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2021Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDRegular

2021 Lexus RX 350 L

EPA ID: 42958
19
City MPG
22
Combined MPG
22MPG· Average
26
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2021 Lexus RX 350 L achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (s8), this small sport utility vehicle 2wd features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2021 RX 350 L produces approximately 407 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 RX 350 L has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,700, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $2,750 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 ClassSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3.5L 6-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions407 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score4/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,700
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $2,750

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
21.6
Impact vs EPA
+$42
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$686/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
$19,404
47.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$11,932
29.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,422
22.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.0%
Total 5-Year Cost$41,158

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #23V865000·2024-10-31
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

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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 RX 350 L configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,700
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $2,750

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City19 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined22 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

81.4 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 101 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.8 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.