History/Overview
The Lexus IS is a compact sport sedan that has underpinned the Lexus lineup since the late 1990s. It's one of few Lexus models that does not share a platform with a North American Toyota model.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, the IS adds a Blackline Edition cosmetic package available on all-wheel drive F Sport Series 2 models.
Available Trims
Lexus offers its compact sedan as the IS 300 RWD, IS 300 AWD and IS 350 AWD, each built around a unique engine. The IS 300 RWD uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder; IS 300 AWD gets a 3.5L V6; and IS 350 AWD uses a more potent version of the V6. Four-cylinder cars get an eight-speed transmission, and V6 cars use a six-speed.
Standard Features
IS 300 RWD standard interior features are dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments and lumbar, split-folding rear seats, a leather-trimmed/tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a leather-trimmed shifter, a 10-speaker stereo with 7.0-inch infotainment display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated garage door opener.
On the outside, the IS 300 RWD comes with heated side mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, and passive keyless entry.
Standard safety kit includes automatic high beams, forward collision warning with automatic braking, radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and tire pressure monitoring.
IS 300 AWD adds a F Sport aero package.
IS 350 AWD models gain heated/ventilated front seats with driver memory, a heated steering wheel with power adjustments, adaptive headlights, 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming side mirrors that tilt down in reverse, a power rear-window sun shade, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parking sensors, navigation, and a 15-speaker stereo with a 10.3-inch infotainment display.
Key Options
IS 300 RWD's sole option is an F Sport Series 1 pack that adds the blind spot and cross traffic system, heated/ventilated front seats, active sound control, 18-inch wheels, digital gauges, and an aero package.
IS 300 AWD is where the bulk of the extras are available. Here, F Sport Series 1 brings the blind spot monitor, 18-inch wheels and heated/ventilated seats. A Premium package adds a heated steering wheel.
A luxury group futher brings navigation, tilting/dimming side mirrors, the larger infotainment screen, parking sensors, adaptive headlights, power steering wheel, and rear sun shade. F Sport Series 2 strips out the adaptive headlights and sun shade.
In the IS 350 AWD, F Sport Series 2 takes away the better stereo and switches the wheels for a different style. F Sport Series 3 keeps the 15-speaker stereo, but upgrades the adaptive headlights to triple-beam LEDs.
Fuel Economy
Lexus's fuel consumption estimates for the IS are 11.0/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) for the IS 300 RWD. IS 300 AWD and IS 350 AWD get identical ratings of 12.3/9.1 L/100 km.
Competition
The IS's key competitors are German models: the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz's C-Class, and Audi's A4. Europe's other competition is the Volvo S60.
Other Japanese sport sedans are the Acura ILX and TLX, and the Infiniti Q50. From South Korea comes the Genesis G70.
The Mazda6 Signature and Volkswagen Jetta GLI bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury compacts.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
