Less intense than its German rivals, the 2025 Lexus IS takes a slightly different approach among compact sport sedans. The V-8–powered IS500 F Sport Performance model, for example, will get toasted by a BMW M3 or a Mercedes-AMG C63 during a stoplight drag-racing challenge despite its 472-hp output. The Lexus offers more comfort for everyday driving compared to those sports sedans, so buyers seeking a balance between comfort and handling may find it fits the brief. The base IS300’s turbo-four produces just 241 horsepower, which may feel a bit underwhelming. On the other hand, the mid-range IS350’s V-6 generates 311 ponies and is notably more refined than the turbo four; both models can be equipped with optional all-wheel drive. Although the IS’s interior isn’t the most spacious compared to its competition, high-quality materials and thoughtful technology throughout the design ensure that Lexus’s smallest sedan successfully emulates the brand’s larger luxury cars.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
#13 in Best Compact Luxury Cars
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Lexus IS
STARTING AT: $41,360
What’s New for 2025?
To celebrate the IS’s 25th year, Lexus is introducing a limited-edition Special Appearance package for the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium. This special model will be limited to only 180 units, all painted in Flare Yellow and equipped with eye-catching 19-inch BBS wheels. Additionally, the IS300 F Sport and IS350 F Sport models will see new standard features: power-folding side mirrors that auto-dim at night, a power-adjustable steering column, driver memory settings, and dark chrome exterior window trim. The F Sport Design trims will now include a standard heated steering wheel.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Lexus IS starts at $41,360 and can reach up to $64,845, depending on the trim and options.
We have a preference for the high-performance IS500 model with its sonorous V-8 engine; however, most shoppers will find the six-cylinder IS350 to be the better choice, as it offers a more enjoyable driving experience than the base IS300. Similar to the base car, the IS350 is available with all-wheel drive instead of rear-wheel drive. We recommend upgrading from the F Sport Design to the full F Sport and adding the F Sport Handling Package to gain the Adaptive Variable Suspension and the Torsen limited-slip rear differential.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2025 IS features three engine options: a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the IS300, a 311-hp V-6 in the IS350, and a powerful 472-hp V-8 in the IS500. Both the IS300 and IS350 can be configured with all-wheel drive, while the IS500 is rear-drive only. It is advisable to skip the four-cylinder IS300, as this engine doesn’t quite match the athletic capabilities of the car’s finely-tuned chassis and upscale image. Upgrading to the V-6 allows the IS’s performance to shine.
0–60-MPH Times
Testing a rear-wheel-drive IS350 F Sport resulted in an impressive 5.6-second 60-mph time—typical for this speedy class. On the other hand, the V-8-powered IS500 model is the ultimate configuration, clocking a stunning 4.3-second 60-mph time during our test. Consequently, while it lags behind rival super-sedans, the IS500’s naturally aspirated V-8 is unique within its class.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The rear-wheel-drive IS300 emerges as the most fuel-efficient model, with EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. However, choosing all-wheel drive significantly reduces these figures to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The V-6 IS350 achieves estimates of 20/28 mpg city/highway with rear-wheel drive; with all-wheel drive, it matches the IS300 at 19/26 mpg. The V-8 IS500 predictably exhibits the highest thirst, rating at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. During our tests, an all-wheel-drive IS350 outperformed its EPA estimate, returning 30 mpg on the highway. For further insights on the IS’s fuel economy, please visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The compact, rear-wheel-drive IS does not offer as much space as the similarly priced front-wheel-drive ES sedan, which means taller adults may not fit comfortably in the backseat. Additionally, there are few storage cubbies up front—your cell phone will either be in the cupholder or the small bin beneath the center armrest (where the power outlets are located). Nevertheless, everything you see and touch feels premium for a Lexus. Standard features include power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start, while a power sunroof remains optional. The faux leather resembles the softness of genuine leather.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Standard on the IS is an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system; an optional larger 10.3-inch display is also available and comes bundled with in-dash navigation. Both systems utilize a console-mounted touchpad—a somewhat unconventional setup—though it’s good to see that volume and tuning knobs remain. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa is provided for either system. Additionally, a Mark Levinson premium stereo system can be equipped as an option, boasting 17 speakers and 1800 watts of power.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Lexus continues to provide a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard throughout the IS lineup. For further information regarding the IS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The IS boasts an extensive warranty that showcases an exceptional powertrain coverage. The first year of scheduled maintenance comes at no cost to the owner.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
2022 Lexus IS500 F Sport Performance
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $57,575/62,075
Options: Premium (heated steering wheel, 360-degree camera, power rear sunshade, parking assist, Mark Levinson speakers, triple-beam LED headlights), $4500
ENGINE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 303 in3, 4969 cm3
Power: 472 hp @ 7100 rpm
Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.0-inch vented disc/12.7-inch vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001L
F: 235/40R-19 92Y; R: 265/35R-19 94Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.2 in
Length: 187.3 in
Width: 72.4 in
Height: 56.5 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft3
Trunk Volume: 11 ft3
Curb Weight: 3969 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.3 sec
100 mph: 10.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 112 mph
130 mph: 17.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.3 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 149 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 159 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.89 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 20/17/25 mpg
2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$55,220 (base price: $43,925)
ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 211 in3, 3456 cm3
Power: 311 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.2-in vented disc/11.7-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001L, F: 235/40R-19 92Y R: 265/35R-19 94Y
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 110.2 in
Length: 185.4 in
Width: 72.4 in
Height: 56.5 in
Passenger volume: 92 ft3
Trunk volume: 11 ft3
Curb weight: 3801 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
100 mph: 14.2 sec
130 mph: 26.0 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.2 sec
1/4 mile: 14.2 sec @ 100 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 143 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 155 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.89 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 26 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 23/20/28 mpg
