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OK, this may seem silly to own such a vehicle and to ECO drive it, I guess just to see how many MPG the GX can achieve. Plus, considering that the GX requires high octane fuel, even ECO driving will cost more on fuel compared to the many other alternative, similar (in size, not so much capability), vehicles available today.
On a recent 1300 mile road trip from Maryland to Maine and back my average MPG was an impressive 23-24mpg per tank. This included a little stop and go (traffic congestion) and a few rest stops. Stock tires with about 2+psi all round, consuming 93 octane, nice weather, moderate temps (only needed A/C for a short time). Numbers were hand calculated, which closely matches the display in the instrument cluster. I am pretty impressed with these numbers, I think at 65 steady it would be closer to 22,X and at 55 (flat) getting toward 25. I also noticed that at 55, the GX will downshift on moderate hills, while at 65 there is little downshifting. Now, around town where I live after filling up I see the low teens MPG on the display as expected.
As we all know, the key to ECO driving is very gentle acceleration, early throttle lift off when slowing and driving the speed limits in the right lane. Quick take offs, passing with the throttle down, racing from light to light, then you're probably in the teens. OTOH, I understand that one doesn't choose the GX for fuel economy, so ECO driving are not normal driving tactics for many owners.
Anyone here 'ECO drive' their GX460 with similar or better results?
A few years back, actually more than a few years back, there was an article in a magazine. I think it was Money mag. Gas was going through a high spike in price. The article was something like "you want t pay a 1/3 less for gas?" The point of the article was that at least 1/3 of a gallon of gas is wasted because of poor driving habits. I am sure it was close to correct. See it all the time. Things like race up to the predictable stop at the light, then stand on the brakes. If you see a crosswalk light blinking a block ahead, you can predict the light will be yellow by the time you get there. Take your foot off the gas, the car will only slow 1 or 2 mph by the time you need to brake for the red light, You just saved some gas by using the cars momentum to get you to the stop light, you also saved some brakes, and won't need to replace them as soon. that saved you some money as well. Also saved some tire wear, so all around economical driving habits. It's amazing how little understanding or knowledge of driving MOST American drivers have.
I recently did a 60 miles trip on 60-65mph freeway and I averaged 23+ mpg on 89 e10 fuel. This was a nice Sunday afternoon with nice temperature but AC all the way.
I haven't really tried to hyper-mile it in anyway but have already had a few tanks in the 20-21 MPG range. More than happy with this considering the weight and capabilities of this vehicles. I have no doubts in the right conditions one can squeeze a few clicks above the EPA HWY mileage.
Ive only owned mine for 2 weeks and I have 700 miles on it. I like using cruise control around 65 and I get 22 MPG on the way to work at 5am. Around town I am in the mid to upper teens. Prior car was a BMW 528 and I was getting 37 on the highway, and 26 combined. I also owned a 2011 Jeep Wrangler that was getting 18 on the Highway and 12 - 13 around town for an average of about 15. I got rid of both cars to get the new GX460. So the way I look at it is I am about even with the 2 cars I once owned. I do drive the GX460 a bit more mildly than I drove the BMW 5 series for obvious reasons.
See my review on my first road trip HERE You can easily squeeze out 23-24 mpg (compared to my '12 RX that got around 25-26 mpg) on these with what used to be known in the Prius environment as "Hyper-miling" which is kind of what you describe. I am a pretty serene driver with the GX. Not my Miata and my motorcycle... but really the GX isn't a 'fun' car for the streets anyway. My wife has a heavy foot and she can still get some pretty decent mpg's out of it. One thing is the weight of the damned thing. It carries you downhill and has good momentum for getting you up a hill as well. Personally I am not disappointed at all - and it is more than I expected. I use 87 E10 BTW. Ignition retard systems are advanced enough that it takes care of any knocks that you would experience. Only ever on my SC'd, TC'd, or otherwise forced induction vehicles have I ever had to actually use "Premium" fuel and even then I could fill up with 87 or 89 and the either OEM or piggyback programmables were able to compensate. Slight loss of HP but it was minimal to say the least and that was tested on dyno's.
I use 87 E10 BTW. Ignition retard systems are advanced enough that it takes care of any knocks that you would experience.
Good to know 87 is working well for you
EDIT: The vehicle does surprise me though putting suspension in Sport mode in the corners. It definitely doesn't handle like my CX-5 and G35x but pretty amazing considering the weight of this thing.
EDIT: The vehicle does surprise me though putting suspension in Sport mode in the corners. It definitely doesn't handle like my CX-5 and G35x but pretty amazing considering the weight of this thing.
While not having the Sport Mode this handles just like I wanted. It has BoF construction and acts like my old Taco but better. Loving it!
Last edited by MX5NES350; 04-24-17 at 07:52 AM.
Reason: fat fingers
What is the difference between the 2017 and 2014 Lexus GX 460 drive train. I thought that they were the same. However, I notice that the mileage rating is less for the 2017 model. Did they change something in the drive train.
EPA is updating its method for calculating the fuel economy shown on new-car window stickers starting with the 2017 model year.
EPA periodically updates its methodology to account for changes in vehicle technologies, driver behavior, and/or driving conditions. The 2008 changes (see below) were broad revisions to the entire methodology that affected every vehicle.
The 2017 change updates some of the calculations used to estimate fuel economy. The new calculations are based on test data from model year 2011–2016 vehicles. So, they better reflect today's vehicle fleet of more fuel-efficient vehicles and advanced technologies such as hybrids and turbocharged engines.
Most vehicles are not affected by the new calculations. Some fuel economy estimates will decrease by 1 mpg, and a small number may be 2 mpg lower.
Hi Guys, wanted to check what kind of MPG you guys are getting out of your GX 460? We took our first Road trip from NJ to Washington D.C. this weekend and i must i am very pleasantly surprised with the MPG i got from my GX460. I got 24.6 MPG. i had the cruse set at 65MPH, nothing in tow, nothing on the roof either. Gas used was 91 Premium from Sunoco.
i let the pictures do the talking.
That's great MPG... unfortunately too hilly in my area to get. Typical 250 mile MPG for me is right around 20. I have gotten 21-22 MPG a couple times though.
The best I have done is about 22.5 on highway. I just left New Jersey and headed up to Lake George. Drove 230 miles with some periods of traffic. Had 5 people in the car, and a fully loaded trunk with a cargo carrier on the roof. I averaged 18.1.
04-22-17, 05:29 AM
GX460 ECO driving; 23-24MPG
GX460 EPA Rating
