Lexus IS

Overview: Is the Lexus IS a good luxury sports sedan?

The Lexus IS is a great choice for those looking for a compact luxury sedan that perfectly combines passenger comfort with a sporty drive. Despite being labeled as a luxury sports sedan, the Lexus still puts more premium in passenger comfort, although passenger and cargo space is relatively small compared to its rivals.

In listing the pros and cons of the Lexus IS, it should be noted that it is an aging platform, and the current generation of the sports sedan is more than 10 years old.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for a used Lexus IS for sale.

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Related: Which Years of Used Lexus IS Vehicles Are Most Reliable?

Key Features

The Lexus IS offers:

• Three powertrain choices, including a four-cylinder engine, a V-6, and a V-8
• The last compact luxury sedan with a naturally aspirated V-8 engine.
• More standard features and more affordable options
• Compatible systems with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa
• A Mark Levinson premium stereo system with 17 speakers and 1,800 watts of power
• A cabin built comfort, luxury, and compliant ride

Trims

The 2024 Lexus IS can be availed in three models, as distinguished by their powertrains. These include the IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500, as divided into various Lexus IS F Sport trims. The Lexus IS 300 is also available in Lexus IS 300 F Sport Design and Lexus IS 300 F Sport trims, while the Lexus IS 350 is available in Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design and Lexus IS 350 F Sport trims. The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is available in Base and Premium trims. The Lexus IS 200T has been discontinued.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Lexus has been able to balance the ride of the IS between stiff and comfortable. This is especially true when the model is equipped with the optional adaptive suspension. Nevertheless, passengers of the Lexus IS can easily tuck themselves in comfort thanks to its cozy, heated, and ventilated seats and the climate control system.

While its infotainment system isn’t as advanced as its German rivals, controlling various elements isn’t complicated. It comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and blind-spot warning.

On the other hand, the Lexus IS is inferior to its class rivals in terms of cargo space, even when the seats are folded in a 60/40 split. However, loading goods into the wide and tall trunk doesn’t require too much effort. Interior storage is also lacking.

How It Drives

The Lexus IS is an aging luxury sports sedan with older and usually underpowered engines. Despite lacking in power compared to its rivals, the Lexus remains fun to drive, thanks to its athletic and nimble character, and to its responsive steering and firm suspension. Overall handing is impressive, and the roaring sound of the naturally aspirated V-8 engine is music to the ears.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Lexus IS as Top Safety Pick+ for 2022 in the midsize luxury car/ 4-door sedan. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also assigned the Lexus IS with a 5-star overall safety ratings.

Reviews

Lexus IS review from consumers at Edmunds gave the luxury sports car a lofty rating of 4.8/5 stars. Around 83% and 17% of consumer reviews gave the Lexus IS 5-star and 4-star ratings, respectively. They cited the luxury sports sedan’s perfect combination of style, elegance, and sporty drive. They also cited its fast and fun to drive nature and comfortable ride.

Learn more: Here Are The Lexus IS 250 Years To Avoid

Lexus IS FAQs

What does Lexus IS stand for?

The Lexus IS designation stands for "Intelligent Sport."

Is Lexus still making the IS?

The Lexus has been building the IS luxury sports sedan since 1998.

Which is bigger, the Lexus IS or the ES?

In the Lexus IS vs ES rivalry, both sedans are able to accommodate five passengers in comfort, but the latter is a bit larger.

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