What's New
- New F Sport Blackline Editions with black grille and mirrors, black chrome wheels, and black faux leather and blue interior details
Pros & Cons
- Nimble and engaging personality
- Compact footprint
- Strong V6 power
- Design is graying at the temples
- Tight confines
- Some cheap materials inside
Lexus IS Overview
Lexus spent its earliest years proving, in fact, it was a luxury carmaker. In 1998, however, the compact, rear-wheel-drive IS sedan arrived to prove the company could also build a competitive sport sedan.
Priced a tick below the larger, front-wheel-drive ES sedan, the engaging IS serves as that car’s edgier, more athletic counterpoint: a focused performance sedan with sharp steering, tidy handling, responsive powertrains and attention-getting style. Typically, the IS attracts a younger and less conservative buyer than is typically associated with Lexus so the brand’s strategy seems to a success.
Its interior is tight, especially in the rear seat, but that’s true of competitors like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well. As with its competitive set, the ride is firm compared to less enthusiastic sedans, though never harsh.
Today’s IS has been with us since 2013, soldiering on without a major update since 2017; alas, from styling to ergonomics, it’s showing its age. That said, its four-cylinder or V6 engines are strong, and both the IS300 and IS350 offer rear- or all-wheel drive variants, and standard or sporty F-Sport trims. Best of all, it hasn’t strayed from its original mission of being a true sports sedan.
Trim Specifications
The IS300 is both Lexus’ sportiest and cheapest sedan. Faux leather upholstery, a sunroof, paddle shifters and dual front climate controls are standard, but many luxury features are optional. The Navigation package is a $1,745 option that includes a 10.3-inch split screen display; alternatively, you can bundle it with the Mark Levinson premium audio package for a total of $2,895. The $1,510 premium package includes heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic dimming rear wipers and more.
The base price differences among the IS300 and IS350’s rear- and all-wheel drive variants vary widely (between $1,335 – $2,460) because of the two available powertrains and how they pair with the drive systems. With the IS 300, all-wheel-drive versions are powered by a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic, while rear-drive models make do with a 241-horse turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic.
The stronger and pricier IS 350 models are also powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed, in this case producing 311 horsepower.
F-Sport models add even more flair to the IS’ already bold styling, plus unique suspension tuning and interior enhancements such as heated/ventilated sport seats. The new F Sport Blackline Editions add blackout grille and mirror treatments, black chrome wheels, black faux leather inside and blue interior details.
Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
6 Years/70,000 Miles
6 Years/Unlimited Miles
4 Years/Unlimited Miles
1 Years/10,000 Miles