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Lexus RX vs. Kia Optima MPG

Chart is based on 476 fuel economy reports for the Lexus RX and 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima.

Lexus RX MPG

Lexus RX Lexus RX 2022 27.6 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2016 17.5 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2015 22.5 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2012 20.9 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2012 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2011 22.6 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2011 19.6 MPG Highway Percentage 36 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2011 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2010 17.3 MPG Highway Percentage 22 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2010 20.8 MPG Highway Percentage 66 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2010 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 41 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2010 33.4 MPG Highway Percentage 69 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2009 23.0 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2008 21.9 MPG Highway Percentage 33 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2008 19.6 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2008 20.1 MPG Highway Percentage 34 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2008 22.4 MPG Highway Percentage 32 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2008 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 26 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2007 20.3 MPG Highway Percentage 32 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2007 24.0 MPG Highway Percentage 100 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2007 23.5 MPG Highway Percentage 38 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2006 17.0 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2006 24.5 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2006 25.9 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2006 24.5 MPG Highway Percentage 48 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2005 19.0 MPG Highway Percentage 35 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2005 20.2 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2005 17.2 MPG Highway Percentage 49 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2004 20.8 MPG Highway Percentage 44 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2004 25.3 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2004 20.2 MPG Highway Percentage 37 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2003 17.6 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2002 18.5 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2002 20.1 MPG Highway Percentage 24 percent Lexus RX Lexus RX 2001 19.0 MPG Highway Percentage 48 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2022 4dr SUV 259-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 flat light none 0 0 50 50 65 27.6  
2016 4dr SUV 295-horsepower 3.5L V6
8-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light none 0 30 60 10 75 17.5  
2015 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
8-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat med light 5 10 10 75 60 22.5  
2012 4dr SUV 275-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light light 10 10 60 20 70 20.9  
2012 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD		 flat light light 0 10 70 20 70 28.0  
2011 4dr SUV 275-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 20 80 70 22.6  
2011 4dr SUV 275-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat med light 1 17 46 36 110 19.6  
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2011 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 flat light none 4 12 32 51 75 26.9  
2010 4dr SUV 275-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 27 32 21 22 65 17.3  
2010 4dr SUV 275-horsepower 3.5L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light none 0 6 27 66 102 20.8  
2010 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT FWD		 flat light light 22 22 15 41 68 29.1  
2010 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 flat v.lt light 1 11 20 69 101 33.4  
2009 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light light 10 10 10 70 65 23.0  
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light light 5 15 48 33 66 21.9  
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic FWD		 flat light none 20 20 50 10 60 19.6  
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light light 10 27 30 34 66 20.1  
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT FWD		 flat light light 0 65 2 32 69 22.4  
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD		 flat light light 2 56 16 26 94 24.6  
2007 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic FWD		 flat light light 9 28 31 32 67 20.3  
2007 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light none 0 0 0 100 60 24.0  
2007 4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD		 flat med hvy 0 10 52 38 72 23.5  
2006 4dr SUV 223-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat light none 15 15 40 30 75 17.0  
2006 4dr SUV 223-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 1 4 40 55 70 24.5  
2006 4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT FWD		 flat light hvy 15 23 33 30 73 25.9  
2006 4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD		 flat light light 6 28 19 48 65 24.5  
2005 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat med light 5 30 30 35 65 19.0  
2005 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic FWD		 hills light light 3 20 38 40 68 20.2  
2005 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 hills med light 6 38 7 49 65 17.2  
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 flat med light 10 21 26 44 65 20.8  
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 4 6 21 70 69 25.3  
2004 4dr SUV 230-horsepower 3.3L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 flat light hvy 14 10 40 37 62 20.2  
2003 4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic AWD		 flat light light 0 90 0 10 65 17.6  
2002 4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic FWD		 flat med light 18 20 40 23 63 18.5  
2002 4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic AWD		 hills med light 18 24 34 24 64 20.1  
2001 4dr SUV 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
4-speed automatic AWD		 flat light light 6 12 34 48 67 19.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Lexus RX fuel economy data.

Kia Optima MPG

Kia Optima Kia Optima 2019 26.7 MPG Highway Percentage 40 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2017 52.6 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2016 39.0 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 27.1 MPG Highway Percentage 54 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2013 32.5 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 25.6 MPG Highway Percentage 39 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2012 32.3 MPG Highway Percentage 76 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 68 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 28.7 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2011 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 20.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2010 36.2 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2009 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.3 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2008 26.2 MPG Highway Percentage 25 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 29.5 MPG Highway Percentage 78 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2007 23.2 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 24.6 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 28.9 MPG Highway Percentage 56 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2006.5 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2005 12.1 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Kia Optima Kia Optima 2004 30.0 MPG Highway Percentage 95 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2019 4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med hvy 0 10 50 40 70 26.7  
2017 4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 30 30 20 20 70 52.6  
2016 4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4
7-speed automated manual FWD		 hills light light 6 0 14 80 67 39.0  
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 0 24 21 56 69 25.5  
2013 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 32 14 54 83 27.1  
2013 4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat v.lt none 2 13 15 71 102 32.5  
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light light 4 18 39 39 72 25.6  
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2012 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 0 4 20 76 69 32.3  
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med light 0 5 28 68 70 28.0  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills light none 4 7 21 67 66 28.7  
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed manual FWD		 flat med light 0 5 20 75 75 30.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med light 0 10 70 20 75 20.0  
2010 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light none 0 0 20 80 63 36.2  
2009 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 5 12 16 67 65 29.1  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 20 60 10 10 60 26.3  
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat lead light 30 15 30 25 75 26.2  
2007 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat med none 7 13 3 78 108 29.5  
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills med none 1 36 48 15 63 23.2  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light hvy 6 4 33 58 66 24.6  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 flat light light 18 16 9 56 63 28.9  
2006.5 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 10 90 60 30.0  
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 hills lead light 5 95 0 0 0 12.1  
2004 4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 flat light hvy 0 0 5 95 70 30.0  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima fuel economy data.

Lexus RX vs. Kia Optima MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Lexus RX and Kia Optima's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs
See TrueDelta's information for all Lexus models and Kia models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Lexus RX

Lexus RX Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 The new transmission doesn't affect EPA city mpg, which remains a competitive if not outstanding 18. Highway mpg receives a bump from 24 to 26, putting it two to three mpg over most competitors. At a steady 75 mph, the F Sport engine is spinning 1,950 rpm, vs. 2,300 in the regular RX with a six-speed automatic. In suburban driving with the engine warmed up the trip computer typically reported 22 mpg. A very light foot bumped this by three mpg, while a heavy one sunk it by about the same. Buyers who put a high priority on fuel economy will prefer the RX 400h hybrid. It earns EPA ratings of 32 city, 28 highway, and is even a little quicker than the RX 350. Real-world suburban mpg appears to be about 29. see full Lexus RX review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Lexus RX

Lexus RX Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2010 4dr SUV 245-horsepower 3.5L V6 Hybrid
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 I drive about 10% traffic, 30% city, 20% suburban and 40% highway (75-80 mph). My driving is quite smooth. Fuel consumption is 28 MPG see full Lexus RX review
2009 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic AWD		 On flat ground with cruise control on it will get 29 mpg. I find that outstanding. 23-25 mpg is average. see full Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD		 We compared the 2008 RX400h (discounted) vs the 2009 Nissan Murano. The gas savings by going with the Hybrid exceeded the difference between the two vehicles. see full Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT FWD		 Averaging 26+ on highway, higher in city driving see full Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT FWD		 Like the fact that it is a hybrid and a "greener" choice for an SUV see full Lexus RX review
2007 4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD		 Not quite as good as advertised but what I realistically expected see full Lexus RX review
2006 4dr SUV 208-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid
CVT AWD		 I researched this a fair bit. I did not want an SUV but the space offered, reliability, and fuel economy sold me. I regularly get 26-27 MPG city/hwy combined, way better then any other SUV (Highlander excepted) see full Lexus RX review
Lexus RX Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 about 5mpg less given same driving habits see full Lexus RX review
2008 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6
5-speed automatic FWD		 Poor fuel economy compared to the 3 series sports sedan. Some people have quoted 26mpg - good for an SUV but not good in general terms. see full Lexus RX review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2013 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008 4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed manual FWD		 Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007 4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4
5-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6
4-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 AS above see full Kia Optima review
Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD		 I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima review