Lexus V8 3UZ Engine Fuel Consumption — Full Guide
The Toyota 3UZ-FE is a naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine that powered several luxury Lexus models in the 2000s, including the Lexus LS 430 and Lexus GS 430. The 3UZ-FE combines smooth power delivery with refined performance, but like most large V8 engines, fuel consumption is an important consideration for buyers and owners. (Wikipedia)
What Is the Lexus 3UZ-FE Engine?
The 3UZ-FE engine is a 4.3 Litre V8 featuring dual overhead camshafts, 32 valves, VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) and electronic fuel injection. It produces around 282-304 hp and approximately 440 Nm of torque, making it capable of effortless cruising and strong acceleration. (Wikipedia)
This engine was used in luxury sedans such as the Lexus LS 430 and Lexus GS 430 during the early to mid-2000s. (Wikipedia)
Fuel Consumption Figures
Lexus LS 430 (3UZ-FE Engine)
In the Lexus LS 430 — one of the most common applications of the 3UZ-FE — official fuel economy data shows:
- Combined fuel consumption: ~11.4 L/100 km
- Urban (city): ~16.3 L/100 km
- Highway (extra-urban): ~8.5 L/100 km (auto-abc.eu)
This means that overall fuel use sits around 11-12 L/100 km in mixed driving conditions, though heavier city traffic usage increases consumption considerably. (auto-abc.eu)
Alternative published specifications also show similar figures, including combined consumption near 12.1 L/100 km in some test cycles. (ultimatespecs.com)
Lexus GS 430 (3UZ-FE Engine)
For the Lexus GS 430 — another vehicle powered by the 3UZ-FE V8 — reported figures include:
- Combined consumption: ~11.4 L/100 km
- Urban fuel consumption: ~16.3 L/100 km
- Extra-urban fuel consumption: ~8.6 L/100 km (Auto Data)
These figures align closely with those of the LS 430, showing that both luxury models deliver similar overall economy for large-displacement V8 engines. (Auto Data)
EPA & Real-World Estimates
According to fuel economy data for similar Lexus models equipped with the 3UZ-FE engine, EPA figures indicate around 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, which translates roughly to about 9.4 L/100 km combined in official testing. (Car Interior)
However, real-world owners often report varied results depending on driving style. Urban or heavy traffic conditions can push consumption above the official combined figures, sometimes into the mid-12 L/100 km range or higher. (Reddit)
What These Numbers Mean
In practical terms:
- Combined average fuel usage for Lexus V8 3UZ-FE engines typically ranges around 11–12 L/100 km (approximately 20-24 mpg) under normal conditions. (auto-abc.eu)
- City driving is more thirsty, often over 16 L/100 km, due to heavier acceleration and slower speeds. (auto-abc.eu)
- Highway cruising is more efficient, often below 9 L/100 km, thanks to steady-state speed. (auto-abc.eu)
These figures reflect typical behaviour for naturally aspirated V8 petrol engines of this size and era: strong performance but relatively high fuel consumption compared to smaller or more modern engine designs.
Summary
For Lexus V8 3UZ engine fuel consumption:
- Lexus LS 430 (4.3 L V8): ~11.4 L/100 km combined, ~16.3 L city, ~8.5 L highway. (auto-abc.eu)
- Lexus GS 430 (4.3 L V8): ~11.4 L/100 km combined, ~16.3 L city, ~8.6 L highway. (Auto Data)
- Fuel efficiency varies in real-world driving and can be impacted by driving style and conditions. (Reddit)
These figures help paint a clear picture of what buyers and owners can expect from the 3UZ-FE V8 in terms of fuel consumption — balancing luxury performance with moderate fuel use for its class.