Used 2020 Lexus IS

#6 in Best Small Luxury Cars of 2020

The 2020 Lexus IS represents the entry-level sedan from Toyota’s luxury division. As a compact-luxury sedan, its rivals range from the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class to the Acura TLX and Genesis G70. Though its design is still fresh, the Lexus IS is getting a bit long in the tooth compared to its rivals. This Lexus still holds up with athletic yet refined driving manners, an impressive set of standard active safety features, and Lexus’ laudable history of reliability and resale value.

It also stands out with a choice of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, two V6 offerings and all-wheel drive in lieu of the standard rear-wheel drive. What you won’t find, however, are features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, hands-free power trunk or a manual transmission. The new Genesis G70 isn’t as well known and may not tout Lexus’ badge appeal, but it offers all of that and starts several thousand below the Lexus IS’ $38,560 starting price.

We still really like the way the Lexus IS drives. It doesn’t pack the freshest powertrains, but it offers variety in your choice of a standard turbo-4 or a V6 that comes in two power outputs. Even a base IS 300 model with its 241 horsepower is quick, hitting 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. When packing the 311-horsepower V6, the IS 350 is downright fast, hitting that mark in as little as 5.6 seconds.

Unlike the Acura TLX or a base Audi A4, the Lexus IS is rear-drive by nature. That means it feels like a proper sports sedan. Even if you opt for an all-wheel-drive model, the power ratio is biased in a 30:70 split, sending the majority of power to the rear wheels. When extra grip is needed on, say, a slippery road, the Lexus automatically adjusts that down to 50:50.

Overall, the Lexus IS’ ride quality is a fine blend of comfort and handling. It’s not as sharp as a BMW 3 Series, but the Lexus IS can still be fun when you want it to be. Moreover, for the kind of daily commuting it will most be used for, the IS remains an automotive oasis.

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Like every Lexus, the 2020 IS sedan has a tranquil, high-quality cabin. The infotainment screen makes good use of the room it is given in the dashboard, but the mouse-like controller remains frustrating to use at times, as can the touch-based climate controls. At just seven inches in size and exquisite in VGA quality, the standard infotainment screen in the center of the dash is showing its age. We recommend stepping up to the larger 10.3-inch unit that is included when you opt for navigation. All IS models feature steering-wheel-mounted paddles that allow you to manually shift gears.

The F Sport has a digitized instrument cluster, adding to the overall high-tech feel, but it’s nowhere near as sophisticated as the fully digital virtual cockpit in an Audi A4. The front seats of the Lexus IS are above average in comfort, but rear legroom is tight even for a compact-luxury sedan. The center rear seat is especially awkward due to a high hump. Note that leather seating is not available in the 2020 Lexus IS; rather, it uses leather-like NuLuxe material available in a variety of colors.

This 3rd generation Lexus IS debuted for the 2014 model year, but it still looks quite fresh. It is well-proportioned and features plenty of angles for a crisp image. About the most controversial element is Lexus’ “spindle grille” up front. It has become prominent in Lexus vehicles of late, and the grille’s girth can overwhelm the rest of an otherwise clean design.

Lexus IS F Sport models have a sportier appeal with a revised fascia that includes a honeycomb grille and distinctive vent housings. New for 2020 is the Black Line Special Edition with darkened accents, special F Sport 18-inch wheels and the triple-beam LED headlights that became optional last year.

STANDARD LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+
All 2020 Lexus IS models include this suite that bundles active safety and driver-assist features like forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning/lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

MARK LEVINSON AUDIO SYSTEM
Lexus has had a long relationship with Mark Levinson, one of the best names in high-end audio. But it’s refreshing to see that you can get such audiophile hardware in even a base Lexus IS. For $2,845 you get a superb 15-speaker/835-watt audio system plus a 10.3-inch multimedia display with navigation.

The 2020 IS model is split into two main trims: IS 300 and IS 350. Even a base 2020 Lexus IS 300 is well equipped, including faux-leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, the Lexus Safety System+ (see Favorite Features), 17-inch alloy wheels, and keyless entry with push-button start. The standard Lexus IS infotainment system bundles a 7-inch screen and 10-speaker/293-watt AM/FM/CD/HD Radio audio system with Bluetooth, SiriusXM and dual USB ports.

The Lexus IS offers Siri Eyes Free Mode integration for Apple iPhones and the ability to connect remotely to the vehicle via the Enform system, but unlike most rivals it doesn’t offer CarPlay or Android Auto integration.

The Lexus IS differs from most others in its segment in that when opting for all-wheel drive with the IS 300 model you get a different engine — a V6 rather than the standard 4-cylinder turbo. Targeted for cold climates, heated front seats are also included with that model.

Moving up to the IS 350 gets you a more powerful version of that V6, plus a limited-slip differential in rear-drive variants. F Sport versions are available for all models, and it adds a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension, more aggressive aesthetics, and in IS 350 models a Sport S+ driving mode in addition to the standard Eco, Normal and Sport modes.

Other major features are bundled into packages. The Premium Package, for instance, adds blind-spot monitoring, heated/ventilated front seats, power-adjustable steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming side mirrors and memory seating. Other packages add navigation and/or the Mark Levinson audio system. Individual amenities include a power rear sunshade, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and triple-beam LED headlights.

Depending on trim and drive configuration, you’ll get either a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) V6 in two different power outputs. It sounds a little complicated, so let’s simplify it: Lexus IS 300 rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models use the base 4-cylinder that makes 241 horsepower. IS 300 all-wheel-drive models (AWD) have a V6 making 260 horsepower. All IS 350 models, whether RWD or AWD, get the higher-powered V6 that makes 311 horsepower.

All 2020 Lexus IS models use an automatic transmission. RWD models have an 8-speed, while AWD models use an older-style but still smooth-operating 6-speed. Performance-wise, the most powerful V6 is always a joy, but the turbo-4 still feels pretty lively, as well as achieving higher fuel economy. In that regard, be aware that, as with other luxury cars, the Lexus requires premium unleaded gasoline.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (IS 300, RWD)
241 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg

3.5-liter V6 (IS 300 AWD)
260 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg

3.5-liter V6 (IS 350 RWD, AWD)
311 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
277 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (RWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)