.
Is the Lexus SC 300/SC 400 efficient for its class?
It ranks 173 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 5.2 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.