All Lexus ES models are equipped with six-cylinder engines in a front-wheel-drive configuration. The displacement has grown over the years, from 2.5 liters in the 1990-1991 ES 250, to 3.0 liters in the 1992-2003 ES 300, 3.3 liters in the 2004-2006 ES 330, and 3.5 liters in the 2007-2009 ES 350. While regular-grade fuel was acceptable in the ES 250, ES 300, and ES 330, premium-grade is recquired in the ES 350.

A manual transmission was offered from 1990 through 1993. The current model is equipped with a six-speed automatic.

Lexus ES Gas Mileage: 1990-2009

Although some of the choices can be quite pricey, there’s little question that the best SUV mileage results are found in the hybrid models. This has lead to remarkable bursts of popularity within more affluent and progressive segments of the car-buying public.

Here’s a case in point …

Last week, while out testing a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I stopped at a Whole Foods Market to pick up dinner. I thought it was unique when I parked next to a Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV. Then I got out of the Highlander and looked across the row … there was another 400h parked directly across the way. As I walked up the row towards the store, another Highlander Hybrid glided past. There were four big expensive hybrid SUVs within a thirty foot (or so) radius

It was one of those “you had to be there” moments. Luckily, I had a camcorder with me and recorded the moment for posterity.

The rise in gas prices has forced a sea change. Big families need the room, comfort, and convenience offered by SUVs … and rather than give them up, they’re willing to adapt and purchase the most fuel-efficient models, even at a substantially higher cost. With the new breed of SUVs, gas mileage is a selling point, rather than a roadblock. A five- or seven-passenger SUV can deliver 30 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway and even higher in the city … when equipped with the right drive train.

The great stuff is right around the corner. While the current crop of hybrid SUVs can achieve 30 MPG, the kid gloves will come off once America begins to convert the fleet of SUVs to plug-ins and mileage rises to 100 MPG or more with a 40 mile per day driving range. The after market technology exists to make this happen today.

But it’s not just about the hybrids. An influx of high-MPG clean diesel SUVs will make a huge dent in fuel bills, without demanding a massive price tag. Clean diesel power is ideal for long-range highway cruising.

Part and parcel to our role as the Internet’s leading independent authority on gas mileage, we’re committed to the task of documenting each and every hybrid SUV currently on the road by the end of 2008. As of August 2008, we’ve reviewed the following vehicles:

• Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
• Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV
• Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid SUV
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV

Each one of these SUV hybrids is an excellent vehicle in its own right. Each takes a different approach.

The Escape Hybrid is a more traditional SUV with the best overall mileage in its class, while the RX400h is a roomy and comfortable living room on wheels. These two play opposite ends of the utility and luxury scale.

The Vue Green Line has European roots and flair, with unique styling, segment-topping highway gas mileage, and a more car-like ride.

The roomy and versatile Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivers the best overall gas mileage for a seven passenger SUV.

Over the following months, if all goes well, we’ll schedule the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid, and Mercury Mariner Hybrid … along with second-gen units as they are available.

We’re most intrigued by the possibilities of plug-in hybrid SUVs. If an owner-modded plug-in Prius is capable of 100 miles per gallon (MPG), we’d hope to see a modded Escape Hybrid deliver similar numbers.

While only time will tell what the aftermarket has planned, we plan to be there to tell the tale and we hope you’ll come along for the ride …

The EPA gas mileage estimates for the all-wheel-drive 2008 Lexus RX400h are 26 city / 24 highway miles per gallon (MPG). In a week of driving, we found those estimates to be a touch low, as we achieved a combined average of 27.4 over 300 miles of driving in weather that ranged from forty through sixty degrees.ﾠ

Set aside whatever preconceptions you might have about hybrids.ﾠ

The RX400h is fitted with a 3.3 liter V6 engine and a Lexus Hybrid Drive system with front and rear electric motors. The drive train is rated at 268 horsepower, in total.ﾠ

It may be fuel-efficient, and a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle at that, but there’s no denying that this 4,365 pound SUV gets up and goes.ﾠ

Stomp on the gas pedal and the RX400h will accelerate from zero to sixty in 7.3 seconds.ﾠ

Inside the cabin, you’ll find a cavalcade of creature comforts, with nearly everything you’re looking for, with the possible exception of an iPod jack.ﾠ

Our test RX400h was kitted out with genuine wood interior trim, leather seating, memory power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, heated front bucket seats with memory, cool blue illuminated entries, memory mirrors, and an array of cubbies.ﾠ

The navigation system provides a handy backup camera and an energy monitor to provide real-time feedback on the RX400h’s fuel efficiency. With just a bit of effort, family and friends will marvel over your gas saving prowess.ﾠ

Families will love the wide, roomy. and flexible interiorﾠ

A split fold down rear seat with center pass through accommodates skis and snowboards, while the automatic rear entry hatch eases loading chores.ﾠ

The RX400h is well-suited to the sport minded, as long as you don’t plan to drive off the beaten path or over the sand dunes to your favorite beach.
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Make no mistakes about it. This is not the SUV you want to take four wheeling. disclaimers in the marketing collateral clearly state that “The RX 400h is not designed to be driven off-road.”
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This family room on four wheels easily handles the everyday adventures of shopping, sports, and an active social schedule.
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RXs have found a home in many a garage. With the 400h hybrid, Lexus has extended the appeal of their popular five-seat SUV to upwardly mobile moms that think green.

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Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue