42/100
2020Subcompact CarsPremium

2020 Lexus RC 300

EPA ID: 42317
21
City MPG
24
Combined MPG
24MPG· Average
30
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2020 Lexus RC 300 achieves an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic (s8), this subcompact cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2020 RC 300 produces approximately 363 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this RC 300 performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,900, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $3,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSubcompact Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions363 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score5/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,900
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $3,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
24.3
Impact vs EPA
$-25
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$633/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$17,500
46.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,938
28.8%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,125
24.0%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.1%
Total 5-Year Cost$37,963

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #26V222000·
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 GS, and 2022 IS vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 8, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26LB05 and 26LA05.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Lexus RC 300 configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,900
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $3,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City21 MPG
Highway30 MPG
Combined24 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

72.6 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 90 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.0 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.