Which gets better overall MPG? 2nd or 3rd gen RX? Why does 2nd gen get only 350-360 miles per tank with mostly highway without AC with light load, when it should be 22 MPG x 19 gallons= over 400 miles easily?

 

If you don't mind driving until the gas tank is dry, you likely will get 400 miles.
If you drive until the needle hits the E mark, there's probably about about 2 gallons left in the tank.

 

So when does the fuel light come on any way? I never ran it down far enough to find out.

 

I never drove the Lexus until the fuel light came on or needle reached E so I don't know for sure how much gas was still left.

I did drive my Accord until the needle was on E and found that I could only put 14.8 gallons into the tank.
The Accord fuel tank had 17.12 gallon capacity, so at least 2 gallons of gas left.

 

Man you're lucky, I only get 300 miles out of my tank and run to E and I mostly highway miles.

 

So which gets better MPG? Does 3rd gen get better MPG since it has 6 speed? BUt its heavier (and ugly)

 

For better mpg I suggest do spark plugs, use and expensive Synthetic oil(Catrol, Mobil) replace fluid in Diff's, air filter, clean MAF sensor(but careful). I did this all and getting 24 mpg with avg 65 mph on hwy.
Oh forgot try use 91 grade fuel, it might help too, I use 89 all the time with Chevron fuel injector cleaner at least 4-5 month periods.

 

Using the adjusted EPA values:

2004 Lexus RX330 FWD = 17 city 24 highway (20 avg)
2007 Lexus RX350 FWD = 18 city 23 highway (20 avg)
2010 Lexus RX350 FWD = 18 city 25 highway (21 avg)
2011 Lexus RX350 FWD = 18 city 25 highway (21 avg)

The newer 3G RX as you can see gets slightly better mileage when using the current adjusted numbers as a comparison.

You only get those miles on an average tank as you are only using 16 gallons or so before filling up. Have never personally put more than 16.5 gallons in the tank on a refill and that is when the DTE was in single digits.

350/16 = 21.875 MPG

Of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary)

Personally, during recent trips I made to State College, PA and back I was seeing 27+ MPG quite regularly and 430+ miles (theoretically) on a tank of gas with the vehicle fairly loaded. Though, I usually stopped after 5-6 hours depending on location and traffic. I have a 2004 RX330 FWD.

 

the question here is HOW does 3G get better MPG? It is pretty much same engine (both have timing chain)..but 3G has 6-speed, but teh final drive ratio should be similar..

 

I think if you drive 65 mph on avg on the highway, you will get 24 mpg on most any RX's, without all of the basic maintenance you mentioned. Not to say that synthetic motor oil isn't great for our car (it is) but driving under 70 will do far more for your mpg than fuel injector cleaners and synthetic motoroil.

 

Not much difference really. The third generation forum has more info on this (link below). If you are after fuel economy in a RX, you should consider the 400h.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...u-getting.html

 

Well said!

Between the two, your driving habits, the weight you carry around [even how much gas you have in the tank] will make a difference.

The great advantage the hybrids bring in, is no gas consumed when you are at a standstill. The "0"s make a huge impact on the average.

Salim