- Newest year: 2009
- Gas
- Standard SUVs
2004-2009 Lexus RX MPG & Fuel Cost
6 model years · 18–27 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 4 of 10 standard SUV configurations, MY2009. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2004-2009 Lexus RX at a glance
The 2004-2009 Lexus RX covers 6 model years in the EPA database (30 configurations in all), rated 18–27 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2009, costs about $4,020 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD (20 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). Powertrains over the years: gas and hybrid. EPA changed the ratings in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The best combined rating in the generation, 27 MPG, was reached in 2006.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2004-2009 Lexus RX by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Gas | 19–20 MPG | $4,020–$4,230 | Ratings changed |
| 2008 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–25 MPG | $3,210–$4,230 | Ratings changed |
| 2007 | Gas, Hybrid | 19–26 MPG | $3,090–$4,230 | Ratings changed |
| 2006 | Gas, Hybrid | 18–27 MPG | $2,420–$4,460 | Ratings changed |
| 2005 | Gas | 18–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,630 | Ratings changed |
| 2004 | Gas | 19–20 MPG | $3,270–$3,440 | First year |
What the 2009 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$335
$4,020 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.70
Per 100 miles
$26.80
Five years
$20,100
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$180more a year
Class median $3,840 a year, MY2009
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2009 Lexus RX MPG
Versus 2008: The most efficient configuration moves from 25 to 20 MPG, down 5. Its annual cost goes from $3,210 to $4,020, $810 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic (S5) | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2008 Lexus RX MPG
19–25 MPG · $3,210–$4,230/yr
Versus 2007: The most efficient configuration moves from 26 to 25 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $3,090 to $3,210, $120 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic (S5) | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400h 3.3L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 27 | 24 | 25 | $3,210 |
| 400h 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 26 | 24 | 25 | $3,210 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2007 Lexus RX MPG
19–26 MPG · $3,090–$4,230/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2006: The most efficient configuration moves from 27 to 26 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,420 to $3,090, $670 more.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) | 3.5L 6-cyl | FWD | 18 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 350 3.5L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic (S5) | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400h 3.3L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 28 | 25 | 26 | $3,090 |
| 400h 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 27 | 25 | 26 | $3,090 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2006 Lexus RX MPG
18–27 MPG · $2,420–$4,460/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2005: The most efficient configuration moves from 20 to 27 MPG, up 7. Its annual cost goes from $3,270 to $2,420, $850 less.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic (S5) | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Hybrid configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400h 3.3L 6-cyl FWD (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 28 | 25 | 27 | $2,420 |
| 400h 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 27 | 25 | 26 | $2,510 |
2005 Lexus RX MPG
18–20 MPG · $3,270–$3,630/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2004: The most efficient configuration stays at 20 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,270.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,270 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,440 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic (S5) | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,630 |
2004 Lexus RX MPG
19–20 MPG · $3,270–$3,440/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl FWD Automatic 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl FWD Automatic (S5) | 3.3L 6-cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,270 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic 5-spd | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
| 330 3.3L 6-cyl 4WD Automatic (S5) | 3.3L 6-cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,440 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD: $4,790 in California and $3,480 in Texas, a $1,310 difference.
- California $4,790
- Washington $4,510
- New York $3,970
- Florida $3,670
- Texas $3,480
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2009 standard SUV 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 2004-2009 Lexus RX get?
EPA rates the 2004-2009 Lexus RX at 18–27 MPG combined across 30 configurations and 6 model years. The most efficient version, the 2006 400h 3.3L 6-cyl FWD, is rated 27 MPG (28 city, 25 highway). By powertrain: Gas: 18–20 MPG; Hybrid: 25–27 MPG.
Which years had the best MPG in the 2004-2009 Lexus RX?
The 400h 3.3L 6-cyl FWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 27 MPG, in 2006. The lowest top rating, 20 MPG, was in 2004, 2005 and 2009.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2004-2009 Lexus RX?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
How does the 2004-2009 Lexus RX compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2003 Lexus RX) is rated 18–19 MPG combined and costs $3,440–$3,630 a year to fuel; the 2004-2009 model is rated 18–27 MPG and costs $2,420–$4,460 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Lexus RX per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD costs about $4,020 a year. Across all 4 configurations the cost runs $4,020–$4,230 a year. That is a $210 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2009 Lexus RX 100 miles?
About $26.80 per 100 miles for the 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $26.80 and $28.20 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2009 Lexus RX more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD is rated 18 city and 23 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 5 MPG.
How does the 2009 Lexus RX compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The 350 3.5L 6-cyl FWD costs about $4,020 a year to fuel, $180 more than the class median of $3,840, and less than 4 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 341 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2009, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2009 Lexus RX different from the 2008 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 25 to 20 MPG, down 5. Its annual cost goes from $3,210 to $4,020, $810 more. EPA lists 4 configurations for 2009 against 6 configurations for 2008. See the 2008 Lexus RX for that year.