Pros

• Even on bumpy roads, the ride is easy and smooth.
• That can be done quickly and safely.
• Enough places to sit.
• German competitors offer the same number of functions for the same price.

Cons

• The spot in the back needs to be more significant for the group.
• Six-cylinder models have slow power.
• Storage and freight room that is too small.

Where does the IS’s power come from? Tests were done on the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. It is a fun, fast sports car, but the engine needs to be stronger. In tests done by Invoice Pricing, it took our rear-wheel-drive test car 6.2 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. Even the most basic models with four cylinders are noticeably faster than the rest of the class. The natural aspiration V6 engine is smooth and builds power evenly from rest to redline, which is a plus. The gear ratios change often, but this is done quickly and easily.

The engine of the IS is less impressive than the steering, brakes, and the way the car handles generally. This luxury sedan is lively and quick because it has precise driving and a suspension that is stiff enough to keep the vehicle in place but not so stiff that bumps in the middle of a corner make it jump. To make your IS 350 more sporty, you need the optional adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential on our test car.

Is the IS friendly? The IS 350 F Sport test car had a choice for a suspension that could change to fit the driver. Because of this, the IS has a tight ride, but it is not so stiff that a bump will surprise you. Even though the front seats do not have as many adjustments as the seats in some high-end cars, they are so well made that you can get comfy immediately. Your comfort is taken care of by the temperature control system and the heated and cooled seats. Even though the F Sport’s extra summer tires are louder than we would expect from a Lexus, the car is still quiet.

How does the inside look? Even though the driver’s seat is excellent, the back seat is one of the smallest in the class. However, it has a nice view, and the controls are easy to reach. Adults must squeeze in and out, and people more prominent than 6 feet will feel crowded. When looking for different choices or buttons on the screen, the touchpad controller on the infotainment system can be hard to use. Luckily, the touchscreen on the display is an excellent way to get around this problem.

How good is the tech? The touchscreen interface of the infotainment system makes it easy to handle things like music, navigation, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also use voice prompts on the IS, but those on competing systems are better.

The IS has several features that help the driver, like automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. There is also a lot of blind-spot recognition. Even though they have a lot of features, they do not work as well as the best in their class. For example, adaptive cruise control moves slowly and leaves significant gaps between you and the car in front of you.

What about putting things away? Even though the IS’s trunk is not the biggest in its class, it is wide and tall, which makes it more valuable than the trunks of some competing cars that are bigger on paper. If you do not need the back seats, fold them in a 60/40 split to make more room. There is little room for storage in the house. The only safe place to put your phone or sunglasses is under the chair.

The tight back seat makes it harder to use child-safety cars. When a heart is anchored, there is little room for movement, and front-seat riders will almost always have to lean forward if the seat faces the back.

How well does it use gasoline? Our test car was a Lexus IS 350 F Sport with rear-wheel drive. The EPA says this type gets a combined 23 mpg in the city and highway. This works far more effectively than the majority of six-cylinder autos. When put to use, the IS 350 with all-wheel drive achieves a fuel economy of 22 mpg.

Is it a good idea to put money into the IS? The Lexus IS is well-equipped and has a fair price. Most of the car is well made, but a few buttons and functions could break. The guarantee and experience of owning a Lexus are above average. The standard warranty coverage offered by Lexus extends for a period of four years and 50,000 miles. The powertrain protection lasts for six years and 70,000 miles, which is a little better.

The Lexus IS has a Japanese style that stands out, especially in F Sport models. Even though people still have different opinions about the head, it works well with the other changes to the front and back of the car. The look of the F Sport helps the IS reach its goal without being too flashy or loud. The inside has a unique pattern you will not find on any German product. The way it looks is backed up by the fact that driving is usually enjoyable. Even though the IS is slower than most of its rivals, driving on winding roads where speed is less critical is a lot of fun.

As of this writing, Lexus has not said anything official about the 2024 IS. We will change our suggestion if something changes, but based on the IS from last year, we recommend the middle-range IS 350. For a slight price rise, you get many more features and a much more powerful engine. You should look at that car’s whole F Sport trim because it can be upgraded to the Dynamic Handling version. All-wheel drive is also an excellent choice to get the most out of your car or live in a place with bad weather.

Models of Lexus IS

There are three main Lexus IS types, each with a drivetrain. The IS 300, IS 350, and IS 500 are some of these. The IS 350 and IS 500 cars come in two trim levels, each with different options.