In-depth reviews

Lexus RC 300h (2014-2020) MPG & CO2 emissions

The Lexus RC 300h is a 'self-charging' hybrid, so there’s no need to plug it in. But its economy and emissions figures are nothing special

Lexus RC
Overall rating

2.5 out of 5

MPG & CO2 emissions rating

3.0 out of 5

MPG (combined)MPG (high)MPG (low)CO2
44-46mpgN/aN/a141-146g/km

Lexus hasn't had any diesel engines in its line-up for quite some time now. As a result, its most economical models are its hybrid cars, which are what the company calls "self-charging hybrids".

That means that, while they combine a petrol engine with a battery-driven electric motor, the battery is quite small. So, the car can’t go all that far on electric power – certainly not as far as a plug-in hybrid – and its overall economy isn’t that great.

As with all self-charging hybrids, the RC’s range on electric power alone is minimal – only a mile or so. It comes into its around town, where it crawls through traffic without any need to enlist the help of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. And, at the press of a button, you can engage EV mode, which means the car will run on electric power as much as it can.

All the time the car is running, any excess power from the engine is used to charge up the batteries. Likewise, when the car is slowing down, the regenerative brakes convert the lost energy into charge in the battery.

Lexus RC MPG & CO2 emissions

Lexus claims the RC 300h will achieve up to 46mpg, emitting 141g/km of CO2 – not bad for a car of this size and weight. However, while there are no hybrid models in the line-ups of rivals such as the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe, it’s worth noting that several of the diesel-engined versions can match – and, in some cases, beat – the RC for economy.

You’ll get the best economy out of an RC 300h if you spend much of your time on short journeys or around town. If your motoring diet consists more of long-distance motorway runs, a rival with a diesel engine (which Lexus doesn’t offer) may give you better economy in the (every pun intended) long run.

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023