2024 Lexus IS

There are still plenty of good reasons to buy a luxury sedan, particularly for drivers who prefer that feeling of stability from being lower to the ground. A sporty-ish compact luxury sedan like the Lexus IS can deliver while insulating its occupants in a classy environment. It’s also reasonably priced, especially with the generous standard equipment. So where’s the catch? This third generation of Lexus IS is 10 years old now. The Genesis G70 has usurped the IS’s once-high position in the class, while the overall bar has been raised by the BMW 3 Series and the new-last-year Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Lexus has done a laudable job of keeping the IS current, but the world is different from 2014.

The IS 300 versions become eligible for the F Sport treatment. Lexus also offers a new cosmetic package for the IS 350. To spark more interest, there are rumors of a fresh IS generation using only electric power, perhaps arriving as soon as 2025.

Competitive pricing is another Lexus IS attribute. The Genesis G70 begins in the $40s with the Acura TLX and Audi A4 a little higher. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is more mid-$40s, while the BMW 3 Series starts at $44,500 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at $47,000. Before buying a new IS luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are comfortably above the class average.

The rear-drive IS 300 has 241 horsepower, enough to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Mildly brisk, but no more than that. For comparison, the BMW 330i (with 255 hp) does the dash in 5.6 seconds, and the Genesis G70 (300 hp) has similar acceleration. Many buyers choose the 311-hp IS 350, which can keep up with the 330i and G70. Or perhaps a 4.4-second sprint is your idea of fun. In that case, investigate the impressive 472-hp IS 500. Generally speaking, the IS has a smooth and composed ride quality appropriate for a luxury car. However, it isn’t on the same level as a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class regarding comfort or dynamics.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Lexus IS.

Fuel Economy

The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) IS 300 achieves 25 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Its all-wheel-drive (AWD) counterpart is thirstier by 3 mpg. That’s the same as the Acura TLX, while the BMW 330i (with RWD) manages an impressive 29 combined mpg. The IS 350 returns 23 mpg combined (RWD) or 22 mpg combined (AWD). The IS 500 is rated at 20 mpg combined. Premium gasoline is required for each IS engine.

As one of the older contenders in this compact luxury car class, the IS is not quite as roomy as its newer rivals. This is especially evident in the rear seats, where legroom measures just 32.2 inches. For comparison, both the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70 have a couple more inches, not just fractions of an inch. The technology is also behind the curve. No integrated driver information display and infotainment touchscreen, which is the current trend. Not even a dedicated spot for a phone, and no wireless charging (one of the few complaints in our consumer reviews). Lexus does get the basics right, however, with comfortable front seats, great outward vision, easy-to-reach controls, quality materials, and excellent build quality. Trunk space measures 10.8 cubic feet, small for the class.

Lexus gave the IS a facelift for the 2021 model year. For 2024, the F Sport packages for the IS 300 bring their own exterior elements, aerodynamic additions, and wheel designs. The IS 350 F Sport offers a Blackout package (including 19-inch BBS alloy wheels finished in matte black). Grecian Water (a nice blue) is available solely on non-F Sport IS 300 variants.

Infotainment system
The base setup includes an 8-inch touchscreen (a 10.3-inch version is available), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration, satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

All-wheel drive
Whenever the weather turns nasty, people who own vehicles with AWD compliment themselves on making a sensible decision. It’s available with two of the three IS models.

Panoramic View Monitor
This 360-degree camera system is optional and comes bundled with parking sensors plus emergency rear braking. It’s a $1,365 investment worth making.

Mark Levinson audio
Lexus offers a 17-speaker/1,800-watt surround-sound system in the IS. It sounds fantastic.

Handling package
Choose an IS 350, and this option deserves consideration because it adds an adaptive suspension for a sporty ride that’s not jarring.

IS 500 F Sport
In these days of hybrids and turbo 4-cylinder engines, the V8-powered IS 500 is a wonderful anomaly. Lexus enhances its power with upgraded hardware like suspension parts, stronger brakes, and a limited-slip differential.

The IS 300 with RWD employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Lexus offers the IS 300 with AWD, but it also entails a different engine — a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 generating 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of driven wheels, the more powerful IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 producing 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The rear-drive-only IS 500 is the one compact luxury sedan with a V8. This naturally aspirated 5.0-liter unit develops 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. RWD variants have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Those with AWD use a 6-speed automatic transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-car warranty from Lexus lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles, which is better than European rivals. But Genesis has better terms. The first two services are complimentary at 6 months/5,000 miles and 12 months/10,000 miles.

Safety Ratings

The generation of IS has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.