Pros: Athletic handling; numerous options and option packages; Cabin trim astutely blends luxury and sport
Cons: Limited interior room; V6 fuel economy not outstanding
CG Says: For 2016, Lexus IS shakes up its model range. The IS 250 and AWD IS 250 are gone and are succeeded by IS 200t and AWD IS 300. The IS 200t is the new base model and replaces a 204-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 with a 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive IS 300 is powered by a 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and is paired with a 6-speed automatic. The IS 350 continues to offer both rear- and all-wheel drive and is still powered by a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. All IS 350 models now have standard 18-inch alloy wheels. The IS’s nimble handling is a highlight, but its aging V6 mean it doesn’t trounce any of its competitors in terms of performance. If you’re in the market for an athletic compact sedan with a convincingly luxurious feel, check out the IS that suits you best, but be sure to scope the Cadillac ATS, BMW 3-Series Sedan, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Lexus |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | IS 200t: $37,325 IS 200t F Sport: $40,870 AWD IS 300: $39,700 AWD IS 300 F Sport: $42,845 IS 350: $40,870 IS 350 F Sport: $44,025 AWD IS 350: $43,035 AWD IS 350 F Sport: $45,750 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 241 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 255 (306 in IS 350) |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission (AWD model) 6-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 26-28 |
