- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Wagons
- Same as 2002
2000-2003 Lexus RX MPG & Fuel Cost
4 model years · 18–19 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 5 of 10 wagon configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2000-2003 Lexus RX at a glance
The 2000-2003 Lexus RX covers 4 model years in the EPA database (8 configurations in all), rated 18–19 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2003, costs about $3,630 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD (18 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2001; 2002 and 2003 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 19 MPG, was reached in 2000.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2000-2003 Lexus RX by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Gas | 18 MPG | $3,630 | Same EPA ratings as 2002 |
| 2002 | Gas | 18 MPG | $3,630 | Same EPA ratings as 2001 |
| 2001 | Gas | 18 MPG | $3,630 | Ratings changed |
| 2000 | Gas | 18–19 MPG | $3,440–$3,630 | First year |
What the 2003 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$303
$3,630 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.05
Per 100 miles
$24.20
Five years
$18,150
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the wagon median
$20less a year
Class median $3,650 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Lexus RX MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2003 Lexus RX as for the 2002 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2002 section above.See 2002
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.0L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 300 3.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
2002 Lexus RX MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2001
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2002 Lexus RX as for the 2001 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2001 section above.See 2001
2001 Lexus RX MPG
18 MPG · $3,630/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2000: The most efficient configuration moves from 19 to 18 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $3,440 to $3,630, $190 more.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 3.0L 6-cyl 4WD (Most efficient) | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
| 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
2000 Lexus RX MPG
18–19 MPG · $3,440–$3,630/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.0L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
| 300 3.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,630 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD: $4,940 in California and $3,170 in Texas, a $1,770 difference.
- California $4,940
- Washington $4,570
- New York $3,630
- Florida $3,430
- Texas $3,170
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 wagon models.
Generations
- 2000-2003 (XU10)
- 2004-2009 (XU30)
- 2010-2015 (AL10)
- 2016-2022 (AL20)
- 2023-2026 (AL30)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2000-2003 Lexus RX get?
EPA rates the 2000-2003 Lexus RX at 18–19 MPG combined across 8 configurations and 4 model years. The most efficient version, the 2000 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD, is rated 19 MPG (17 city, 22 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2003 Lexus RX?
The 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 19 MPG, in 2000. The lowest top rating, 18 MPG, was in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2003 Lexus RX?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2001. In 2002 and 2003 the values repeat the year before.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Lexus RX per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD costs about $3,630 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $3,630 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Lexus RX 100 miles?
About $24.20 per 100 miles for the 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Lexus RX more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD is rated 17 city and 21 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 4 MPG.
How does the 2003 Lexus RX compare with other wagon configurations?
The 300 3.0L 6-cyl FWD costs about $3,630 a year to fuel, $20 less than the class median of $3,650, and less than 5 of 10 wagon configurations. The comparison covers all 45 rated wagon configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Lexus RX different from the 2002 model?
No. EPA lists the same ratings for 2002 and 2003: 2 configurations rated 18 MPG combined. See the 2002 Lexus RX for that year.